Learning is more than just memorizing facts; it’s about acquiring abstract concepts that you can apply in the real world. Experience is a cornerstone of this process. Developed by David Kolb in 1984, the Learning Cycle, also known as Kolb’s experiential learning model, illustrates how to design effective learning experiences. This cycle is structured around four key stages:
- Concrete Experience (feeling)
- Reflective Observation (watching)
- Abstract Conceptualization (thinking)
- Active Experimentation (doing)
Source: “Experiential Learning Model”, David Kolb (1984)
Why Implement the Learning Cycle in Education?
Integrating Kolb’s learning cycle into course design provides a structured approach to ensure activities align with the natural learning process. This is particularly beneficial because it caters to diverse learning styles. Individuals learn in different ways, and Kolb identified four prominent learning styles, each a blend of preferences across two dimensions: “Feeling versus thinking” and “watching versus doing.”
Source: “Experiential Learning Model”, David Kolb (1984)
Learners exhibit varying strengths across these dimensions, leading to distinct learning styles:
- Diverging (feeling & watching): Individuals with this style excel at brainstorming and generating ideas. They are imaginative, open-minded, and thrive in collaborative environments.
- Assimilating (watching & thinking): These learners prefer structured environments with clear explanations and logical frameworks. They are drawn to abstract concepts, models, and theories, often enjoying lectures and readings.
- Converging (doing & thinking): Practical problem-solvers, these learners are technically inclined and application-oriented. They prefer hands-on activities and focus on finding solutions.
- Accommodating (feeling & doing): Intuitive and hands-on, these learners enjoy challenges and experiential learning based on gut feelings. They learn best by doing and prefer practical experience.
In any learning environment, you’ll find a mix of these learning styles. Designing courses based on Kolb’s learning cycle creates an inclusive and effective learning environment that resonates with all learners.
The Learning Cycle in Action: Business Simulations at Inchainge
At Inchainge, we leverage Kolb’s learning cycle extensively in designing courses around our business simulation games. Here’s how each stage of the cycle translates into our learning approach within our business simulation games:
-
Concrete Experience: This initial stage is embodied by a round in the business simulation game. Teams of four analyze their virtual company’s current state, discuss potential strategies, and make decisions for the upcoming round. This hands-on experience provides the foundational “feeling” aspect of learning.
-
Reflective Observation: Following each simulation round, a debriefing session takes place. This crucial step encourages learners to reflect on the outcomes of their decisions. We guide learners to analyze what transpired during the round, fostering “watching” and observation. Team presentations further enhance this reflective process.
-
Abstract Conceptualization: After reflection, new theoretical concepts relevant to the simulation are introduced and explained. This stage focuses on “thinking” and understanding the underlying principles that govern the business environment within the game.
-
Active Experimentation: The final stage involves applying the newly learned theoretical concepts back into the simulation environment through exercises or group work. Learners actively “do” by experimenting with different strategies and approaches based on their conceptual understanding.
This completes one learning cycle. The team then progresses to the next cycle, starting again with a new round of decisions in the business game. Our training programs typically incorporate three to six of these cycles, with each cycle potentially highlighting a new topic or learning objective, reinforced by a subsequent simulation round.
Micro Learning Cycle: Peer-to-Peer Learning
Building on the macro learning cycle described by Kolb, Jan H. G. Klabbers (2009) in “The Magic Circle: Principles of Gaming & Simulation” highlights a complementary “micro cycle” within game-based learning. This micro cycle occurs organically within the team during the business simulation experience. It also follows a four-step process:
- Action
- Sense making
- Formation and adjustment of schemes and mental models
- Adjusting your repertoire of actions
Image Source: “The Magic Circle: Principles of Gaming & Simulation”, Jan H. G. Klabbers (2009)
Within this micro learning cycle, learners actively learn from each other through collaboration, discussion, and shared problem-solving within the simulation team.
Eager to Learn More?
Hopefully, this overview has provided a clear understanding of the learning cycle, Kolb’s model, and its practical application within Inchainge’s business simulation games. If you’re interested in delving deeper, explore our page dedicated to experiential learning. Or, discover more about our engaging business games!
Key Takeaways on the Learning Cycle
You now have a solid grasp of the learning cycle, Kolb’s influential model, and its significance in effective learning design. This cycle provides a framework for creating powerful experiential learning processes. Beyond Kolb’s macro cycle, Klabbers (2009) identifies a micro cycle within team-based game experiences, emphasizing peer-to-peer learning. By progressing through these iterative cycles, learners gain deeper understanding and practical skills. The learning cycle serves as a cornerstone in designing impactful courses using Inchainge’s business games.
Sources
Explore Further Learning
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning offers a potent educational approach with numerous advantages. We firmly believe that learning through direct experience leads to more profound and lasting comprehension. What exactly is experiential learning? And why is its implementation so valuable? Inchainge explores everything you need to know about experiential learning in this article.
Business Games
A high-performing value chain relies on seamless collaboration across organizational teams. Breaking down silos and fostering a strong cross-functional mindset can be a significant hurdle. What’s crucial for achieving success? Ideally, providing your team with a platform to experiment with diverse scenarios where they learn to overcome challenges.
Learning
Learning is the ongoing process of acquiring new insights, knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, attitudes, and preferences. Numerous learning methods exist, but which are most effective? And why is this distinction important? Inchainge delves into everything you need to know about the science of learning in this article.
Blended Learning
With rapid technological advancements and evolving educational needs, alternatives to traditional classroom learning are increasingly vital. Blended learning, combining online and offline, individual and group learning, offers limitless possibilities. Discover how Inchainge’s business simulations seamlessly integrate into various blended learning models to find the perfect fit for your needs!