Adult Learning Styles

When learning a new system or method of doing things, the adult learner must transition through what is called the learning cycle. The speed or pace of the cycle depends on the learner's style of learning.
The learning cycle consists of four phases. The first phase is the experience; this is where the learner is provided with the theory and activities of the new topic.
During the second phase the learners reflect on the experience with a thorough perception check of understanding.
During the third phase they generalize or draw a conclusion from their reflections on the experience.
The last phase is when the learner is required to become involved in an application or practice of the learning objective.
Learners tend to prefer two of the four phases in a learning cycle. This preference is called the learning style. Out of habit most learners tend to emphasize their key strength when put in a learning situation. This emphasis is what defines the learning style.
The four learning styles are:

If you are a diverger, you usually like to watch rather than do and you enjoy independent study methods. You are best in phase one and two of the cycle.
Assimilators appreciate the opportunity for personal focus and concentration. They will benefit from moving the theories into action sooner. Assimilators are most skillful in phase two and three of the cycle.
Convergers are action oriented, they would find reading unsuitable but must remember that good practice depends on good theory. They are most interested in phase three and four of the cycle.
The accommodator's learning motto is "when all else fails read the directions." Their tendency is to trust their intuitions. They are geared to the fourth and first phase of the learning cycle.
The learners' preference or style is not as important as the outcome. It is important to remember that we all learn things differently and there is no right or wrong way.