David Kolb’s Theory of Experiential Learning Martha Leticia Contreras-Rosales Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) A Walden University CE RO AE AC

We all learn in different ways Do you know what is your predominant learning style? You can discover your learning style by how you approach new learning opportunities; describing the way you learn and how you deal with ideas and day-to-day situations in your life.

Session Objectives Participants will know Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model Participants will apply Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model to a learning environment. Participants will experiment with Kolb’s Experiential Learning Model and draw conclusions for personal use.

Kolb’s Learning Modes Concrete Experience Reflective Observation Active Experimen- tation Abstract Conceptua- lization

Kolb’s Cycle of Learning CE RO AE AC

How can you interpret your style? Depending on how you take in experience… CE AC

How can you interpret your style? Depending on how you deal with experience… RO AE

Learning Style Type Grid AssimilatingConverging DivergingAccommodating Percentiles

Strategies for developing Learning Style Skills Develop learning and work relationships with people whose learning strengths lie in areas that are different from your own Improve the fit between your learning style strengths and the kinds of learning experiences you face Practice and develop learning skills in areas that are opposite from your present strengths

How to use this theory to design training Depending on your students style…. Accommodator. Include role- playing or interactive games Diverger. Include case studies which would need to be sorted out Converger. Provide hands-on examples that could be solved for a single answer Assimilator. Provide detailed background information on how and why something is supposed to work

References Hickcox, L. K. (2002). Personalizing teaching through experiential learning. College Teaching, 50(4), Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A. (2005). Learning styles and learning spaces: Enhancing experiential learning in higher education. Academy of Management Learning & Education 4(2), 193–212. Kolb, A. Y. & Kolb, D. A. (2005). The Kolb learning style inventory—version 3.1: Boston, MA: Hay Group, Inc. Kolb, A. Y. & Kolb, D. A. (2005). The Kolb learning style inventory—version 3.1: 2005 Technical Specifications. Boston, MA: Hay Transforming Learning Kolb, D. A Process of experiential learning. Ch 2. In Kolb, D., The experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. NJ, Prentice-Hall. Muro, P., & Terry, M. (2007). A Matter of Style: Applying Kolb's Learning Style Model to College Mathematics Teaching Practices. Journal of College Reading & Learning, 38(1), Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Merriam, S. B., Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). Learning in adulthood: A comprehensive guide (3rd ed.). San Francisco, CA. Jossey-Bass.