Editing Experiential learning (section)

==Kolb's experiential learning model==

Experiential learning focuses on the learning process for the individual. One example of experiential learning is going to the zoo and learning through observation and interaction with the zoo environment, as opposed to reading about animals from a book. Thus, one makes discoveries and experiments with knowledge firsthand, instead of hearing or reading about others' experiences. Likewise, in [[business school]], [[internship]], and [[Job shadow|job-shadowing]], opportunities in a student's field of interest can provide valuable experiential learning which contributes significantly to the student's overall understanding of the real-world environment.<ref>McCarthy, P. R., & McCarthy, H. M. (2006). When Case Studies Are Not Enough: Integrating Experiential Learning Into Business Curricula. Journal of Education for Business, 81(4), pp. 201–204.</ref>

A third example of experiential learning involves learning how to ride a [[bicycle|bike]],<ref>Kraft, R. G. (1994).Bike riding and the art of learning.In L. B. Barnes, C. Roland Christensen, & A. J. Hansen (Eds.), Teaching and the case method.Boston: Harvard Business School Press.</ref> a process which can illustrate the four-step experiential learning model (ELM) as set forth by Kolb<ref>Loo, R. (2002). A Meta-Analytic Examination of Kolb's Learning Style Preferences Among Business Majors. Journal of Education for Business, 77:5, 252–256</ref> and outlined in Figure 1 below. Following this example, in the "concrete experience" stage, the learner physically interacts with the bike in the "here and now".<ref name=kolb>Kolb, D. (1984). Experiential Learning: experience as the source of learning and development. Englewood  Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. p. 21</ref>  This experience forms "the basis for observation and reflection" and the learner has the opportunity to consider what is working or failing (reflective observation), formulate a generalized theory or idea about riding a bike in general (abstract conceptualization) and to think about ways to improve on the next attempt made at riding (active experimentation). Every new attempt to ride is informed by a cyclical pattern of previous experience, thought and reflection.<ref name=kolb />

'''Figure 1 – David Kolb's Experiential Learning Model (ELM)'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/gradschool/training/resources/teaching/theories/kolb |title=A Leading UK University &#124; University of Leicester |website=www2.le.ac.uk |access-date=October 28, 2012 |archive-date=May 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516020500/http://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/gradschool/training/resources/teaching/theories/kolb |url-status=dead }}</ref>

{| align=center style="border:1px solid gray; padding:4px"
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|||<big>⮣</big> || align=center | Concrete Experience || <big>⮧</big>||   
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|Active Experimentation||||                  ||||Reflective Observation
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|||<big>⮤</big> || Abstract Conceptualization || <big>⮠</big> ||
|}

===Elements===

Experiential learning can occur without a teacher and relates solely to the [[meaning-making]] process of the individual's direct experience. However, though the gaining of knowledge is an inherent process that occurs naturally, a genuine learning experience requires certain elements.<ref name=itin /> According to Kolb, knowledge is continuously gained through both personal and environmental experiences.<ref>[[Sharan Merriam|Merriam, S. B.]], Caffarella, R. S., & Baumgartner, L. M. (2007). ''Learning in adulthood: a comprehensive guide''. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.</ref> Kolb states that in order to gain genuine knowledge from an experience, the learner must have four abilities:

*The learner must be willing to be actively involved in the experience;
*The learner must be able to reflect on the experience;
*The learner must possess and use analytical skills to conceptualize the experience; and
*The learner must possess decision making and problem solving skills in order to use the new ideas gained from the experience.