EXPERIENTIAL
LEARNING
David A. Kolb created his model of learning out of
four elements: concrete experience, observation and reflection, the formation
of abstract concepts and testing in new situations. It works on a four-stage cycle.
·
Concrete
Experience
·
Reflective Observation
·
Abstract Conceptualization
·
Active Experimentation
David A. Kolb believes that learning is the process
whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Kolb’s
four-stage learning cycle shows how experience is translated through reflection
into concepts, which in turn are used as guides for active experimentation and
the choice of new experiences. The first stage, concrete experience, is where
the learner actively experiences an activity. The second stage, reflective
observation, is when the learner consciously reflects back on that experience.
The third stage, abstract conceptualization, is where the learner attempts to
conceptualize a theory or model of what is observed. The fourth stage, active
experimentation, is where the learner is trying to plan how to test a model or
theory or plan for a forthcoming experience.
Kolb identified four learning styles which
correspond to these stages. The styles highlight conditions under which
learners learn better. These styles are:
- assimilators,
who learn better when presented with sound logical theories to consider
- convergers,
who learn better when provided with practical applications of concepts and
theories
- accommodators,
who learn better when provided with “hands-on” experiences
- divergers,
who learn better when allowed to observe and collect a wide range of
information
|
Learning style |
Learning characteristic |
Description |
|
Converger |
Abstract conceptualization +
active experimentation |
· strong in practical
application of ideas · can focus on hypo-deductive
reasoning on specific problems · unemotional · has narrow interests |
|
Diverger |
Concrete experience +
reflective observation |
· strong in imaginative ability · good at generating ideas and
seeing things from different perspectives · interested in people · broad cultural interests |
|
Assimilator |
Abstract conceptualization +
reflective observation |
· strong ability to create
theoretical models excels in inductive reasoning · concerned with abstract
concepts rather than people |
|
Accommodator |
Concrete experience + active
experimentation |
· greatest strength is doing
things · more of a risk taker · performs well when required to
react to immediate circumstances · solves problems intuitively |
Following Kolb, the best way to
learn is to go through all four stages of the learning cycle.
So, in class we conduct class
activities where you will discuss a topic, you will do something with it,
whether debate it, write about it, identify the major elements, structure, etc.
The best way to start is by relating it to your personal experience, whether
something you learned in another class, in this course but maybe a month
before, something you know because you were involved somehow, or you read about
it, or saw a movie.
Then, you will step back and
think about what you are doing, and after that you will step back a little
further and try to make generalizations. You may be right or wrong about these
generalizations. But the best way to know is by trying them out, testing them.
So, in every class activity there will be a moment to try out these
generalizations. I will be guiding you to try them out. I will help you with
questions and opportunities for you to expand. This is the most effective way
to learn.
Once you have experimented with
the issue, it will become part of your experience, and you will be able to use
it to learn about new material. You will be relating this new information or
material to your experiences.
So, don’t be afraid to
participate in class. Don’t be afraid to be wrong or to say something that
doesn’t sound very intelligent. Whatever you say is more intelligent than being
quiet. The more you experiment, the more you try ideas out, the more you will
learn.