Experiential Learning and Development
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
David Kolb (1984) argued that new knowledge, skills and insight is the result of four different modes of learning.
- Concrete experience (CE)
- Effective observation (RO)
- Abstract conceptualisation (AC)
- Active experimentation (AE)
Kolb argued that effective learning strategies comprise combinations of these various modes leading to the highest level of learning and development.
Experiential learning perceives learning as a cyclical and perpetual process comprising four stages:
- An experience
- Followed by the learner reviewing the experience
- Enabling the learner to draw conclusions, and the development of an hypothesis
- Allowing learners subsequently test through experimentation
There are four preferred learning styles related to each of the four phases of the learning cycle of experience, reflection, generalising and testing.
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