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Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle

International
v1984
14 domains
24 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.

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Framework Domains (14)

Abstract Conceptualisation

1 controls
Controls in the Abstract Conceptualisation domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-AC-01Abstract Conceptualisation

Active Experimentation

1 controls
Controls in the Active Experimentation domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-AE-01Active Experimentation Planning

Concrete Experience

1 controls
Controls in the Concrete Experience domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-CE-01Concrete Experience Design

Context

1 controls
Controls in the Context domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-CTX-01Contextual Sensitivity

Cycle Integrity

1 controls
Controls in the Cycle Integrity domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-CYC-01Full Cycle Coverage

Evaluation

1 controls
Controls in the Evaluation domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-EVAL-01Evaluation Aligned to Cycle

Facilitation

1 controls
Controls in the Facilitation domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-FAC-01Facilitator Capability

Learning Styles

5 controls
Controls in the Learning Styles domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle9 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-ACCAccommodating Style (AE+CE) - learning primarily from hands-on experience, acting on gut feelings
KOLB-ACC-01Accommodating Style Accommodation
KOLB-ASSAssimilating Style (RO+AC) - organizing information logically, preferring abstract concepts over people
KOLB-ASS-01Assimilating Style Accommodation
KOLB-CONConverging Style (AC+AE) - finding practical uses for ideas and theories, preferring technical tasks
KOLB-CON-01Converging Style Accommodation
KOLB-DIVDiverging Style (CE+RO) - viewing concrete situations from many perspectives, imaginative and feeling-oriented
KOLB-DIV-01Diverging Style Accommodation
KOLB-LSI-01Learning Style Inventory Use

Learning Styles

4 controls

Four learning styles based on preferences along two dimensions: Processing (doing vs. watching) and Perception (feeling vs. thinking).

Controls in the Learning Styles domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle9 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-ACCAccommodating Style (AE+CE) - learning primarily from hands-on experience, acting on gut feelings
KOLB-ACC-01Accommodating Style Accommodation
KOLB-ASSAssimilating Style (RO+AC) - organizing information logically, preferring abstract concepts over people
KOLB-ASS-01Assimilating Style Accommodation
KOLB-CONConverging Style (AC+AE) - finding practical uses for ideas and theories, preferring technical tasks
KOLB-CON-01Converging Style Accommodation
KOLB-DIVDiverging Style (CE+RO) - viewing concrete situations from many perspectives, imaginative and feeling-oriented
KOLB-DIV-01Diverging Style Accommodation
KOLB-LSI-01Learning Style Inventory Use

Modality

1 controls
Controls in the Modality domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-DIG-01Digital and Blended Delivery

Reflective Observation

1 controls
Controls in the Reflective Observation domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-RO-01Reflective Observation Practice

Safety

1 controls
Controls in the Safety domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-PSY-01Psychological Safety

The Learning Cycle

4 controls

Four-stage cyclical process of learning from experience. Effective learning requires completing all four stages.

Controls in the The Learning Cycle domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle4 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-ACAbstract Conceptualization - learning through thinking, analyzing, and forming theories and concepts
KOLB-AEActive Experimentation - learning through doing, testing implications of concepts in new situations
KOLB-CEConcrete Experience - learning through direct, tangible, hands-on experience and feeling
KOLB-ROReflective Observation - learning through watching, listening, and viewing from different perspectives

Timing

1 controls
Controls in the Timing domain of Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle1 controls
CodeTitle
KOLB-SCH-01Scheduling and Spacing

Your Compliance Coverage

If you comply with Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle, you already cover:

Maps to 18 other frameworks

24 total controls
WHO Global Competency Model
4 source controls mapped|4 target controls covered
17%
The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner)
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
17%
LEADS in a Caring Environment
4 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
17%
ILO Nursing Personnel Convention C149 (1977)
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
ICN Leadership for Change Programme
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
NHS Healthcare Leadership Model
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
Senge Fifth Discipline - Learning Organization
3 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
13%
Heifetz Adaptive Leadership Framework
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
VUCA Leadership Framework
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
Argyris Double-Loop Learning
3 source controls mapped|3 target controls covered
13%
Hersey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Model
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
ISO 37000:2021
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
OECD/G20 Principles of Corporate Governance
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS) Model
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
COSO Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
Full Range Leadership Model (Bass & Avolio)
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
Kotter 8-Step Change Model
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%
Goleman Emotional Intelligence Leadership Framework
2 source controls mapped|2 target controls covered
8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle?

Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle is a compliance framework from International with 14 domains and 24 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 24 controls organised across 14 domains. The largest domains are Learning Styles (5 controls), Learning Styles (4 controls), The Learning Cycle (4 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 18 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are WHO Global Competency Model (17% coverage), The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner) (17% coverage), LEADS in a Caring Environment (17% 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 24 controls and track your progress.

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