PSY201 L4 - Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle

David Allen Kolb

• organizational sociologist

• Educational theorist

Experiential Learning Theory

• a holistic, meta-view of learning

• Combination of experience, perception, cognition, behavior

Experience Based Learning Systems, 1981

David Kolb and his wife Alice Kolb founded the ______ in ____ to continue research on experiential learning theory

Experience

The main driving force in learning, according to Kolb.

Knowledge is constructed through the transformative reflection on one’s ______.

Experiential Learning

• Knowledge results from making meaning from direct experience

• process of learning from experience

Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, Active Experimentation

4-Stage Process of Experiential Learning

Concrete Experience

Learner has new experience

• Learner may also interpret a prev experience in a new light

• Feeling stage in experiential learning

Reflective Observation

Learner reflects on new experience

• Aims to understand what it means

• Watching stage in experiential learning

Abstract Conceptualization

Based on their experience and reflection, learners….

• Adapt their thinking

• Construct new ideas that will guide future actions

• Thinking stage in experiential learning

Active Experimentation

Learner applies new ideas to real world situations

• Test whether they work

• See if changes need to be made

• A quick or slow process

• Doing stage in experiential learning

Learning Styles

• how individuals engage with and acquire knowledge

• Unique combo of perception and processing preferences

Diverging, Assimilating, Converging, Accomodating

4 Learning Styles

Diverging

C. Exp + R. Obs.

Feel + Watch

Focus on Concrete Experience + Reflective Observation

Diverging

Learner prefers to watch and reflect before engaging.

A learning style. (C Exp + R. Obs)

Assimilating

A. Conc. + R. Obs

Think + Watch

Focus on Abstract Conceptualization + Reflective Observation

Assimilating

Ease in using analytical models to explore

Preference for concepts & abstract ideas.

A learning style. (A. Conc. + R. Obs)

Converging

A. Conc. + A. Expr.

Think + Do

Focus on Abstract Conceptualization + Active Experimentation

Converging

Enjoy solving problems

Enjoy applying learning to practical issues.

A learning style. (A. Conc. + A. Expr.)

Accomodating

C. Exp. + A. Expr.

Feel + Do

Focus on Concrete Experience + Abstract Experimentation

Accomodating

Relish challenges

Use Intuition to solve problems

A learning style. (C. Exp. + A. Expr.)

Applications of Experiential Learning Theory

College learning

• Field courses

• Studies abroad

• Mentor-based internships

• Service learning

Computer-based interventions based on experience

• simulations

• Online games

John Dewey

A major critic of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory

Non-reflective experience

A weakness of Kolb’s Theory.

Kolb’s theory neglects the role of ____________ born out of habit in the learning process

Subjective Reality

A weakness of Kolb’s Theory.

Kolb’s theory disregards the observations concerning the __________ of the learner.

Social, Common Experience

A weakness of Kolb’s Theory.

Kolb’s Theory neglects to discuss the _______ aspect of experience; and only focuses on the learning process for a single learner.

It also neglects to mention how a group can learn through ___________.