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--- learning_theories:experiential_learning [2011/04/01 13:24]
jpetrovic [What is experiential learning?]
+++ learning_theories:experiential_learning [2011/08/17 10:54]
jpetrovic [What is experiential learning?]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-====== Experiential Learning ======
+====== Experiential Learning Theory ======
 ===== General =====
-Experiential learning is a **cycle learning theory** introduced by [[http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/3114/David-Kolb.html|David Kolb]]((Some sources like [[http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/learningmap.html|Cooper, S. Theories of Learning in Educational Psychology]] or [[http://tip.psychology.org/|Kearsley G. Explorations in Learning & Instruction: The Theory Into Practice Database]] associate experiential learning with [[http://www.nrogers.com/carlrogersbio.html|Carl Rogers]].)) in 1971((Kolb, D. A. Individual learning styles and the learning process. Cambridge, MA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1971.)) and was inspired by earlier works of [[http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/lewin.htm|Kurt Lewin]], [[http://www.piaget.org/aboutPiaget.html|Jean Piaget]] and [[http://dewey.pragmatism.org/|John Dewey]]. As it was developed within [[learning_paradigms:humanism|humanist paradigm]], experiential learning offers a **holistic perspective on learning** and is orientated mostly on adult learning. Name of this theory was intended to should emphasize the importance of experience in the learning process.
+Experiential learning theory is a **cycle learning theory** introduced by American educational theorist [[http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/3114/David-Kolb.html|David Kolb]]((Some sources like [[http://www.lifecircles-inc.com/Learningtheories/learningmap.html|Cooper, S. Theories of Learning in Educational Psychology]] or [[http://tip.psychology.org/|Kearsley G. Explorations in Learning & Instruction: The Theory Into Practice Database]] associate experiential learning with [[http://www.nrogers.com/carlrogersbio.html|Carl Rogers]].)) in 1971((Kolb, D. A. Individual learning styles and the learning process. Cambridge, MA: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1971.)) and was inspired by earlier works of [[http://www.muskingum.edu/~psych/psycweb/history/lewin.htm|Kurt Lewin]], [[http://www.piaget.org/aboutPiaget.html|Jean Piaget]]((See also: [[learning_theories:Stage Theory of Cognitive Development]])) and [[http://dewey.pragmatism.org/|John Dewey]]. As it was developed within [[learning_paradigms:humanism|humanist paradigm]], experiential learning offers a **holistic perspective on learning** and is orientated mostly on adult learning. Name of this theory was intended to should emphasize the importance of experience in the learning process.
+Experiential learning theory defines learning as
+  * "//the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combination of grasping and transforming experience.//"(([[http://www.google.hr/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Facademic.regis.edu%2Fed205%2FKolb.pdf&rct=j&q=kolb84%20Kolb%20Experiential%20learning.pdf&ei=24NKTsCeMsee-wb_xI2cCQ&usg=AFQjCNGdXkEjcY7T1FMOw2SMAxS4Goz96w&cad=rja|Kolb, David A. Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice-Hall, 1984.]]))
 ===== What is experiential learning? =====
-In his influential book "[[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Experiential-Learning-Experience-Source-Development/dp/0132952610#reader_0132952610|Experiential Learning: Experience As The Source Of Learning And Development]]" (1984) Kolb describes learning as "//the process whereby **knowledge is created through the transformation of experience**//". In order to be effective, learning should therefore incorporate following **four stages**:
+The experiential learning theory is based on six propositions(([[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.127.6489&rep=rep1&type=pdf|Kolb, Alice Y., and David A. Kolb. Learning Styles and Learning Spaces : Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning Education 4, no. 2: 193-212, 2005.]])) short described with the following three:
+  - Learning is best described as a holistic process of creating knowledge and adapting to the world.
+  - Learning is actually relearning, since it is greatly dependent on already learned material.
+  - Learning is driven by conflict, differences, and disagreement and results in assimilation and accommodation.
+[[http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm|{{  :images:kolb.jpg|Kolb's original four learning styles and stages. Image borrowed from: http://www.businessballs.com/... Click on the picture to follow the link.}}]]
+Kolb(([[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.127.6489&rep=rep1&type=pdf|Kolb, Alice Y., and David A. Kolb. Learning Styles and Learning Spaces : Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning Education 4, no. 2: 193-212, 2005.]])) suggests two opposite modes of acquiring experience:
+    * **concrete experience** or CE (feeling through practical experiencing),
+    * **abstract conceptualization** or AC (concluding and thinking about the experience),
+and two opposite modes of transforming that experience into knowledge:
+    * **reflective observation** or RO (actively observing experience and its outcomes),
+    * **active experimentation** or AE (planing on how to test something and finally doing).
-[[http://www.businessballs.com/kolblearningstyles.htm|{{  :images:kolb.jpg?650x520|Kolb's learning styles and stages. Image borrowed from: http://www.businessballs.com/... Click on the picture to follow the link.}}]]
+All of these components together form a circle of learning in which they follow one after another: CE->RO->AC->AE->CE->... The very process of **learning can begin in any of them**. Still, every learner develops strengths in some of mentioned modes more than in others and learn better under those conditions, which results in four different **learning styles** identified also by Kolb(([[http://www.google.hr/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBYQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Facademic.regis.edu%2Fed205%2FKolb.pdf&rct=j&q=kolb84%20Kolb%20Experiential%20learning.pdf&ei=24NKTsCeMsee-wb_xI2cCQ&usg=AFQjCNGdXkEjcY7T1FMOw2SMAxS4Goz96w&cad=rja]|Kolb, David A. Experiential learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice-Hall, 1984.]))(([[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.127.6489&rep=rep1&type=pdf|Kolb, Alice Y., and David A. Kolb. Learning Styles and Learning Spaces : Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning Education 4, no. 2: 193-212, 2005.]])):
-    * Concrete experience (CE) - practical experiencing through doing
+    * **Assimilator** - Strong in and RO components. Prefers **abstract conceptualizations** and theoretical models, requires time to think through. Values **logical validity** more than practical applications.
-    * Reflective observation (RO) - actively **observing** experience and its outcomes
+    * **Converger** - Strong in AC and AE components. Prefers **practical applications** of concepts and theories he learns and like experimenting. They are often good problem solvers and like dealing with technical issues.
-    * Abstract conceptualization (AC) - concluding and **thinking** about the experience
+    * **Accommodator** - Strong in CE and AE components. Prefers **practical experiences** and acting more according to the feeling than based on logical analysis or theoretical aspects.
-    * Active experimentation (AE) - planing on how to test a new model or theory
+    * **Diverger** - Strong in CE and RO modes. Prefers **learning through observing** and **collecting information**, good at viewing concrete situations from different points of view. According to Kolb et al.(([[http://www.d.umn.edu/~kgilbert/educ5165-731/Readings/experiential-learning-theory.pdf|Kolb, D. A, R. E Boyatzis, and C. Mainemelis. Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions. Perspectives on thinking, learning, and cognitive styles. The educational psychology series: 227–247. 2001.]])) research has shown this kind of people are often **imaginative** and emotional, and often specialize in **arts**.
-Mentioned **stages follow one after another** forming a circle as they were introduced above, yet the process of **learning can begin in any of them**. Still, every learner develops strengths in some of mentioned stages more than in others and learn better in those conditions, what results in four **learning styles** identified also by Kolb:
+[[http://www.d.umn.edu/~kgilbert/educ5165-731/Readings/experiential-learning-theory.pdf|{{  :images:kolb9.jpg?500x500|The new 9 learning styles. Notice how the old learning styles now form the corners of the rectangle. Image borrowed from: Kolb, D A. Learning Styles and Learning Spaces: Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Click on the picture to follow the link.}}]]
-    * **Assimilator** - Prefers **abstract conceptualizations** and theoretical models, requires time to think through. Values **logical validity** more than practical applications.
+Kolb and other researchers(([[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.127.6489&rep=rep1&type=pdf|Kolb, D A. Learning Styles and Learning Spaces : Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning Education 4, no. 2: 193-212. 2005.]])) later improved the resolution of the learning styles grid from 2x2 to 3x3 by introducing five new learning styles, that offered a refinement of the four Kolb's styles:
-    * **Converger** - Prefers **practical applications** of concepts and theories he learns and like experimenting. They are often good problem solvers and like dealing with technical issues.
-    * **Accommodator** - Prefers **practical experiences** and acting more according to the feeling than based on logical analysis.
-    * **Diverger** - Prefers **learning through observing** and **collecting information**, good at viewing concrete situations from different points of view. According to Kolb et al.(([[http://www.d.umn.edu/~kgilbert/educ5165-731/Readings/experiential-learning-theory.pdf|Kolb, D. A, R. E Boyatzis, and C. Mainemelis. Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions. Perspectives on thinking, learning, and cognitive styles. The educational psychology series: 227–247. 2001.]])) research has shown this kind of people are often **imaginative** and emotional, and often specialize in **arts**.
-Kolb and other researchers(([[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.127.6489&rep=rep1&type=pdf|Kolb, D A. Learning Styles and Learning Spaces : Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning Education 4, no. 2: 193-212. 2005.]])) later improved the resolution of the learning styles grid from 2x2 to 3x3 by introducing five new learning styles:
+  * **Northerner** - Strong in CE and balanced in AE and RO modes. Has a capacity for deep involvement and learns through experimenting, but has problems with conceptualizations.
+  * **Westerner** - Strong in AE and balanced in CE and AC modes.  Has great action skills and possibilities for thinking and conceptualizing, but problems with analyzing past experience.
+  * **Easterner** - Strong in RO and balanced in CE and AC modes. Has great observation and reflection skills as well as learning from concrete experience, but problems with putting his plans into action.
+  * **Southerner** - Strong in AC and balanced in AE and RO modes. Has great conceptualization skills, but little use of practical experiences.
+  * **Balancing** - Evenly balancing both modes of acquiring experience and both modes of transforming that experience into knowledge.
-  * Northerner
-  * Westerner
-  * Easterner
-  * Southerner
-  * Balancing
 In order to identify preferred learning style in Kolb's model, "**[[http://www.haygroup.com/au/services/index.aspx?ID=14323|learning style inventory]]**" method has been developed. This **method for determining an individual’s optimal learning style**, strengths and weaknesses consists of a survey which explores one's perceiving (how one prefers to acquire information) and processing (how one makes sense of new things). Various variants of this method can be found in simplified free on-line tests((For example: [[http://casa.colorado.edu/~dduncan/teachingseminar/KolbLearningStyleInventoryInfo.pdf|Duncan, D. Kolb Learning Style Inventory. University of Colorado at Boulder.]])).
@@ Line 44: / Line 62: @@
   * **Divergers** - prefer **watching**, **collecting information**, **working in groups** and brainstorm instead of having practical experience.
-Kolb's theory was applied in a number of studies on topics that include education, computer and information science, psychology, management, medicine, nursing, accounting and law(([[http://www.d.umn.edu/~kgilbert/educ5165-731/Readings/experiential-learning-theory.pdf|Kolb, D. A, R. E Boyatzis, and C. Mainemelis. Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions. Perspectives on thinking, learning, and cognitive styles. The educational psychology series: 227–247. 2001.]])).
+Kolb's theory was applied in a number of studies on topics that include education, computer and information science, psychology, management, medicine, nursing, accounting and law(([[http://www.d.umn.edu/~kgilbert/educ5165-731/Readings/experiential-learning-theory.pdf|Kolb, D. A, R. E Boyatzis, and C. Mainemelis. Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions. Perspectives on thinking, learning, and cognitive styles. The educational psychology series: 227–247. 2001.]]))(([[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.127.6489&rep=rep1&type=pdf|Kolb, D A. Learning Styles and Learning Spaces : Enhancing Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning Education 4, no. 2: 193-212. 2005.]])).
 ===== Criticisms =====
@@ Line 61: / Line 79: @@
 ===== Keywords and most important names =====
-    * **Concrete experience (CE)**, **reflective observation (RO)**, **abstract conceptualization (AC)**, **active experimentation (AE)**, **assimilator**, **converger**, **accomodator**, **diverger**, **learning style inventory**, **learning styles**
+    * **Concrete experience (CE)**, **reflective observation (RO)**, **abstract conceptualization (AC)**, **active experimentation (AE)**, **assimilator**, **converger**, **accomodator**, **diverger**, **learning style inventory**, **learning styles**, **northerner**, **westerner**, **easterner**, **southerner**, **balancing **
     * [[http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/3114/David-Kolb.html|David Kolb]]

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