Experiential learning is a cycle learning theory developed by David Kolb in 1980s and was inspired by earlier works of Kurt Lewin. As it was developed within humanist ideas, experiential learning offers a holistic perspective on learning and is orientated mostly on adult 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 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).

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.

• Concrete experience (CE), reflective observation (RO), abstract conceptualization (AC), active experimentation (AE), assimilator, converger, accomodator, diverger, learn­ing style inven­tory, learning styles
• David Kolb

Experiential Learning (Kolb) at Learning Theories.

TIP: Theories. Experiential Learning.

Lowy, Alex, and Phil Hood. The power of the 2×2 matrix: using 2×2 thinking to solve business problems and make better decisions. John Wiley and Sons, 2004.

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.

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.