Search results
Kolb's experiential learning theory has been widely influential in adult learning. The theory and associated instruments continue to be criticized, but rarely is the graphical model itself...
People also ask
Why is Kolb's theory criticized?
Why is Kolb's experiential learning theory controversial?
What is Kolb's experiential theory?
What is Kolb's cyclical model of learning?
- Overview
- Experiential Model Theory
- Experiential Learning Theory Support and Criticism
Trending Videos
As the name suggests, experiential learning involves learning from experience. The theory was proposed by psychologist David Kolb who was influenced by the work of other theorists including John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, and Jean Piaget.
According to Kolb, this type of learning can be defined as "the process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Knowledge results from the combinations of grasping and transforming the experience."
Experiential learning theory differs from cognitive and behavioral theories in that cognitive theories emphasize the role of mental processes while behavioral theories ignore the possible role of subjective experience in the learning process.
The experiential theory proposed by Kolb takes a more holistic approach and emphasizes how experiences, including cognition, environmental factors, and emotions, influence the learning process.
What Is Learning?
In the experiential model, Kolb described two different ways of grasping experience:
•Abstract Conceptualization
•Concrete Experience
He also identified two ways of transforming experience:
•Active Experimentation
•Reflective Observation
Support for Experiential Learning Theory
Kolb's own research suggests that there is a correlation between students learning styles and their chosen majors. People who choose college majors and professions that are well-aligned to their learning styles tend to be more committed to their field. Experiential learning can be good for helping people explore their own strengths when learning new things. The theory addresses how learners can play to their own strengths as well as developing areas in which they are weakest.
Criticism of Experiential Learning Theory
The experiential learning theory does not adequately address the role that non-reflective experience plays in the learning process. While the theory is good at analyzing how learning occurs for individuals, it does little to look at learning that occurs in larger social groups. How does the individual's interaction with a larger group impact the experiential learning process? Learning styles may not be stable over time. For example, one study published in 1999 found that adults over the age of 65 tend to become more observant and reflective while learning. Other critics suggest that the theory is too narrowly focused and restrictive. Understanding your own learning preferences may be helpful, but it does not necessarily mean that you can't learn in other ways or that your preferred style will always be the same. How Bloom's Taxonomy Can Help You Learn More Effectively By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."
There is an important 4 page critique of David Kolb's theory in John Heron's Feelings and Personhood, in which Kolb's model is said to downplay the importance of feelings and intuition in experiential learning.
Jul 9, 2024 · Criticism of Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory. While Kolb’s experiential learning theory remains a popular model, it has been widely criticised. For instance, it has faced claims that it’s too simple. While Kolb presents clearly defined stages, learning is rarely ever so ‘neat and tidy’ in real life.
Kolb's experiential learning theory has also attracted theoretical criticism, for example, in terms of prioritising the individual at the expense of the social aspect of learning and for...
Jan 24, 2019 · Kolb’s experiential learning cycle is perhaps the most scholarly influential and cited model regarding experiential learning theory. However, a key issue in interpreting Kolb’s model concerns a lack of clarity regarding what constitutes a concrete experience, exactly.
Oct 20, 2022 · These reflections led to a model that sought to critique and extend Kolb’s Learning Cycle. I identified two issues for development. First, I suggested moving beyond the assumption that people are open to experience, to recognize that they are also defended against it.
