Overview
This lecture covers David Kolb's Experiential Learning Model, its structure, learning styles, practical applications, and criticisms.
Kolb's Experiential Learning Model
- David Kolb developed the Experiential Learning Model, published in 1984.
- The model explains how individuals learn through experiences, supporting lifelong learning.
- Learning occurs in a cycle with four elements: Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, Active Experimentation.
- The model uses two axes: Processing Continuum (active-doing vs. passive-watching) and Perception Continuum (concrete-feeling vs. abstract-thinking).
- Learning can begin at any stage in the cycle but typically starts with Concrete Experience.
Four Elements of the Learning Cycle
- Concrete Experience: Involvement in and learning from specific experiences.
- Reflective Observation: Watching and reflecting before judging or acting.
- Abstract Conceptualization: Creating theories or concepts to explain observations.
- Active Experimentation: Using new theories to solve problems and make decisions through action.
Four Learning Styles
- Diverger (Passive & Concrete): Views situations from many perspectives, values innovation and cooperation, prefers group activities and brainstorming.
- Assimilator (Passive & Abstract): Integrates observations into models, prefers organized information, values expert knowledge, likes structured exercises.
- Converger (Active & Abstract): Focuses on practical application and problem-solving, prefers technical problems, likes interactive instruction.
- Accommodator (Active & Concrete): Learns by trial and error, adapts to change, prefers discovery learning and active participation.
Application of the Model
- Effective coaching or mentoring requires understanding different learning styles.
- Assign tasks according to preferred learning styles for better performance (e.g., Divergers in planning, Convergers in hands-on projects).
- Example: Implementing new machines involves utilizing all four learning styles in sequence.
- Example: Learning coaching skills benefits from practicing all four modes in the cycle.
Criticisms of the Model
- Focuses mainly on the cognitive dimension, ignoring psychodynamic and societal aspects.
- Lacks guidance on when or how to shift between learning styles.
- Provides a holistic but linear model of learning.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Experiential Learning — Learning through reflection on doing and direct experience.
- Processing Continuum — Axis reflecting active (doing) vs. passive (watching) approaches.
- Perception Continuum — Axis reflecting concrete (feeling) vs. abstract (thinking) approaches.
- Concrete Experience — Learning by direct involvement.
- Reflective Observation — Learning by observing and reflecting.
- Abstract Conceptualization — Learning by forming concepts and theories.
- Active Experimentation — Learning by applying concepts through action.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review your own preferred learning style and consider how it impacts your learning.
- Apply the learning cycle steps when practicing new skills or teaching others.
- Prepare to discuss criticisms and limitations of Kolb's model in class.