Lecture Notes: The Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle

Introduction to the Kolb Cycle

• Purpose:
  • Foundation of reflective thinking.
  • Essential for prior learning assessment.
  • Key in experiential learning and professional development.

Reflective Thinking Exercise

• What, So What, Now What:
  • What: Descriptive facts about an experience.
  • So What: Interpretive insights and feelings.
  • Now What: Contextual application and future planning.
• Activity: Reflect on the first training course completed.

The Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle

• Developed by David Kolb (1984):
  • Social psychologist and educational theorist.
  • Focuses on linking learning with real-life applications.
• Structure:
  • The cycle is foundational to the course and program.

Steps of the Kolb Cycle

Step 1: Concrete Experience

• Description:
  • Actual event or learning experience.
  • Learners should actively engage in the experience.
  • Questions to consider: What was done? Why? When? Where?
• Verbs to Use: Worked, Created, Prepared, Implemented.
• Example: Learning a shortcut for a work task.

Step 2: Reflective Observation

• Description:
  • Thought processes and evaluation of the experience.
  • Compare with other experiences.
  • Most crucial stage for learning integration.
• Questions to Consider: What worked? What didn't?
• Verbs to Use: Observed, Watched, Noticed, Discovered.

Step 3: Abstract Conceptualization

• Description:
  • Linking experience with theory or broader understanding.
  • Often overlooked, but vital for deep learning.
• Questions to Consider: What insights? What theories?
• Verbs to Use: Concluded, Theorized, Realized, Deduced.

Step 4: Active Experimentation

• Description:
  • Applying learning to new situations.
  • Develops future learning strategies.
• Questions to Consider: How can this be used in other contexts?
• Verbs to Use: Used, Applied, Tried, Implemented.

Assignment Overview

• Task: Write a one-page reflection essay using the Kolb Cycle.
  • Include concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation.
  • Each step should comprise 25% of the essay.

Conclusion

• Expectations:
  • Practice using the Kolb Cycle throughout the course.
  • Future reflection essays will build upon this practice.
• Outcome: Enhanced reflective and experiential learning skills.