1. David Kolb Experiential Learning Presentation by Deb Sowers LTMS 525: Human Learning Fall 2010

2. 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

3. Kolb…  Further defined the concept of reflection  2 separate learning activities— perceiving and processing

4. “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”)

5. 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

6. Experiential Learning and The World of

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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