Experiential learning is when students learn something by doing. Other theories that are related to this theory are action learning, cooperative learning, and experiential education. This method is quite popular in education for adults. One of the popular theorists in this field is David Kolb. Kolb’s theory was a combination from Dewey and Piaget theories.
Kolb proposed four stages of learning with his theory. The first stage is concrete experience where the learners try to do something. Second stage is reflective observation where the learners looks back and reflects of what they have just done. Third stage is abstract conceptualization where they form an opinion or theory of his or her experience. The last stage is active experimentation where they make new action plan according to what they have learned.
According to Kolb, a learner can start from any of these stages. However, the learner should move on to the next step in the sequence. Kolb presented his theory in a circular diagram. He proposed that the learning process should not miss any stage. The educators have important task to guide the learners to go through all these stages accordingly.
Kolb also proposed four styles of learning that a learner might adopt. There are assimilators, convergers, accommodators, and divergers. An assimilator will learn well if he or she knows about the theories before acting. Convergers prefer applications than pure theories. Accommodators learn well when they are doing something. Divergers prefer to observe first and collect information from the observation.
Each individual will have one prominent style over the others and should start the learning process with their preferred stages. An educator should know each learner’s individual learning style. Then the educator should adapt the teaching so the learner can learn best. In a collective sessions when there are people from different learning styles, the educator should be prepared to guide the learner who has any trouble in each stage.
Experiential learning takes more time and effort. However, learning through this method allows the learner to directly implement what he or she has learned into practice. This is a suitable learning method to impart everyday skills. Some areas that will benefit from this method are leadership training, customer service training, or other vocational trainings.
This learning method can be combined with other methods. Many trainers also implement experiential trainings in outdoor games and team work building activities. It makes this learning method not only useful and practical, but also fun.
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