1. The Learning Cycle (Kolb)
RCGP Learning Unit
Bath

2. The learning cycle
The learning cycle describes the process of learning. You can enter the cycle at any stage. For example, you may want to start with a plan, carry it out, evaluate what you learned from it, tell others. Or you may find that a conference, course or new technique encourages you to evaluate the experience and then make a plan to learn more, and so on round the cycle.
Depending on your learning style (see side menu) your learning will encompass the following stages:
Initial discussions with appraiser
Plan, implement and apply learning
Evaluate and disseminate learning

4. 1. Initial discussions Task Activity Support Preliminary planning
Initial discussion with appraiser
Appraiser
Identify:
Reflection on practice
Personal learning needs
Peer discussion
This Guide
Service needs
Review with appraiser
Wider reading
Baseline performance
Seminar Self-assessment Structured method e.g. significant event audit
Local group, help from other educationalist/mentor

5. 2. Plan, implement and apply learning
Task
Activity
Support
Plan learning
Develop appropriate learning plan
Discuss with appraiser
Implement learning plan
Undertake learning, e.g. educational course, research activity
This Guide Discuss with appraiser Local group
Apply learning
Implement learning in everyday practice by changing behaviour, systems, processes

6. 3. Evaluate and disseminate learning and identify further learning
Task
Activity
Support
Evaluate learning
Self-assessment or structured method e.g. audit Reflection
Discuss with appraiser Local group Help from local educationalist
Disseminate learning
Share newly gained knowledge and skills with colleagues, e.g. in-house educational session
Discuss with appraiser Local group
Identify further learning
Identify further learning needs based on or arising from evaluation of learning