Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle
David Kolb's experiential learning theory proposing that learning is a process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Published in 'Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development' (1984). The cycle has four stages and maps to four distinct learning styles.
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Framework Domains (8)
Kolb Assimilating Style
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-Assimilating-Style-RO-AC-Theoretical-Logical-Models-Inductive-Reasoning-Researchers-Scientists | Kolb Assimilating Style (RO + AC) + Theoretical + Logical + Models + Inductive Reasoning + Researchers + Scientists + Information Synthesis + Conceptual Frameworks + Career Patterns + Educational Application |
Kolb Diverging Style
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-Diverging-Style-CE-RO-Imaginative-Multiple-Perspectives-Brainstorming-Empathy-Counsellors-Artists | Kolb Diverging Style (CE + RO) + Imaginative + Multiple Perspectives + Brainstorming + Empathy + Counsellors + Artists + Counselors + Group Work + Listening + Open-Mindedness + Diverse Idea Generation |
Kolb ELT Scope + Foundation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-Scope-Experiential-Learning-Theory-ELT-1984-Kolb-4-Stage-Cycle-Lewin-Dewey-Piaget-Heritage-Process-Theory | Kolb Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) + Scope + 1984 Foundation + 4-Stage Cycle Architecture + Lewin + Dewey + Piaget Heritage + Process Theory + Knowledge Transformation + Holistic Integrative + Application Domains |
Kolb Program Design
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-Program-Design-Full-Cycle-Coverage-Facilitator-Capability-Evaluation-Kirkpatrick-LSI-Digital-Blended-Psychological-Safety-Spaced | Kolb Program Design + Full-Cycle Coverage + Facilitator Capability + Kirkpatrick Evaluation + LSI Use + Digital Blended + Psychological Safety + Scheduling Spacing + Contextual Sensitivity + Converging + Accommodating Styles + Implementation |
Kolb Stage 1 - Concrete Experience
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-Stage1-Concrete-Experience-CE-Hands-On-Direct-Engagement-Feeling-Doing-Activist-Learners-Immersive | Kolb Stage 1 Concrete Experience (CE) + Hands-On + Direct Engagement + Feeling and Doing + Activist Learners + Immersive Activity + Real-World Engagement + Simulations + Role-Play + Case-Based + Apprenticeship + Lab Work |
Kolb Stage 2 - Reflective Observation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-Stage2-Reflective-Observation-RO-Watching-Listening-Reviewing-Reflector-Learners-Pause-Consider | Kolb Stage 2 Reflective Observation (RO) + Watching + Listening + Reviewing + Reflector Learners + Pause and Consider + Multiple Perspectives + Reflective Journaling + Debrief + Schon Reflective Practitioner Connection |
Kolb Stage 3 - Abstract Conceptualization
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-Stage3-Abstract-Conceptualization-AC-Thinking-Analyzing-Theorist-Learners-Models-Patterns-Concepts | Kolb Stage 3 Abstract Conceptualization (AC) + Thinking + Analyzing + Theorist Learners + Models + Patterns + Concepts + Mental Frameworks + Theoretical Connection + Generalisation |
Kolb Stage 4 - Active Experimentation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-Stage4-Active-Experimentation-AE-Doing-Testing-Applying-Pragmatist-Learners-Implementation-Plan | Kolb Stage 4 Active Experimentation (AE) + Doing + Testing + Applying + Pragmatist Learners + Implementation Plan + Behavior Change + Practice + Project Application + Spiral to New Concrete Experience |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle, you already cover:
LEADS in a Caring Environment
50%
4 controls mapped
Compare →NHS Healthcare Leadership Model
38%
3 controls mapped
Compare →Argyris Double-Loop Learning
38%
3 controls mapped
Compare →+ 3 more: COSO Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) (25%), ISO 37000:2021 (25%)
See all 6 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 6 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle?
Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle is a compliance framework from International with 8 domains and 8 controls. David Kolb's experiential learning theory proposing that learning is a process whereby knowledge is created through the transformation of experience. Published in 'Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development' (1984). The cycle has four stages and maps to four distinct learning styles. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle have?
Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle has 8 controls organised across 8 domains. The largest domains are Kolb Assimilating Style (1 controls), Kolb Diverging Style (1 controls), Kolb ELT Scope + Foundation (1 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle map to?
Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle maps to 6 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are LEADS in a Caring Environment (50% coverage), NHS Healthcare Leadership Model (38% coverage), Argyris Double-Loop Learning (38% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle compliance?
Start your Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle compliance journey by running a self-assessment on our platform to identify your current compliance posture. Our AI advisory can answer specific questions about Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle requirements, and cross-framework mapping helps you leverage existing controls from other frameworks you may already comply with. Create a free account to access all 8 controls and track your progress.
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