2. ORIGINATOR OF EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
THEORY
David A. Kolb gets the David A. Kolb (1939-
credit for being the present)
creator of this theory,
but he was assisted by
Ron Fry.
The Experiential
Learning Theory
emphasizes the ideas
of John Dewey, Jean
Piaget, and Kurt Lewin.
www.web.cortland.edu/andersmd/learning/Kolb_files/image002.jpg
3. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING(KOLB)
Kolb’s experiential learning style theory works
on two different levels: a four stage cycle of
learning and four separate learning styles.
The theory is concerned about the learner’s
internal cognitive progresses.
“Learning is the process whereby knowledge is
created through the transformation of
experience” (David A. Kolb, 1984).
4. EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING(KOLB)
Kolb’s four stage learning cycle:
1. Concrete Experience- “DO”(a new experience in a
situation is encountered, or a reinterpretation of an
existing experience)
2. Reflective Observation- “OBSERVE” (inconsistencies
between experience and understanding )
3. Abstract Conceptualization- “THINK” (reflection
gives rise to a new idea, or a modification of an
existing abstract concept)
4. Active Experimentation- “PLAN” (the learner applies
them to the world around them to see what results)
6. LEARNING ST YLES DESCRIPTIONS
Assimilators- Students who learn best when
material is presented in a lecture.
Divergers- Students who learn best when they
brainstorm and they prefer to work in groups.
Convergers- Students who learn best when
experimenting with new ideas.
Accommodators Students who learn best while
working “hands on”.
7. LEARNING ST YLES CYCLE
www.tsegaygirmay.com/2010/09/15/teaching-and-learning-in-higher-education-workshop-in-bahir-dar-university/
8. KOLB’S THEORY IN THE CLASSROOM:
TEACHER USE
Without Technology:
A teacher can determine which of the 4 learning styles each student falls
under
Teachers can use hands on exercises such as a lab experiment to put
concrete experiences into use
After concrete comes reflective, teachers can assign a written
assignment or a group discussion reflecting on what was performed
Teachers can organize an abstract group discussion where students
theorize about the assignment and the outcomes of it
Following abstract thinking, teachers can have students develop an
active plan to test their theories, which leads back to concrete
Experiences.
9. KOLB’S THEORY IN THE CLASSROOM:
TEACHER USE
With Technology:
Teachers can use the theory of concrete experiences by having the
students play computer role-playing games
Next is the reflective theory, teachers could have students reflect on
their experiences virtually with other students who have completed
the same exercise
For the abstract theory, teachers can have the students play a
simulation computer game
Similar to abstract, the teacher can have to students play a computer
game to help them develop a plan for active experimentation
10. KOLB’S THEORY IN THE CLASSROOM:
STUDENT USE
Without Technology:
Students can participate in hands on experiments
Students can also complete written assignments to reflect on
concrete experiments
Students can participate in group discussions to use abstract theory
With Technology:
Students can participate in simulated computer games to understand
abstract theory
Students can also use virtual chat rooms to use and understand the
reflective process
11. KOLB’S THEORY IN THE CLASSROOM:
PERSONAL USE
This theory would be very beneficial for personal teaching in
the future
It could be helpful in determining which way to teach students
because you can figure out their learning style
Also gives a basis of four steps to take when teaching
students a new topic or new project
Kolb’s theory is very helpful and should be used in each
classroom and will be incorporated into mine