Kolb's Experiential Learning

Kolb divides learners into four types based on their dominant learning style:

• Diverging; in this learning style, the learners focus on concrete experience and reflective observation. They prefer to watch and observe before doing it.
• Assimilating; in this learning style, the learners use analytical models to explore and use concepts and abstract ideas. This style focus on abstract conceptualization and reflective observation.
• Converging; the learners focus on solving problems and applying learning to practical works. This style focus on abstract conceptualization and active experimentation.
• Accommodating; this type of learners value concrete experience and active experimentation. They enjoy a challenge and solving problems by using their instincts.  

Reflection on Kolb's Theory by using 6 Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono:

6 Thinking Hats is a tool developed by Edward De Bono to stimulate effective thinking processes that help people to be more productive, focused, and mindfully involved. The hats are differentiated by 6 different colors can you can see from the image below.

Source: maajomedia

• White Hats;  the fact of this theory is that this theory includes experience as part of learning to get knowledge.
• Creativity Hats; the possibility that this theory improves motivation. The student will be more passionate and excited about learning in the real-world context as a result of its application.
• Yellow Hats; this theory has the advantage of allowing learners to learn in a way that suits their preferred learning style.
• Black Hats; experiential learning does not apply to all situations and this theory only includes the influence of learning factors, not social and other aspects of learning. It lacks objectivity, reliability, and validity.
• Red Hats; this theory just like other theories that has its strengths and weaknesses in the application of learning.
• Blue Hats; the process of four stages in this theory is cyclical. One stage is dependent on another stage and this theory usually begins with the concrete experience to active experimentation.

Thank you.

References

Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development (Vol. 1). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Kurt, Serhat. (2020). Accessed online: Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory & Learning Styles - Educational Technology 

Mc.Leod, Saul. (2017). Accessed online: Kolb's Learning Styles and Experiential Learning Cycle | Simply Psychology