How to Coach Yourself and Others Essential Knowledge For Coaching | Page 171
The Accomodator's strength is doing things, carrying out
plans and performing experiments.
They like novel experiences and adapt to change easily. Of the
four types, Accomodators are highest in risk-taking and most
easily adapt to immediate circumstances. They solve problems in
an intuitive, trial-and-error manner. They rely on other people
for information more than their own analytical ability. They can
appear impatient or pushy.
Kolb (1981) believed that the most effective problem solving and
learning occurred when people used the skills of all four types of
learners. Nearly every problem requires (1) Identifying a
problem, (2) Selecting which problem to solve, (3) Considering a
variety of possible solutions, (4) Evaluating possible results of
the solutions, and (5) Implementing the solution of choice.
Figure 3, which is adapted from Kolb, shows how this cycle of
learning and problem solving moves through all four of the
learning styles, and utilizes all four stages of learning.
McCarthy (1987) developed the 4Mat system based on Kolb's
learning types, and recommended teaching in a cyclical process
that addresses each phase in the cycle of learning, and each of
the learning styles in the instruction of any subject matter. Her
method of teaching started with the Diverger (values and
meanings), then Assimilator (conceptual connections), then
Converger (problem solving skills), and finally Accommodator
(new creations). Movement around the circle includes all
learners in their natural preferences, and encourages them to
develop skills in the other three styles. It respects the natural
cycle of learning suggested by Kolb. (1981). McCarthy's system
was to teach to each style in sequence for each lesson or content
chunk. For each lesson or content chunk the teacher was to
answer the question most relevant for each quadrant: “Why?”
(relevance), “What?” (facts and descriptive material),” How?”
(methods and procedures), and “What If?” (exceptions,
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