EXPERENTIALISM
Learning by doing. This is the basis for the experiential learning theory. Experiential learning focuses on the
idea that the best ways to learn things is by actually having experiences. Those experiences then stick out in
your mind and help you retain information and remember facts.
David Kolb is best known for his work on the experiential learning theory or ELT. Kolb published this model
in 1984, getting his influence from other great theorists including John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Jean Piaget.
The experiential learning theory works in four stages—concrete learning, reflective observation, abstract
conceptualization, and active experimentation. The first two stages of the cycle involve grasping an experience,
the second two focus on transforming an experience. Kolb argues that effective learning is seen as the learner
goes through the cycle, and that they can enter into the cycle at any time.
Concrete learning is when a learner gets a new experience, or interprets a past experience in a new way.
Reflective observation comes next, where the learner reflects on their experience personally. They use the
lens of their experience and understanding to reflect on what this experience means.
Abstract conceptualization happens as the learner forms new ideas or adjusts their thinking based on the
experience and their reflection about it.
Active experimentation is where the learner applies the new ideas to the world around them, to see if there
are any modifications to be made. This process can happen over a short period of time, or over a long span of
time.
Kolb went on to explain that learners will have their own preferences for how they enter the cycle of
experiential learning, and that these preferences boil down to a learning cycle.
Kolb's experiential learning cycle model.
The experiential learning cycle rests on the idea that each person has a specific type of learning tendencies, and
they are thus dominant in certain stages of experiential learning. For example, some learners will be more
dominant in concrete learning and reflective observation, while others will be dominant in abstract
conceptualization and active experimentation.
The four learning styles are:
1. Diverging. The diverging learning style is full of learners who look at things with a unique perspective. They
want to watch instead of do, and they also have a strong capacity to imagine. These learners usually prefer to
work in groups, have broad interests in cultures and people, and more. They usually focus on concrete learning
and reflective observation, wanting to observe and see the situation before diving in.
2. Assimilating. This learning style involves learners getting clear information. These learners prefer concepts
and abstracts to people, and explore using analytic models. These learners focus on abstract conceptualization
and reflective observation in the experiential learning style.
3. Converging. Converging learners solve problems. They apply what they’ve learned to practical issues, and
prefer technical tasks. They are also known to experiment with new ideas, and their learning focuses on abstract
conceptualization and active experimentation.
4. Accommodating: These learners prefer practicality. They enjoy new challenges and use intuition to help
solve problems. These learners utilize concrete learning and active experimentation when they learn.
Experiential learning examples.
There are many ways that experiential learning is used every day. Some examples include:
Going to the zoo to learn about animals through observation, instead of reading about them.
Growing a garden to learn about photosynthesis instead of watching a movie about it.
Hoping on a bicycle to try and learn to ride, instead of listening to your parent explain the concept
Benefits of experiential learning.
There are many benefits of experiential learning for teachers and students, including:
A. Opportunity to immediately apply knowledge. Experiential learning can allow students to immediately apply
things they are learning to real-world experiences. This helps them retain the information better.
B. Promotion of teamwork. Experiential learning often involves working in a team, so learning in this setting
allows students to practice teamwork.
C. Improved motivation. Students are more motivated and excited about learning in experiential settings.
Experiments are exciting and fun for students, and they will be passionate about learning.
D. Opportunity for reflection. Students using the experiential model are able to spend time reflecting about what
they are experiencing and learning. This is valuable as they are able to better retain information when they can
think about what’s happening to them.
E. Real world practice. Students can greatly benefit from learning that helps them prepare for the real world.
Experiential learning is focused on using real situations to help students learn, so they are then better prepared
for their future.
