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-====== Experiential Learning ======
-===== General =====
-Experiential learning is a **cycle learning theory** developed by [[http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/3114/David-Kolb.html|David Kolb]] in 1980s and was inspired by earlier works of Kurt Lewin. As it was developed within [[humanism|humanist paradigm]], experiential learning offers a **holistic perspective on learning** and is orientated mostly on adult learning.
-===== What is experiential learning? =====
-In his influential book "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**". Kolb differs between **cognitive learning** (**meaningless knowledge**) and **experiential learning** (**significant, applicable knowledge** which addresses the needs of the learner). In order to be effective, learning should incorporate following **four stages**:
-    * **Concrete experience** - CE -practical experiencing through doing
-    * Reflective observation - RO - actively **observing** experience and its outcomes
-    * Abstract conceptualization - AC - concluding and **thinking** about the experience
-    * **Active experimentation** - AE -planing on how to test a new model or theory
-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:
-    * Assimilator (prefers **abstract conceptualizations** and theoretical models)
-    * Converger (prefers **practical applications** of concepts and theories he learns)
-    * Accommodator (prefers **practical experiences** with concepts and theories he learns)
-    * Diverger (prefers learning through observing and **collecting information**)
-Relations between learning styles and learning stages can best be viewed through a [[http://web.cortland.edu/andersmd/learning/Kolb_files/image004.jpg|graphical representation]].
-In order to identify preferred learning style in Kolb's model, "**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).
-===== What is the practical meaning of experiential learning? =====
-Experiential learning is a model **suggested for adult learners**. General implications of this model are that **teaching/learning process should consist of all four stages of Kolb's model**, but it also suggests **individual changes** should be applied, depending on learners learning style.
-  * **Assimilators** - prefer **watching**, **thinking** and **good explanations of theories and ideas** to practical experiences. This kind of learners usually enjoy lectures and readings as well as having enough time to think about new ideas.
-  * **Convergers** - prefer **doing** and **thinking**, **finding practical solutions** to problems. This kind of learners usually like new ideas and their practical applications.
-  * **Accomodators** - prefer **practical experiences** and **intuitive approach** instead of reading instructions. This kind of learners also usually prefer **teamwork**.
-  * **Divergers** - prefer **watching**, **collecting information**, **working in groups** and brainstorm instead of having practical experience.
-===== 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**
-    * [[http://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/3114/David-Kolb.html|David Kolb]]
-===== Bibliography =====
-[[http://www.learning-theories.com/experiential-learning-kolb.html|Experiential Learning (Kolb) at Learning Theories.]]
-[[ http://tip.psychology.org/rogers.html|TIP: Theories. Experiential Learning.]]
-Lowy, Alex, and Phil Hood. The power of the 2x2 matrix: using 2x2 thinking to solve business problems and make better decisions. John Wiley and Sons, 2004.
-===== Read more =====
-Kolb, David A. Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, N.J. 1984.
-Kolb, David A. Learning style inventory. Boston, MA: McBer and Company. 1985.
-[[http://www.d.umn.edu/~kgilbert/educ5165-731/Readings/experiential-learning-theory.pdf|Kolb, D. A, R. E Boyatzis, and Mainemelis, C. Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions. Perspectives on thinking, learning, and cognitive styles: p227–247. 2001.]]

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