David Kolb Experiential Learning Presentation by Deb Sowers LTMS 525: Human Learning Fall 2010
Background Classical conditioning could not explain what Piaget observed (children go through stages of development unrelated to external stimuli) Cognitive theorists (Bloom) dealt with hierarchical nature of knowledge Humanists (Maslow) concentrated on the affect domain (learners take control of their own processes) Mezirow and Freire (early 1980’s) found that the “heart of learning lies in the way we process experience and our critical reflection of experience; learning is a cycle
Kolb… Further defined the concept of reflection 2 separate learning activities— perceiving and processing
“Learning is the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience.” Concrete experience (“DO”) Reflective observation (“OBSERVE”) Abstract conceptualization (“THINK”) Active experimentation (“PLAN”)
Learning styles Assimilators—sound logical theories Convergers—practical applications of concepts and theories Accommodators—”hands on” experiences Divergers—allowed to observe and collect a wide range of information
Experiential Learning and The World of
Diverger Emphasizes the innovative and imaginative approach to doing things Views concrete situations from many perspectives and adapts by observation rather than by action Interested in people and tends to be feeling-oriented
Assimilator Pulls a number of different observations and thoughts into an integrated whole likes to reason inductively and create models and theories Likes to design projects and experiments Characteristic of basic sciences and math rather than applied sciences Enjoys research and planning
Converger Emphasizes the practical application of ideas and solving problems Likes decision-making, problem-solving, and the practical application of ideas Prefers technical problems over interpersonal issues
Accommodator Uses trial and error rather than thought and reflection Good at adapting to changing circumstances Solves problems in an intuitive, trial-and- error manner, such as discovery learning Tends to be at ease with people