Kolb's Learning

 

Kolb’s Learning Styles

David Kolb published his learning styles model in 1984 from which he developed his learning inventory. Kolb’s experimental learning theory works on two levels:

·         A four-stage cycle of learning

·         Four separate learning styles

Much of Kolb’s theory is concerned with the learner’s internal cognitive processes. Kolb states that learning involves the acquisition of abstract concepts that can be applied flexibly in a range of situations. 

Kolb implies that the development of new knowledge is rooted from new experiences. 

“Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience” - David Kolb 

 

 

 

·         Concrete Experience – Doing/having an experience.

·         Reflective Observation – Reviewing/reflecting on the experience.

·         Abstract Conceptualisation – Concluding/learning from the experience.

·         Active Experimentation – Planning/trying out what you have learned.

 

The experimental Learning Cycle is represented by a four-stage learning cycle in which the learner ‘touches all the bases’:

·         Concrete Experience – A new experience of situation is encountered, or a reinterpretation of existing experience.

·         Reflective Observation – Reflection on the new experience.

·         Abstract Conceptualisation –

·         Active Experimentation –

Effective learning is seen when a person progresses through a cycle of four stages:

·         Having concrete experience

·         Observation of and reflection on that experience which leads to

·         The formation of abstract concepts (analysis) and conclusions

·         Used to test hypothesis in future situations.

 

 

Kolb’s presents influence in two continuums:

·         Processing Continuum -

·         Perception Continuum