New information is better understood by active learners when they start doing something with it. Active learners like to experiment with new information and they often enjoy working in groups because this allows them to be active. These types of learners do not like passively sitting through lectures and having a lack of activities to get involved in.
Reflective learners like to think about new information before doing something with it. They prefer to think through problems on their own rather than conversing about them in groups. They also find it difficult to sit through lectures, as they often like to spend time thinking through new information on their own.
Active learners need to know about the possible dangers of getting involved in things in advance without thinking about the consequences. Active learners thrive in situations that involve active discussion, hands-on problem solving and figuring out things to do with new information.
Reflective learners need to be wary about wasting time thinking about things rather than actually getting things done. This type of learner thrives in situations where there is enough time to think about and digest new information. Reflective learners find it helpful to stop and review new work periodically, think of possible questions regarding new information and write summaries.