Learning Styles Theory

Learning Styles Theory: Exploring VARK, Kolb, & Honey and Mumford

“Some students learn through silence. Others need a whiteboard and chaos. I didn’t fully understand this—until I became both a learner and a teacher.”

As a santri and blogger, I used to think learning meant memorizing. Sitting cross-legged in front of a kitab, reading line by line, repeating until the words carved themselves into memory. But the moment I started teaching others—both in class and online—I realized: not everyone learns the way I did. That’s when I stumbled into the world of Learning Styles Theory, and it transformed how I teach, learn, and even write blog posts like this one.

Let’s explore the three most influential learning style models—VARK, Kolb, and Honey & Mumford—and how they can shape education for both students and lifelong learners like us.

What Is Learning Styles Theory?

Learning styles theory proposes that individuals absorb, process, and retain information in unique ways. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, educators can adapt their teaching strategies based on how students best interact with new material.

But here's the twist: research shows that learning preferences matter, but using only one style isn’t enough. According to a 2020 study from the University of Edinburgh, blended instructional design—combining multiple learning methods—leads to better comprehension and retention.

The VARK Model: Simple, Practical, and Still Relevant

Developed by Neil Fleming, VARK categorizes learners into four types:

• Visual: Learners who prefer images, diagrams, and spatial understanding.

• Auditory: Learners who absorb best through listening.

• Read/Write: Learners who thrive on written information.

• Kinesthetic: Learners who prefer hands-on activities and real-world experience.

My experience? I once tried teaching fiqh with nothing but spoken explanation. Half the class zoned out. When I added visual mind maps and short TikTok-style summaries, even the most restless santri started engaging. That’s the power of mixing VARK elements.

Evidence: A study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2022) found that students who were allowed to use their preferred VARK mode scored 13% higher on conceptual tests than those who weren’t.

Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory: Learning Through Experience

David Kolb (Harvard alumnus) introduced a deeper framework—experiential learning. He proposed that learning happens through a cycle:

1. Concrete Experience – doing or feeling

2. Reflective Observation – reviewing what happened

3. Abstract Conceptualization – learning from the experience

4. Active Experimentation – trying out what you learned

Kolb categorized learners into four types:

• Diverging (feel & watch)

• Assimilating (think & watch)

• Converging (think & do)

• Accommodating (feel & do)

In pesantren, we often reflect before action. But I noticed some students needed more “doing” first—like handling real-life zakat cases—before they could internalize abstract concepts. Kolb’s model explains why.

Honey & Mumford: A Practical Extension of Kolb

Peter Honey and Alan Mumford (UK-based researchers) adapted Kolb’s theory into four easy-to-remember types:

• Activists: Learn by doing

• Reflectors: Learn by watching and thinking

• Theorists: Learn by understanding models and logic

• Pragmatists: Learn by applying ideas practically

This model is especially useful in corporate training or adult education. According to a report from Oxford University’s Department for Continuing Education, tailoring workplace training using Honey & Mumford’s model improved learning retention by 22%.

Are Learning Styles Real? What the Research Says

Critics argue there’s no solid evidence that matching teaching to learning styles improves performance. A 2020 paper in the Journal of Educational Psychology warned against rigid categorization. Still, recognizing preferences can build learner confidence and help educators vary their strategies.

In my own online classes, I blend auditory, visual, and kinesthetic elements. Why? Because learning isn’t about types. It’s about access.

Final Thoughts: Why It Matters

As someone who’s straddled both religious and modern education, I’ve learned this: there’s no one perfect way to learn, but understanding learning styles empowers us to care—about our students, our peers, and ourselves.

You might be a pragmatist trying to memorize hadith through flashcards. Or a reflector who prefers long quiet reading under a tree.

All are valid. All are valuable.

Quick Comparison Table (VARK, Kolb, Honey & Mumford)

Model	Learning Types	Best For
VARK	Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, Kinesthetic	General education, K-12
Kolb	Diverging, Assimilating, Converging, Accommodating	Higher Ed, Adult learners
Honey & Mumford	Activists, Reflectors, Theorists, Pragmatists	Training, Professional development