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David Kolb

Experiential Learning Theory

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Experiential Learning Theory

• “…learning is the process whereby knowledge iscreated through the transformation ofexperience” (Kolb, 1!", p# $!%

• &ntegrating new information into existingknowledge

• &n'ol'ing the whole person• ransacting between the person and the

en'ironment

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Kolb Learning Model

Stages & StylesFOUR STAGE CYCLE

• 1# )oncrete experience ()*%

 Feeling• +# eflecti'e obser'ation (-%

Watching 

• $# .bstract conceptuali/ation(.)% Thinking

• "# .cti'e *xperimentation(.*% Doing

FOUR LEARNING STYLES

• 0i'erging ()*-% Feel &

Watch•  .ssimilating (.)-% Think &

Watch

• )on'erging (.).*% Think & Do

•  .ccommodating ()*.*% Feel& Do

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Four Learning Stages

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Concrete Experience Reflective Observation0oing or ha'ing an experience e'iewing or reflecting on the

experience

 Abstract Conceptualiation    Active Experi!entation)oncluding or learning from the 2lanning or trying out what

experience you ha'e learned

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Some Examples

• Learnin" to ri#e a bic$cle% 3 eflecti'e obser'ation 4 hinking about riding and

 watching another person ride a bike#3  .bstract conceptuali/ation 4 5nderstanding the

theory and ha'ing a clear grasp of the bikingconcept#

3 )oncrete experience 4 ecei'ing practical tips and

techni6ues from a biking expert#3  .cti'e experimentation 4 7eaping on the bike and

ha'e a go at it#

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• Learnin" a soft&are pro"ra!% 3  .cti'e experimentation 4 8umping in and doing it#3 eflecti'e obser'ation 4 hinking about what you

 9ust performed#3  .bstract conceptuali/ation 4 eading the manual toget a clearer grasp on what was performed#

3 )oncrete experience 4 5sing the help feature to getsome expert tips#

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• Learnin" to coac'% 3 )oncrete experience 4 :a'ing a coach guide you in

coaching someone else#

3  .cti'e experimentation 4 5sing your people skills with what you ha'e learned to achie'e your own coachingstyle#

3 eflecti'e obser'ation 4 -bser'ing how other peoplecoach#

3  .bstract conceptuali/ation 4 eading articles to findout the pros and cons of different methods#

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Learning Style

 Acco!!o#atin"• )ommit yourself to ob9ecti'es• ;eek new opportunities• &nfluence and lead others

• s feelings•

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Four Learning Styles

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Accommodator

• 7earns through concrete experience

• ransforms learning into abstractexperimentation

• 7eaders, risk takers, needs a mentor, strength indoing, likes examples

• eaches students by encouragement, modeling

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Diverger

• 7earns through concrete experience

• ransforms learning by reflecti'e obser'ation

• 7ikes to brainstorm, sol'e problems,imaginati'e, emotional, people person

• eaches through lectures and moti'ates studentsto learn

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onverger

• 7earns through abstract conceptuali/ation

• ransforms information through acti'eexperimentation @ by doing

• 2refers ob9ects, dislikes group acti'ities, likes6uestioning, problem4sol'er, unemotional

• eaches by 6uestioning and encouragingstudents

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Assimilator

• 7earn through abstract conceptuali/ation

• ransform learning through reflecti'eobser'ation

• 7ikes reading, research, organi/ing, workingalone, likes class calendar

• eaches students by lecturing, traditionalclassroom

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Kolb!s Experiential Learning ycle