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Experiential Learning Theory

Experiential learning theory proposes that learning occurs best through experience. David Kolb identified four stages in an experiential learning cycle: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Kolb also described four learning styles that emphasize different stages of the cycle. Experiential learning provides benefits like improved retention through immediate application of knowledge and preparation for the real world. Teachers can incorporate experiential activities like field trips, experiments, role playing and more.

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SHERILYN MANALO
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136 views

Experiential Learning Theory

Experiential learning theory proposes that learning occurs best through experience. David Kolb identified four stages in an experiential learning cycle: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Kolb also described four learning styles that emphasize different stages of the cycle. Experiential learning provides benefits like improved retention through immediate application of knowledge and preparation for the real world. Teachers can incorporate experiential activities like field trips, experiments, role playing and more.

Uploaded by

SHERILYN MANALO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Experiential learning theory.

What is experiential learning?


Learning by doing. This is the basis for the experiential learning theory. Experiential learning
focuses on the idea that the best ways to learn things is by actually having experiences. Those
experiences then stick out in your mind and help you retain information and remember facts. 
For teachers, creating opportunities for students to have experiences based on the things they
are learning about is key. Teachers can help create environments where students can learn and
have experiences at the same time. 
For a current teacher, or studying to become one, it’s important to get a degree that will give
you qualifications and knowledge for your career, and help prepare you to be licensed.
Additionally, it’s key to understand how different students learn and understand how
different learning theories impact education. Teachers who understand learning theories can
better optimize their classroom and help more students learn in ways that work for them.
Being a successful teacher means focusing on how best to help students succeed. 

Kolb’s experiential learning theory


David Kolb is best known for his work on the experiential learning theory or ELT. Kolb
published this model in 1984, getting his influence from other great theorists including John
Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Jean Piaget. The experiential learning theory works in four stages—
concrete learning, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active
experimentation. The first two stages of the cycle involve grasping an experience, the second
two focus on transforming an experience. Kolb argues that effective learning is seen as the
learner goes through the cycle, and that they can enter into the cycle at any time.
Concrete learning is when a learner gets a new experience, or interprets a past experience in a
new way. 
Reflective observation comes next, where the learner reflects on their experience personally.
They use the lens of their experience and understanding to reflect on what this experience
means.
Abstract conceptualization happens as the learner forms new ideas or adjusts their thinking
based on the experience and their reflection about it.
Active experimentation is where the learner applies the new ideas to the world around them,
to see if there are any modifications to be made. This process can happen over a short period
of time, or over a long span of time. 
Kolb went on to explain that learners will have their own preferences for how they enter the
cycle of experiential learning, and that these preferences boil down to a learning cycle.

Kolb's experiential learning cycle model.


The experiential learning cycle rests on the idea that each person has a specific type of
learning tendencies, and they are thus dominant in certain stages of experiential learning. For
example, some learners will be more dominant in concrete learning and reflective observation,
while others will be dominant in abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. 
The four learning styles are:
Diverging. The diverging learning style is full of learners who look at things with a unique
perspective. They want to watch instead of do, and they also have a strong capacity to
imagine. These learners usually prefer to work in groups, have broad interests in cultures and
people, and more. They usually focus on concrete learning and reflective observation, wanting
to observe and see the situation before diving in. 
Assimilating. This learning style involves learners getting clear information. These learners
prefer concepts and abstracts to people, and explore using analytic models. These learners
focus on abstract conceptualization and reflective observation in the experiential learning
style.
Converging. Converging learners solve problems. They apply what they’ve learned to practical
issues, and prefer technical tasks. They are also known to experiment with new ideas, and
their learning focuses on abstract conceptualization and active experimentation.
Accommodating: These learners prefer practicality. They enjoy new challenges and use
intuition to help solve problems. These learners utilize concrete learning and active
experimentation when they learn.
Experiential learning examples.
There are many ways that experiential learning is used every day. Some examples include:
 Going to the zoo to learn about animals through observation, instead of reading
about them.
 Growing a garden to learn about photosynthesis instead of watching a movie
about it.
 Hoping on a bicycle to try and learn to ride, instead of listening to your parent
explain the concept

Benefits of experiential learning.


There are many benefits of experiential learning for teachers and students, including:
 Opportunity to immediately apply knowledge. Experiential learning can allow
students to immediately apply things they are learning to real-world experiences.
This helps them retain the information better.
 Promotion of teamwork. Experiential learning often involves working in a team,
so learning in this setting allows students to practice teamwork.
 Improved motivation. Students are more motivated and excited about learning in
experiential settings. Experiments are exciting and fun for students, and they will
be passionate about learning.
 Opportunity for reflection. Students using the experiential model are able to
spend time reflecting about what they are experiencing and learning. This is
valuable as they are able to better retain information when they can think about
what’s happening to them.
 Real world practice. Students can greatly benefit from learning that helps them
prepare for the real world. Experiential learning is focused on using real situations
to help students learn, so they are then better prepared for their future.

Experiential learning activities to include in the


classroom.
It’s important for current and aspiring teachers to work to include experiential learning
opportunities in their classroom. There are many ways teachers can work to include these
learning activities in their class including:
 Field trips
 Art projects
 Science experiments
 Mock cities and trials
 Role playing
 Reflection and journaling
 Internship opportunities
 Interactive classroom games
Students can greatly benefit from experiential learning inside their classroom. If you’re a
teacher or studying to become one, this learning theory can help  you connect with your
students more effectively. Utilizing projects and experiences inside the classroom will help
students learn more effectively and enjoy their learning experiences. 

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