Learning Process Using Kolb’s Learning Cycle

Concrete Experience — Feeling

The first stage can be explained by representing the learner’s concrete experience. At this stage, people learn intuitively and according to what they felt when they experienced any random or complex situation. By having positive feelings, it will have a huge influence on gaining motivation for further learning. Leading method: I will let people to design their own experiences which have a high learning potential such as internships and field trips.

Reflective Observation — Watching

The second stage is concentrated on watching or observing the new situation. This involves evaluating, searching, and analyzing connections. The learner begins to expand their perspective and develop different points of view, drawing new meanings from experiences. Leading method: I will help the people to reflect on their experiences. After that I will go further beyond asking them to share and recount what they did. I will make them challenge themselves to think deeply and link to other concepts.

Abstract Conceptualization — Thinking

At this stage, the learner will thinking about their past experiences and situations. Those existing experiences and situations will be engaged into the new information and brings the new concept. Leading method: I will encourage people to think, to create new ideas, and to come up with creative, unusual, or original ideas. I will make sure that they feel positive about the ideas they come up with.

Active Experimentation — Doing

The final phase involves practical actions in order to learn. The learner does not only influence other people or change the situation, but also applies new knowledge or skills in a new environment. The learner uses the theory of an existing concept and actively applies the concept. In other words, based on concrete experience, thinking, and doing, the learners are able to create new concepts. Leading method: I will support the people, ask questions, and encourage them to actively apply their knowledge. I will keep assuring them that failing is a necessary part of creating and creativity.

Learning happens in various ways in our daily lives, just like listening to the Professor Cheung’s lecture or going on a field trip. While there are different kind of learning methods, in order to learn effectively, there are a number of factors must be included. The learning process that emphasizes the importance of motivation, information, reflection, thinking, experimenting, and putting new ideas and concepts into practice, is referred to as “experiential learning. ”

Among the four concepts, I often utilize “Converging” as my learning method. Preferring technical tasks rather that interpersonal aspects, this learning method involves both doing and thinking. By making use of Converging method, I am able to solve problems by using the prior learnings to find solutions to practical issues. I have realized that I am skilled at finding practical uses for ideas and theories, which can solve problems and make decisions by finding solutions to questions and problems. I am always eager to experiment with new ideas, to simulate, and to work with practical applications. Going on a field trips is one of the experiential learning methods that can be used to incorporate specific content into the curriculum. It is beneficial because it provides a unique and challenging learning setting for the learners. Usually the course contents are taught with the typical frameworks and guide for the curriculum and syllabus. Instructor usually have some autonomy on how students can meet standards in their own criteria.

To me, as a learner who often use Converging as a learning style, field trip is a brand-new concept for me. In this course, I am able to elaborate both my original learning style and new learning methods to build a new concept for me to facilitate learning. Students, including myself are able to have better learning experiences based on content and by creating workshop by own so that everyone in this course is able to have maximum benefits from the course within a semester, and apply it in other learning processes.

Works Cited

1. Chan, C. K. (2015). Experiential learning: Perspectives of student teachers in a teacher education program. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 3(6), 73-85.
2. Kolb, D. A. (2014). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. FT Press.
3. Moon, J. A. (2004). A handbook of reflective and experiential learning: Theory and practice. RoutledgeFalmer.
4. Saavedra, A. R., & Opfer, V. D. (2012). Learning 21st-century skills requires 21st-century teaching. Phi Delta Kappan, 94(2), 8-13.
5. Smith, M. K. (2001). David A. Kolb on experiential learning. The encyclopedia of informal education. Retrieved from https://www.infed.org/b-explrn.htm
6. Tisdell, E. J., & Palmer, P. J. (1996). Women's ways of knowing: An experiential approach. Jossey-Bass.
7. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
8. Wu, P. F., Yeh, Y. C., Wu, W. T., & Lin, Y. C. (2012). Exploring the relationship between learning styles, learner attitudes, and learning outcomes in a blended learning environment. Computers & Education, 58(1), 245-254.