Learning Styles
Learning styles refer to the strategies and processes that facilitate learning. Theories about
learning styles are based on the assumption that everyone has a preferred learning style.
There are a number of approaches and models that seek to map and explain different
learning styles. Two of the more well-known theories are:

Kolb’s Learning Styles: Kolb argued that learning is a cyclical process involving
concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualisation and active
experimentation. While learners may use all four processes, they tend to have a
preference for one experiential and one reflective process. Kolb’s learning styles are
based on combinations of these preferred approaches. The learning styles are
Accommodator, Converger, Diverger and Assimilator,. For more information: James
Cook University Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory and learning styles model

The VARK model developed by Fleming and Mills: The acronym stands for Visual,
Aural, Read/Write and Kinaesthetic modalities. Fleming and Mills argue that,
depending on their preferred modality, learners have a preference for visual
learning (pictures, diagrams, video), auditory learning (discussion, lectures), reading
and writing (reading text books, taking notes) or kinaesthetic learning (hands-on
activities, practical exercises, experiments). For more information: VARK: a guide to
learning styles
There are a number of other learning style models that you may want to explore via the
Internet or, for more scholarly discussion, the UTAS library. You don’t need to be an expert
on learning styles, but you may find it helpful to use these as a framework to explore the
strategies and approaches to learning that best suit you.
Explore your Learning Style:
These websites may provide you with some insight into why you do (or don’t) find mind
mapping, note-taking, brainstorming or other strategies helpful for research and writing.
Don’t take them too seriously though.

Brainbase: Kolb’s learning styles

Edutopia: What is your learning style?

Vark: The Vark Questionnaire
These websites suggest study and writing strategies for different learning styles and
preferences. They do not necessarily match any specific learning models.

SALT: Learning Styles and the Writing Process

TutaPoint: Writing Strategies Based on Your Learning Style