David Kolb
Experiential Learning Theory
Cheryl DeGraw
Walden University
August 2010
cheryl.degraw@waldenu.edu
Objectives
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Define Experiential Learning Theory
Review theoretical backgrounds
Discuss four processes of learning
Explain four learning stages
Discuss four learning styles
Apply Experiential Learning theory in education
Review similarities and critique of theory
Experiential Learning Theory
• “…learning is the process whereby knowledge is
created through the transformation of
experience” (Kolb, 1984, p. 38)
• Integrating new information into existing
knowledge
• Involving the whole person
• Transacting between the person and the
environment
Theoretical Backgrounds
• Dewey
▫ Learning grounded in experience
• Lewin
▫ Being active in learning
• Piaget
▫ Developmental Stages - Resulting from interaction
of the person and the environment
Six Propositions of Learning
• Learning is a process, not outcome
• Learning is relearning
• Learners move between reflection, action,
thinking, feeling
• Learning is holistic
• Learning involves interactions with the
environment and the learner
• Learning is constructivist – abstract and
concrete
Four Processes of Learning
• Watching
▫ Senses – perceiving information
• Thinking
▫ Mind – reflecting how it impacts life
• Feeling
▫ Emotions – fitting into learner’s experiences
• Doing
▫ Muscle – performing new ways to act
Four Learning Stages
Concrete
Experience
Active
Experimentation
Reflective
Observation
Abstract
Conceptualization
Concrete Experience
• Doing or having an experience
Reflective Observation
• Reviewing or reflecting on the experience
Abstract Conceptualization
• Concluding or learning from the experience
Active Experimentation
• Planning or trying out what you have learned
Which learning stage do you prefer
or learn more effectively from?
Four Learning Styles
Accommodator
Converger
Diverger
Assimilator
Accommodator
• Learns through concrete experience
• Transforms learning into abstract
experimentation
• Leaders, risk takers, needs a mentor, strength in
doing, likes examples
• Teaches students by encouragement, modeling
Diverger
• Learns through concrete experience
• Transforms learning by reflective observation
• Likes to brainstorm, solve problems,
imaginative, emotional, people person
• Teaches through lectures and motivates students
to learn
Converger
• Learns through abstract conceptualization
• Transforms information through active
experimentation – by doing
• Prefers objects, dislikes group activities, likes
questioning, problem-solver, unemotional
• Teaches by questioning and encouraging
students
Assimilator
• Learn through abstract conceptualization
• Transform learning through reflective
observation
• Likes reading, research, organizing, working
alone, likes class calendar
• Teaches students by lecturing, traditional
classroom
Which learning style are you?
• Accomodator
• Diverger
• Converger
• Assimilator
Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle
•Concrete
Experience
•Active
Experimentation
•Reflective
Observation
Accommodator
Diverger
Converger
Assimilator
•Abstract
Conceptualization
Similarities
• Use of environment/experiences for learning
▫ Constructivist Learning Theory (Vygotsky)
▫ Behaviorist’s Theory (Skinner)
• Learn through social interactions
▫ Social Learning Theory (Bandura)
• Affective and cognitive dimensions of learning
▫ Humanist Theory (Freud, Rogers)
Critique
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Cultural considerations are not included
Little research support
Stages of learning may be sequenced differently
Does not apply in all types of learning situations
Insufficient information on reflection
Doesn’t explore nature of knowledge in depth
 Smith, (2001).
Experiential Learning Theory
• http://www.learningfromexperience.com
▫ David Kolb video: “What is Experiential Learning?”
• http://www.adultlearningtheories.wikispaces.com
▫ David Kolb power point presentation
▫ David Kolb video: “What is Experiential Learning?”
References
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Hurst-Wajszczuk, K. (2010). Do they really get it? Using the Kolb LSI to reach every student. Journal of Singing, 66(4), 421427.
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Kolb, D. A. (1984). The process of experiential learning. In D. Kolb, Experiential learning: experience as the source of
learning and development (pp. 20-38). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall Inc.
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Kolb, D. A. & Kolb, A .Y.(2005) Learning styles and learning spaces: enhancing experiential learning in higher education. Academy of
Management Learning and Education, 4(2), 193-212.
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Lisko, S. A. & O’Dell, V. (2010). Integration of Theory and Practice: experiential learning theory and nursing education. Nursing
Education Perspectives, 31(2), 106-108.
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Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., Baumgartner, L.M. Learning in adulthood: a comprehensive guide (3 rd Ed.). San Francisco: CA. JosseyBass.
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Smith, M. K. (2001). David. A. Kolb on experiential learning. The Encyclopedia of Informal Education. Retrieved August 3, 2010 from
http://www.infed.org/bexplrn.htm.