A learning style represents how individual choices made during the learning process affect what information is selected and how it is processed. David Kolb, a leading theorist on experiential learning, argues that the learning process is not the same for all people. Differences in learning styles can explain why some individuals are more comfortable and successful with some training approaches than others. Kolb theorizes that an individual’s learning style is based on that person’s preferred modes of learning. A mode of learning is the individual’s orientation toward gathering and processing information during learning.

Similar to Kolb’s modes of learning, learning strategies are the techniques learners use to rehearse, elaborate, organize, and/or comprehend new material and influence self-motivation and feelings. Learning strategies include rehearsal strategies like copying notes, organizational strategies like outlining an article, affective strategies like finding ways to reduce test anxiety, as well as the use of mnemonic devices. Individuals also have preferences for the sensory channels they use to acquire information.