Experiential Learning Theory

1 minute read

Many theories try to explain how people learn. This theory was advanced by Kolb, Rubin and McIntyre and I think it is pretty accurate.

They suggest that learning is a continuous cyclic process with four stages as follows:

Four yellow boxes joined by clockwise arrows: Experience, Observation and Reflection, Abstract Conceptualisation, and Active Experimentation.

A. Experience.

B. Observation and reflection. You look back at the experience introspectively, reviewing general issues raised and their significance.

C. Abstract Conceptualisation. Having observed and reflected on the experience, you develop a body of ideas, theories or principles which can be applied to other similar situations.

D. Active Experimentation. Involves applying the developed principles through creativity, decision making and problem solving.