Experiential Learning: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Kolb's classifies learners as divergers, convergers, assimilators and accommodators. Do these learners adopt different learning strategies? Phenomenology is concerned with the study of experience from the perspective of the individual and is based on a paradigm of personal knowledge and subjectivity. The use of interpretative phenomenology in learning environment in the context of learning styles could possibly play a positive role in the process of providing information to students on best learning strategies that lead to success.
Objectives: 1) To classify 1st year medical students as divergers, convergers, assimilators and accommodators; 2) To identify the phenomena through which the divergers, convergers, assimilators and accommodators learn using a phenomenological approach; 3) To investigate the academic success of the different groups of learners during formative assessment.
Method: Mixed method approach. Quantitative method was employed for segregating the learners according to Kolb’s learning cycle and assessing a relation to their academic performance. A qualitative phenomenological approach was adopted using semi-structured interviews to collect the information on the performance of accommodators. An Interpretative Phenomenological approach (IPA) was used to analyze the data of 88 first year medical students. The successful strategies were also revealed to the accommodators to improve their learning outcomes.
Results: A total of 88 first year MBBS students were enrolled in this study. Thirty-three students were grouped into accommodator style, 24 in diverger, 18 in converger and 13 in assimilator. Student grouped into accommodator learning style had significantly lower examination marks compared to the other groups. There were no other significant differences between the groups.
The successful strategies employed by the high achievers like regular pattern of learning, revising the learning material, making notes were shared with the low achievers/ accommodators.
Conclusion: The positive strategies employed by the different learners were revealed by the phenomenological approach. The response of students indicates that it is the effective planning, repeated revisions, writing notes and careful, detailed efforts in learning that has led to their academic success.