Here we have all of the information about Kolbs reflective model. This will guide you through the major concepts of this field.
An Overview Of Kolb's Reflective Model
Out there in the world of reflection, learning and making atonements in lifestyle, there is a model for this practice. The Kolb’s learning cycle is a well-known model among practitioners that effortlessly helps to reflect upon past consequences that further help to make atonements for better outcomes. Kolb’s reflective cycle is also referred to as “experiential learning.”
As the name suggests, the basic concept of this model is to reflect upon our own experiences that are further reviewed, analysed, and also systematically evaluated. The model consists of 4 crucial aspects once you complete the process. The newly formed experiences eventually lead to the starting point of another cycle.
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The 4 Key Stages of The Model:
Concrete Stage
It is a part of human life to constantly meet highs and lows and to retain those experiences in our minds. Moreover, everybody consciously and physically tends to experience a situation that makes them realise they need to reflect upon it. Same as that, when an individual systematically reflects upon a particular situation. He or she is capable of making atonements. Further, they can learn something better that allows them to amend their skills or bring something new to the practice. The concrete stage of the model is where you should technically reflect upon the past. This helps to scrutinize the feelings and perspective about the particular situation and brings out a much better outcome for the later time.
Reflective Observation
Once you come to the revelation, “How did you feel in that particular moment of time?” It is important for you to note all those feelings down on paper. This will be a cathartic way for you to get the sense of embarrassment out of your mind and will clear the path for better thinking. Once you note down all the pros and cons, highs and lows of your experience, It is time for you to have a deeper reflection on the context. Also, you can connect with the situation on a much deeper level by asking yourself some of the questions that will be necessary for the process. Such as; Which things worked out in that moment of time? What really made the situation occur? What made me behave the way that I did?
Conceptualization Of The Abstract
This is the third stage of the model. This stage of the model is closely interlinked with the 2nd stage, as prior to this one you had asked yourself some questions. Correspondingly, this is the stage where you come up with solutions for the questions mentioned above. Therefore, the questions that you ask yourself in this stage come in the context of the second stage. Yet, the difference is that you must contemplate a solution for those questions as well. You are not just supposed to address the situation in an inquiry manner.
Active Experimentation
Active experimentation is the last stage of Kolb’s learning cycle. This stage is technically the execution of new insights of knowledge into the practice. Further, the primary focus of this knowledge is theoretical. You should take your own reflections and thoughts on premises of improvements as well as theories back into the practicing position, which is the right order. This will help you to try out new strategies as well. The new strategies will be different from the ones before; therefore, you can also expect a different outcome. Some of the new strategies work, and some might not work depending on the context. The last stage of the process, which is active experimentation, becomes the new foundational stage of the cycle.
Other Ways to Approach Kolb’s Reflective Cycle
The genius behind the cycle, Mr. Kolb's, had also considered inclusivity when establishing the 4 major aspects of the cycle. Although the cycle itself is incredibly simple and easy to use, each person has his or her own particular learning style. Keeping this in mind, Kolb’s cycle of reflection also has another approach to this. According to one person’s own preference, the model can also be implemented this way.
Stage 1: Diverging (Feeling & Watching)
This stage is same as the concrete stage; it is about to watch and reflect on experiences first before practitioner choose to form new ideas.
Stage 2: Assimilating (Watching & Thinking)
Learning can be approached in many different ways. However, this stage of the cycle is more about logical and abstract leaning.
Stage 3: Converging (Doing & Thinking)
This implies the ideas into practical problem-solving circumstances.
Stage 4: Accommodating (Doing & Feeling)
This stage focuses on learning through hands on experimentation and experiences.
This cycle can easily be applied in those situations where learning is through experience and reflection is important.
Why Is It Necessary to Follow All 4 Steps?
Kolb’s learning cycle was developed in 1984. Among many other reflective models. This one model of reflection is the most effective one, as it also beats complexity due to its 4 simple stages. Additionally, this model views learning as an integrated process. Further, each stage in the reflection process mutually leads to another stage and follows it through the logical sequence.
A practitioner can start the process at any stage. However, the process of reflection is only made effective when the practitioner incorporates all of the 4 stages into the practice. Same as that, it also justifies that not any particular stage is effective on its own if an individual tends to skip the other aspects of it.
What the Cycle is Most Suitable For?
The model can come as useful in various scenarios, such as in social environments, educational experiences, or the basic cognitive structure of the individual. Correspondingly, whatever the influence of choice one individual has, it also inclines on the use of the process. Nevertheless, the objective of this model is to examine past experiences and come up with better outcomes for similar experiences in the future to avoid the same old negative scenarios.
Also Read: Gibbs Reflective Cycle