User Tools

Site Tools


learning_theories:experiential_learning

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revision Previous revision
Next revision
Previous revision
learning_theories:experiential_learning [2011/08/17 13:47]
jpetrovic [What is the practical meaning of experiential learning?]
learning_theories:experiential_learning [2023/06/19 18:03] (current)
Line 2: Line 2:
 ===== General ===== ===== General =====
  
-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 is a **cycle learning theory** introduced by American educational theorist [[http://infed.org/mobi/david-a-kolb-on-experiential-learning/​|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.
  
  
Line 47: Line 47:
   * **Balancing** - Evenly balancing both modes of acquiring experience and both modes of transforming that experience into knowledge.   * **Balancing** - Evenly balancing both modes of acquiring experience and both modes of transforming that experience into knowledge.
  
-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.]])) ​and newer methods like //the adaptive style inventory// or //the learning skills profile// ​ have also been introduced(([[http://​www.google.hr/​url?​sa=t&​source=web&​cd=3&​ved=0CDEQFjAC&​url=http%3A%2F%2Flearningfromexperience.com%2Fmedia%2F2010%2F08%2FAdaptive-flexibility-2000.pdf&​rct=j&​q=Learning%20styles%20and%20adaptive%20flexibility&​ei=wJJLTsipB4ee-QbUgoT3CA&​usg=AFQjCNEtw0y7d9xEjMbQGRCJW4B0K7Kycg&​cad=rja|Mainemelis,​ Charalampos,​ Richard E. Boyatzis, and David A. Kolb. Learning Styles and Adaptive Flexibility. Management Learning 33, no. 1: 5 -33, March 2002.]])). +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 and newer methods like //the adaptive style inventory// or //the learning skills profile// ​ have also been introduced(([[http://​www.google.hr/​url?​sa=t&​source=web&​cd=3&​ved=0CDEQFjAC&​url=http%3A%2F%2Flearningfromexperience.com%2Fmedia%2F2010%2F08%2FAdaptive-flexibility-2000.pdf&​rct=j&​q=Learning%20styles%20and%20adaptive%20flexibility&​ei=wJJLTsipB4ee-QbUgoT3CA&​usg=AFQjCNEtw0y7d9xEjMbQGRCJW4B0K7Kycg&​cad=rja|Mainemelis,​ Charalampos,​ Richard E. Boyatzis, and David A. Kolb. Learning Styles and Adaptive Flexibility. Management Learning 33, no. 1: 5 -33, March 2002.]])).
  
 +Kolb's theory has also influenced other authors to create similar models for determining of preferred learning style. The critique that Kolb's learning styles inventory was difficult to apply to people who never really paid attention to how they learn more efficiently encouraged [[http://​peterhoney.org/​|Peter Honey]] and [[http://​www.spoke.com/​info/​p6KOsS0/​AlanMumford|Alan Mumford]] to create their //Learning Styles Questionnaire//​(([[http://​www.peterhoney.com|Honey & Mumford Learning Styles Questionnaire (LSQ)]])). It was based on Kolb's theory, but instead of asking people how they learn it was probing for most common learning behaviors. Other similar models include: [[http://​web.cortland.edu/​andersmd/​learning/​Gregorc.htm|Anthony Gregorc]]'​s //Mind Styles Model//​(([[http://​www.amazon.com/​Mind-Styles-Model-Principles-Applications/​dp/​B000N5LRJA|The Mind Styles Model: Theory, Principles, and Applications. AFG, 2006.]])), [[http://​www.vark-learn.com/​english/​page.asp?​p=biography|Neil Fleming]]'​s VARK Model(([[http://​www.vark-learn.com/​english/​index.asp|VARK a guide to learning styles]])) and other.
 ===== What is the practical meaning of experiential learning? ===== ===== 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. 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. +  * 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. +  * 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**. +  * 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.+  * 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 (online) 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.]]))(([[http://​www.sicet.org/​journals/​ijttl/​issue0501/​Richmond.Vol1.Iss1.pp45-54.pdf|Richmond,​ A. S, and R. Cummings. Implementing Kolb’s learning styles into online distance education. International Journal of Technology in Teaching and Learning 1, no. 1: 45–54, 2005.]])) ​It has also influenced other authors to create similar models for determining of preferred learning style. The critique that Kolb's learning styles inventory was difficult to apply to people who never really paid attention to how they learn more efficiently encouraged [[http://​peterhoney.org/​|Peter Honey]] and [[http://​www.spoke.com/​info/​p6KOsS0/​AlanMumford|Alan Mumford]] to create their //Learning Styles Questionnaire//​(([[http://​www.peterhoney.com|Honey & Mumford Learning Styles Questionnaire (LSQ)]])). It was based on Kolb's theory, but instead of asking people how they learn it was probing for most common learning behaviors. Other similar models include: [[http://​web.cortland.edu/​andersmd/​learning/​Gregorc.htm|Anthony Gregorc]]'​s //Mind Styles Model//​(([[http://​www.amazon.com/​Mind-Styles-Model-Principles-Applications/​dp/​B000N5LRJA|The Mind Styles Model: Theory, Principles, and Applications. AFG, 2006.]])), [[http://​www.vark-learn.com/​english/​page.asp?​p=biography|Neil Fleming]]'​s VARK Model(([[http://​www.vark-learn.com/​english/​index.asp|VARK a guide to learning styles]])) and other.+Kolb's theory was applied in a number of studies on topics that include (online) 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.]]))(([[http://​www.sicet.org/​journals/​ijttl/​issue0501/​Richmond.Vol1.Iss1.pp45-54.pdf|Richmond,​ A. S, and R. Cummings. Implementing Kolb’s learning styles into online distance education. International Journal of Technology in Teaching and Learning 1, no. 1: 45–54, 2005.]]))
 ===== Criticisms ===== ===== Criticisms =====
  
-Some of the criticisms(([[http://​reviewing.co.uk/​research/​experiential.learning.htm#​2#​ixzz1HFOLReyw|Greenaway,​ R. Experiential Learning articles and critiques of David Kolb's theory]])) ​referring to Kolb's theory ​include((Forrest,​ C. Kolb's Learning Cycle. Train the Trainer. Issue 12, 2004.)): +Some of the criticisms referring to Kolb's theory ​suggest:
- +
-    * doubts that not everyone'​s learning process has to undergo Kolb's stages and **not necessarily in that order**, +
-    * **lack of experimental research** and too simplified learning cycle which ignores non-experiential learning, and +
-    * not paying enough attention to the process of **reflection** and **lack of precision**.  +
  
 +    * his learning cycle is **oversimplified** and ignores non-experiential ways of learning((Forrest,​ C. Kolb's Learning Cycle. Train the Trainer, 12, 2004. cited by [[http://​reviewing.co.uk/​research/​experiential.learning.htm#​2#​ixzz1HFOLReyw|Greenaway,​ R. Experiential Learning articles and critiques of David Kolb's theory]].)),​
 +    * his learning cycle pays insufficient attention to **goals**, **purposes**,​ **intentions**,​ choice and decision-making,​ which are also a part of learning(([[http://​books.google.com/​books?​id=M3zsc-MJaSwC|Harrison,​ R. Supporting Lifelong Learning: Perspectives on learning. Routledge, 2002.]]))
 +    * the results of //learning style inventory// are based solely on the way learners rate themselves which results in **questionable results**(([[http://​iteslj.org/​Articles/​Kelly-Experiential/​|Curtis,​ K. David Kolb, The Theory of Experiential Learning and ESL. The Internet TESL Journal, Vol. 3(9), September 1997.]]))
  
 +Results of experimental validation vary: a meta-study of 81 studies implementing experiential learning resulted in 61.7% of the
 +studies supporting it, 16.1% showing mixed support, and 22.2% not support experiential learning theory.((Hickcox,​ L. K. 1991. An historical review of Kolb’s formulation of experiential learning theory. Unpublished doctoral dissertation,​ University of Oregon, Corvallis. Cited by [[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.]])) In another meta-study of learning style inventory assessment, out of analyzed studies, 49 showed strong support, 40 showed mixed support, and 12 studies showed no support at all.((Iliff,​ C. H. 1994. Kolb’s Learning Style Inventory: A meta-analysis. Unpublished Doctoral dissertation,​ Boston University, Boston, MA. Cited by [[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]].))
  
  
Line 75: Line 75:
  
     * **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 **     * **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]]+    * [[http://infed.org/mobi/david-a-kolb-on-experiential-learning/​|David Kolb]]
  
  
Line 82: Line 82:
 [[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://​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://​www.learning-theories.com/​experiential-learning-kolb.html|Experiential Learning (Kolb) ​at Learning Theories.]] Retrieved February 9, 2011.+[[http://​www.learning-theories.com/​experiential-learning-kolb.html|Experiential Learning (Kolb)Learning Theories ​Knowledgebase.]] Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  
-[[http://​tip.psychology.org/​rogers.html|TIP: Theories. Experiential Learning.]] Retrieved February 8, 2011.+[[http://​tip.psychology.org/​rogers.html|Kearsley, G. Experiential Learning. Theory Into Practice Database.]] Retrieved February 8, 2011.
  
 [[http://​reviewing.co.uk/​research/​experiential.learning.htm#​axzz1HFPk4RNX|Greenaway,​ R. Experiential Learning articles and critiques of David Kolb's theory.]] Retrieved March 21, 2011. [[http://​reviewing.co.uk/​research/​experiential.learning.htm#​axzz1HFPk4RNX|Greenaway,​ R. Experiential Learning articles and critiques of David Kolb's theory.]] Retrieved March 21, 2011.
Line 99: Line 99:
 [[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.]] [[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.]]
  
 +[[http://​learningfromexperience.com/​research-library/​experiential-learning-and-its-critics/​|Kayes,​ D. Christopher. Experiential Learning and Its Critics: Preserving the Role of Experience in Management Learning and Education. Academy of Management Learning & Education 1, no. 2: 137-149, December 2002.]]
learning_theories/experiential_learning.1313581636.txt.gz · Last modified: 2023/06/19 17:49 (external edit)