EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THEORY BY KOLB

Experiential Learning Theory

States that people learn best through experience—by doing, reflecting, thinking, and applying

1. Concrete experience

2. Reflective observation

3. Abstract conceptualization

4. Active experimentation

4-Stage Learning Cycle

Concrete experience

4-Stage Learning Cycle

• The learner encounters a concrete experience

• This might be a new experience or situation, or a reinterpretation of existing experience in the light of new concepts.

Reflective Observation

4-Stage Learning Cycle

• the learner reflects on the new experience in the light of their existing knowledge

Abstract Conceptualization

4-Stage Learning Cycle

reflection gives rise to a new idea, or a modification of an existing abstract concept (the person has learned from their experience)

Active Experimentation

4-Stage Learning Cycle

• the newly created or modified concepts give rise to experimentation

• the learner applies their idea(s) to the world around them to see what happens

T

(T/F) Learning occurs when an individual passes through all stages

He or she experiences a new event, leading to reflection and interpretation of that event, forming some conclusion, assumption, or generalization from this event, and then testing this conclusion or assumption by applying it in the real world.

Summary of the cycle

4 Basic learning styles

Diverging

Basic Learning Styles

• Concrete Experience (feel) + Reflective Observation (watch)

• includes observing and reflecting on a situation before taking any action

• this style included generating multiple ideas, and they tend to like knowing about different cultures and traditions and are open to different perspectives

• Prefer to work in groups, listening w/ an open mind, and receiving personalized feedback

Assimilating

Basic Learning Styles

• Reflective Observation (watch) + Abstract Conceptualization (think)

• includes using a logical and analytical approach to solve problems or reach conclusions

• prefer to use theories and logic rather than practicality to understand concepts

• Prefer reading theories or research papers, lectures, and exploring analytical models

• Ex: solving sudoku or puzzles that require logical thinking and reasoning

Converging

Basic Learning Styles

• Abstract Conceptualization (think) + Active Experimentation (do)

• includes solving issues or problems by applying learnt knowledge or skills

• Prefer to experiment w/ new ideas, simulations, and lab experiments

• Ex: using previous knowledge about addition and subtraction to solve multiplication and division problems

Accommodating

Basic Learning Styles

• Active Experimentation (doing) + Concrete Experience (feel)

• involves using practicality to solve problems and reach conclusions

• enjoy new challenges and tasks and often use intuition to come to conclusions.

• Prefers to do field work, and test out different approaches to completing a project

• Ex: using ‘guts’ to come to conclusions about another person’s behavior