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 (14)
Abstract Conceptualisation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-AC-01 | Abstract Conceptualisation |
Active Experimentation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-AE-01 | Active Experimentation Planning |
Concrete Experience
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-CE-01 | Concrete Experience Design |
Context
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-CTX-01 | Contextual Sensitivity |
Cycle Integrity
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-CYC-01 | Full Cycle Coverage |
Evaluation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-EVAL-01 | Evaluation Aligned to Cycle |
Facilitation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-FAC-01 | Facilitator Capability |
Learning Styles
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-ACC | Accommodating Style (AE+CE) - learning primarily from hands-on experience, acting on gut feelings |
| KOLB-ACC-01 | Accommodating Style Accommodation |
| KOLB-ASS | Assimilating Style (RO+AC) - organizing information logically, preferring abstract concepts over people |
| KOLB-ASS-01 | Assimilating Style Accommodation |
| KOLB-CON | Converging Style (AC+AE) - finding practical uses for ideas and theories, preferring technical tasks |
| KOLB-CON-01 | Converging Style Accommodation |
| KOLB-DIV | Diverging Style (CE+RO) - viewing concrete situations from many perspectives, imaginative and feeling-oriented |
| KOLB-DIV-01 | Diverging Style Accommodation |
| KOLB-LSI-01 | Learning Style Inventory Use |
Learning Styles
Four learning styles based on preferences along two dimensions: Processing (doing vs. watching) and Perception (feeling vs. thinking).
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-ACC | Accommodating Style (AE+CE) - learning primarily from hands-on experience, acting on gut feelings |
| KOLB-ACC-01 | Accommodating Style Accommodation |
| KOLB-ASS | Assimilating Style (RO+AC) - organizing information logically, preferring abstract concepts over people |
| KOLB-ASS-01 | Assimilating Style Accommodation |
| KOLB-CON | Converging Style (AC+AE) - finding practical uses for ideas and theories, preferring technical tasks |
| KOLB-CON-01 | Converging Style Accommodation |
| KOLB-DIV | Diverging Style (CE+RO) - viewing concrete situations from many perspectives, imaginative and feeling-oriented |
| KOLB-DIV-01 | Diverging Style Accommodation |
| KOLB-LSI-01 | Learning Style Inventory Use |
Modality
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-DIG-01 | Digital and Blended Delivery |
Reflective Observation
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-RO-01 | Reflective Observation Practice |
Safety
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-PSY-01 | Psychological Safety |
The Learning Cycle
Four-stage cyclical process of learning from experience. Effective learning requires completing all four stages.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-AC | Abstract Conceptualization - learning through thinking, analyzing, and forming theories and concepts |
| KOLB-AE | Active Experimentation - learning through doing, testing implications of concepts in new situations |
| KOLB-CE | Concrete Experience - learning through direct, tangible, hands-on experience and feeling |
| KOLB-RO | Reflective Observation - learning through watching, listening, and viewing from different perspectives |
Timing
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOLB-SCH-01 | Scheduling and Spacing |
Your Compliance Coverage
If you comply with Kolb Experiential Learning Cycle, you already cover:
WHO Global Competency Model
17%
4 controls mapped
Compare →The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner)
17%
4 controls mapped
Compare →LEADS in a Caring Environment
17%
4 controls mapped
Compare →+ 15 more: ILO Nursing Personnel Convention C149 (1977) (13%), ICN Leadership for Change Programme (13%)
See all 18 mapped frameworks ↓Maps to 18 other frameworks
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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