Kolb Basic Modes of Experiential Learning
Kolb proposed four basic modes of experiential learning:
1. Concrete Experience (CE)—an intuitive preference for learning through direct experience, emphasizing interpersonal relations and feeling as opposed to thinking. For example, someone using this mode to learn about job poli- tics would personally use various political tactics in different group situations to get a sense of how each one feels, while also gauging others’ responses during each interaction.
2. Abstract Conceptualization (AC)—a preference for learning by thinking about an issue in theoretical terms. For example, a person using this mode to learn about job politics analyzes political tactics and their implications, per- haps consulting or constructing a model that includes abstract representations of the components of political activities.
3. Reflective Observation (RO)—a preference to learn by watching and exam- ining different points of view to achieve an understanding. For example, people using the ROmode to learn about job politics observe others involved in politi- cal activities and reflect on what they’ve seen from a variety of perspectives.
4. Active Experimentation (AE)—a preference for learning something by actually doing it and judging its practical value. For example, someone using this mode to learn about job politics might experiment with various political tactics, determining their effectiveness by the amount of influence they had on other people.
