Kolb's experiential learning

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The learning theory of Kolb's experience (ELT) was given by David A. Kolb, who published his model in 1984. He was inspired by the work of Kurt Lewin, a gestalt psychologist in Berlin. The ELT is a method in which a person's skills and job requirements can be assessed in the same language that can be measured for accuracy. Kolb's learning-learning theory works on two levels: a four-cycle learning cycle and four separate learning styles. Kolb's theory has a holistic perspective that includes experience, perception, cognition, and behavior.

[Business Cycle]

The learning cycle basically involves four stages: concrete learning, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. Effective learning can be seen as the learner develops through the cycle. The learner can also enter the cycle at each stage of the cycle in a logical sequence.

The first stage is concrete learning, where there is a new experience encounter or reinterpretation of an existing experience. Then followed by the next stage, reflective observation, in which a person reflects the experience on a personal basis. After this is abstract conceptualization, where new ideas are formed based on reflection or can be a modification of existing abstract ideas. Finally, the active experimentation stage is where a learner will apply ideas to his environment to see if there are any modifications in subsequent appearances of the experience. All this will lead to the next concrete experience. This can happen in a short duration or over a long period of time.

Video Kolb's experiential learning

Kolb's learning style

Kolb's learning style is explained on two dimensions: they are how one understands and processes information. This perceived information is then classified as a concrete experience or abstract conceptualization, and information processed as an active experiment or reflective observation.

Deviate : Individuals of this kind of learning see things in different perspectives. They prefer to watch rather than perform, as well as they have a strong, emotional, powerful capacity in art, prefer to work in groups, open minded to take feedback and they have a wide interest in different cultures and people. Characteristics of learning are concrete experiences and reflective observation.

Assimilation : People with this learning style prefer clear information, they can logically format the information provided and explore the analytic model. They are more interested in concepts and abstractions than people. Characteristics include abstract conceptualization and reflective observation.

Convergent : Unifying learner types solves problems, puts their learning into practical issues. They also prefer technical tasks, experimenting with new ideas. Not emotional. Characteristics of learning are abstract conceptualization and active experimentation.

Accommodating : Individuals with this learning style prefer to do practical things, they are interested in new challenges and solve problems intuitively. Characteristics of learning concrete experiences and active experiments.

Maps Kolb's experiential learning

Educational implications

The educational implications of experiential learning theory are:

This helps teachers to develop more appropriate learning opportunities for learners.
Teachers should design activities that will allow all learners to learn in the best way that suits them.
Activities undertaken should enable learners to go through the entire learning cycle process based on experience.