Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory Research Articles

Balancing Honest Assessment and Compassion for Learners Experiencing Burnout: A Workshop and Feedback Tool for Clinical Teachers.

Burnout in medical trainees challenges their work effectiveness and impedes their ability to learn. Teachers in the clinical learning environment (CLE) are well situated to identify burnout and are often responsible for learner assessment. We developed a workshop to improve clinical teachers' identification and understanding of learner burnout while empowering them to provide constructive feedback and support. Building on best-practice feedback techniques and utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) as a framework, we designed the GetINBurnOUT method to provide feedback and support for learners experiencing burnout. Applying Kern's six-step approach to curriculum development, we created and implemented a workshop for clinical teachers centered on advanced burnout knowledge, application of the MBI to the CLE, and use of the GetINBurnOUT feedback method. Kolb's experiential learning theory informed workshop activities such as group discussion, case practice, and self-reflection. Participants completed surveys immediately after the workshop to assess planned behavior. We delivered the workshop eight times at local, regional, and national faculty development programs/conferences to over 188 participants. Participants rated the workshop favorably, with average scores of 4.5-4.8 out of 5 across all domains and program objectives; all participants planned to make a change to their practice. Positive comments emphasized the topic's importance and the GetINBurnOUT tool's practicality. This workshop can enhance clinical teachers' understanding of burnout and provide them with the tools to address it in the CLE. The GetINBurnOUT method offers a practical approach for providing honest assessments while supporting learners in the CLE.

Development of Soft Skills in Entrepreneurship Education: an Approach Based on Experiential Learning Theory

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship education on the development of soft skills in students, using experiential learning theory (ELT) as a foundation to foster these skills through active practices. Theoretical Framework: The study is based on Kolb's (1984) experiential learning theory and active learning models. These theories provide a solid foundation for understanding how learning occurs through experience, emphasizing the development of soft skills. Method: The research follows a qualitative and exploratory approach, with data collection based on bibliographic review and participant observation. The study was conducted in entrepreneurship courses, focusing on the observation of students' soft skills through the application of Kolb’s experiential learning cycle. Results and Discussion: The results show that the application of ELT in entrepreneurship education promotes the development of soft skills. The theoretical and practical implications are discussed in light of experiential learning theory, highlighting the importance of an active approach to education. Research Implications: The research has important implications for the fields of education and entrepreneurship, suggesting that experiential teaching can be an effective tool for developing essential behavioral skills for the labor market. Originality/Value: The study contributes by demonstrating the applicability of ELT in entrepreneurship education, addressing the gap between traditional teaching and the need to develop soft skills in academic contexts.

Theory in action for graduate nurse educator students: An experiential learning project

BackgroundHigh turnover rates of new nurse educators are amplifying nursing shortages by reducing the ability of nursing programs to educate new nurses. When nurses enter their new role as nurse educators, there is a major transition from experienced bedside nurse to novice educator. This transition can be difficult and frequently leads to frustration, and in many cases nurse educators leaving the field. AimThe aim of this project is to improve the readiness, and preparedness of new nurse educators prior to entering the field. ProjectGraduate nursing students in the Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSNE) Option at Lamar University were competitively selected and hired as graduate assistants (GA) with a focus on easing the transition of becoming nurse educators by creating nursing professional development (NPD) opportunities for current nursing faculty. The project utilized Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and mentorship to prepare future nurse educators for their future role. ApplicationsThrough the application of Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, graduate assistants (GAs) developed curriculum to be deployed in continuing education courses. This provided graduate assistants the ability to maneuver the nuances of course development using Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory as a template for curriculum development by examining their work with peers and analyzing the cycle of concrete experiences (CE), reflective observation (RO), abstract conceptualization (AC), and active experimentation (AE). ConclusionMaster's programs help instill knowledge necessary to equip future educators with the tools needed to give nursing education students a solid foundation. By utilizing Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory with this project, future nurse educators could apply a deeper understanding of newfound knowledge into practice. Increasing demands in nursing requires innovations in the preparation of nurse educators. By incorporating projects such as this, with a strong grasp on concrete experiences (CE), reflective observation (RO), abstract conceptualization (AC), and active experimentation (AE), novice educators can be primed for their new role of developing future nurses.

Addressing Challenges in Undergraduate Community Health Nursing Clinical: Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory.

The undergraduate nursing students enrolled in community health nursing clinical course must assess vulnerable populations impacted by social determinants of health and develop appropriate population-specific and evidence-based community interventions. However, students struggle to associate community-based experiences with learning and clinical course objectives. This article describes the experiential learning theory approach to guide and enhance student learning in the undergraduate community health nursing clinical course. Kolb's experiential learning theory was used to guide self-reflection process after clinical experience for undergraduate nursing students in their last semester of their education. The guided reflection helped nursing students translate experience into concepts and associate community-based clinical experience with their learning to meet clinical course objectives. Kolb's experiential learning theory is transformative in enhancing student learning in community health nursing care clinical education. The landscape of teaching and practice environment is evolving; therefore, teaching methods must follow suit. [J Nurs Educ. 2024;63(X):XXX-XXX.].

Innovative approaches to financial analytics education: Kolb's theory in SEC IPO analysis

AbstractThis study presents an innovative educational approach, integrating David A. Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) into financial analytics education, with a focus on the analysis of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) via the SEC's EDGAR database. Through the application of ELT, this article explores the effective melding of experiential learning methodologies with advanced analytical tools such as Python, SQL, and various data analytics platforms. The teaching exercise outlined emphasizes the importance of hands‐on activities—ranging from data scraping and analysis of SEC filings to conducting sentiment analysis—aimed at fostering not only technical proficiency among students but also enhancing their critical thinking and ethical decision‐making skills. By detailing the execution and outcomes of utilizing ELT in the context of financial analytics, this work contributes to the discourse on modern finance education, advocating for a model that prepares students for the challenges of an increasingly complex and ethical finance industry. This approach underscores the need for educational practices that are both theoretically robust and practically relevant, ensuring students are well‐equipped for dynamic roles within the finance sector.

Theoretical Frameworks and Empirical Evidences of Tactile Learning Style as a Veritable Tool for Improving Biology Performance among Secondary School Students

This position paper explored the theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence supporting the use of tactile learning style as an effective tool for improving biology performance among secondary school students. It highlighted the significance of biology education and the advantages of considering tactile learning style, such as hands-on activities and manipulatives, during instructions to improve student engagement, motivation, and understanding of complex concepts. The methodology involved review of existing theoretical frameworks and empirical studies from peer-reviewed journals, books, and educational reports, focusing on the impact of tactile learning style. The paper reviewed key theories, including Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory and Gardner's Multiple Intelligence Theory, and presented findings from various studies proving the impacts of tactile learning on academic performance. The study concluded that the tactile learning style plays an important role in improving biology instruction in secondary schools. Some of the suggestions made include given due consideration to tactile learners during instruction, further research and professional development for biology teachers.

Influence of High-Fidelity Manikin-Based Simulation on Nursing Students' Basic Cardiac Life Support Ability and Motivation

Introduction: One of the competencies that nursing students must have while dealing with cardiac arrest is the capacity to perform critical life support, namely basic cardiac life support (BCLS). Having the abilities and motivation to perform BCLS is a complex process and often goes beyond the planned laboratory session's timeframe. The study wanted to determine the intervention’s impact on nursing students' ability and motivation to conduct BCLS. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-post-test control group and was carried out in July 2023 at the Emergency Skills Lab with fourth-year undergraduate nursing students. In this study, the sample size for the control and intervention groups was 52 for each group, selected using a simple random sampling technique. The independent variable was high-fidelity manikin-based human patient simulation based on Kolb's experiential learning theory, while the dependent variables were BCLS abilities measured using a mega code checklist and student motivation measured using a valid and reliable motivation questionnaire. Data were examined using the independent sample t-test. Results: The independent t-test results for the motivation variable showed a significant difference (p = 0.004), indicating a significant difference in motivation among students before and after being exposed to high-fidelity manikin-based human patient simulation based on Kolb's experiential learning theory in performing BCLS. Conclusion: High-fidelity manikin-based Human Patient Simulation is an educational paradigm in healthcare that involves using manikins that closely resemble real patients in realistic scenarios. It can be used as an alternative teaching method to boost BCLS performance and motivation.

Preceptor Boot Camp: Basic Training for Novice Preceptors.

A clinical preceptor (CP) provides the vital link to apply didactic learning in clinical practice for nurse practitioner (NP) students. A nationwide shortage of CPs continues. The goal of this pilot project was to evaluate a model for developing preceptors from the school of nursing alumni that addressed modifiable academic barriers to precepting. Six NP alumni from the school of nursing participated in a comprehensive novice CP training program based on Kolb's experiential learning theory and unparalleled faculty support through regularly scheduled contact. Pre- and posttests, site visits, and focus groups were used to assess the participants' progress. Participants' self-reported ability to teach and manage time when working with NP students improved, and 83.9% showed improved knowledge of precepting skills. Foundational skills and communication are essential elements to support novice CPs. This support may enhance both student and CP experience as well as increase retention of CPs. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(6):283-288.].

Online Learning to Improve Nurses’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Self-Efficacy About Managing Postoperative Pain in Older Adults

BackgroundOlder adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty may develop chronic pain without effective postoperative pain management. Increasing nurses’ knowledge, changing their attitudes, and developing their pain management self-efficacy could improve the effectiveness of pain management. AimTo determine the effectiveness of an online learning program to help registered nurses to manage postoperative pain in older adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty. DesignA quasi-experimental pre-test–post-test design with intervention and control groups. MethodSix inpatient units were randomly selected at a large tertiary care medical center. Sixty nurses were evenly divided between intervention and control groups to participate in online learning about postoperative pain management in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The content was based on Kolb's experiential learning theory. Data were collected on nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward pain management and pain management self-efficacy at baseline and after completion. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, paired t-tests, and independent t-tests. ResultsThe knowledge and attitudes about pain management and pain management self-efficacy toward older adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty of nurses in the intervention group significantly improved compared to the baseline and were also significantly higher than in the control group. ConclusionsAn online learning program improves nurses’ understanding and ability to manage pain in older adults undergoing total knee arthroplasty. This was therefore an effective learning method.

"Can you help me think this through?" How pediatric hospitalists learn from informal peer consultation.

Informal peer consultation (IPC), also called curbside consultation, is a common practice in medicine. Research has shown that physicians use IPC but how this learning occurs during the process has not been studied. This basic qualitative study describes how pediatric hospitalists learn during IPC, framed by Kolb's (2015) Experiential Learning Theory of Growth and Development. Eleven pediatric hospitalists were interviewed. Deidentified transcripts were coded for key themes using inductive methods. The main prompt for informal peer consultation was the perception of uncertainty. Three themes describe the learning process: "Eliciting Perspectives," "Thinking Aloud Together," and "Experiencing Validation. A fourth theme, "Acknowledging Value," described the importance of IPC for modeling how to manage uncertainty with patients' caregivers and medical trainees. By describing the learning process, the results have implications for physicians who engage in IPC and may inform faculty-level professional development initiatives to improve the IPC process.

A Holistic Approach to Professional Development: Integrating Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory for Soft Skills Mastery

Abstract - Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory emerged as a foundational educational framework in higher education, offering a structured approach to design sessions and courses that encompass a complete learning cycle. The theory aligned specific phases of the cycle with varied learning styles, acknowledging the diverse preferences individuals have for learning. Recognizing these distinct learning styles constitute the initial stride in cultivating learners' awareness of alternative learning strategies. The research investigated the practical application of Kolb's theory within professional studies encompassing disciplines such as management, engineering, design, and law. Through a stage wise application of the theory, the research delved into how Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory effectively enhanced the understanding of soft skills. The objectives of the study were twofold: first, to understand the dominant learning styles of the mentioned professional courses and apply Kolb's Experiential Learning Model in a step-by-step process to teach and learn soft skills for each course, and second, to evaluate the effectiveness of the stage-wise application of Kolb's theory in understanding soft skills to the management learners for holistic student development, which could further be applied to other professional courses too. By integrating theory into practical scenarios stage by stage and in a cyclic way, educators and practitioners actively contribute to assimilation, thus paving the way for the holistic development of professional learners, equipping them with the soft skills necessary for success in their respective fields. Key words: Kolb’s experiential learning theory; learning styles; professional learners; soft skills; teaching and learning

The The Influence of Construction Site Internships in Architecture Education

This study examines the impact of internships and the influence of construction site manager (CSM) as a role model on students' educational and career paths, employing Kolb's experiential learning theory as a theoretical framework. To address the research objectives, a questionnaire was conducted on 93 architecture students, focusing on four key research questions: (1) Does the internship experience affect students' perception of CSMs? (2) Does it influence their career goals related to CSM positions? (3) Does the internship experience alter the career aspirations of intern students regarding the career as a construction site manager? and (4) Do students perceive CSMs as role models after completing their internships? The findings show how internships significantly affect students, improving their comprehension of the CSM role, influencing their aspirations for their careers, and offering life-changing experiences. It is anticipated that these findings will significantly advance the field of architecture education and have applications in curriculum development, internship program design and execution, and career counseling services, especially in underdeveloped or developing countries.

Experiential Learning and Toastmasters International Programme: Transformative Effects of Public Speaking Training on Oral Presentations

The current study reviewed the literature on oral communication apprehension and its effects on academic performance, specifically the effectiveness of public speaking training: the Toastmasters International programme. Communication techniques, expertise, and various aspects that lead to oral communication anxiety were investigated, including a broad range of communication dimensions. Furthermore, the study investigated numerous forms and repercussions and demonstrated the link between anxiety and academic accomplishment. The significance of public speaking training as a powerful method to reduce anxiety was emphasised. A comprehensive description of the Toastmasters International programme and its function in developing excellent communication skills was also clarified. The study explained the theoretical basis, specifically the experiential learning theory and its contextual relevance to public speaking training. The current literature highlighted the scarcity of research on communication anxiety in technical and vocational schools, specifically among polytechnic diploma students. Communication apprehension within a vocational institution was investigated to address the research gap. A novel approach was proposed, which combined public speaking training based on the Toastmasters Competent Communicator Manual, Kolb's experiential learning theory, and McCroskey's communication apprehension theory. This technique developed Malaysian students’ oral communication aptitude by systematically addressing the reasons for communication anxiety and providing an experienced learning environment. The method provides the students with the skills required to thrive globally. The current study uncovered new paths for minimising communication anxiety to push for student success.

Applying Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory to an Event Management Course: Practical Guidelines for Educators

While experiential learning is well established in higher education, several scholars called for more studies on how to embed it for event management students. This article aims to answer these calls by investigating student and instructor perspectives on delivering a live event for a postgraduate course in an English university. It uses primary as well as secondary data from previous studies to suggest how to plan an experiential learning course. Findings provide practical recommendations to educators in relation to four elements: teaching content; resources and support; assessment; and links to employability. While doing so, Kolb's cycle is reviewed and a new model of experiential learning for event management students is suggested. Thus, this article expands the current debate on experiential learning and suggests practical guidelines for event management educators.

COMPARISON OF THE PHYSICAL EXAMINATION SKILLS LEARNING PROCESS BEFORE AND DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC BASED ON EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING THEORY: A MIXED-METHOD STUDY

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has changed learning physical examination skills. Online learning physical examination skills are challenging because it needs standard practice facilities, and students need opportunities to practice. Physical examination skills are essential in clinical medical practice, but research before pandemic demonstrated students’ lack of skills acquisition. Evaluation is needed to determine the differences in the learning process before and during pandemic. This study aims to compare the learning physical examination skills process before and during COVID-19 pandemic and find recommendations for the future.Methods: This research was a mixed-method study with a convergent design. The samples are students and lecturers in the Faculty of Medicine Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha. Quantitative data was obtained from a developed questionnaire about students’ perception of the physical examination skills learning process, then analyzed descriptively and using the ANOVA test. Qualitative data was obtained by interview, then analyzed using thematic analysis.Results: There are significant differences in the learning process of face-to-face, online, and blended physical examination skills (p<0.05) but no difference between face-to-face and blended. Interview results have seven themes, four themes about difference in the learning process based on Kolb Experiential Learning Theory, other themes about preparation before learning, factors in the learning process, and recommendations.Conclusion: Differences in the physical examination skills learning process are in the skills demonstration, practice opportunities, feedback, and interactions. If learning physical examination skills is carried out face-to-face, online, or blended in the future, it will have different needs to be considered in the design and implementation.

The Mental Health and Life Education Curriculum Development Based on Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory

This research aimed to 1) study the factors influencing the development of subjective well-being, 2) develop a mental health and life education curriculum based on Kolb’s experiential learning theory, 3) compare students' subjective well-being before and after the implementation of a mental health and life education curriculum based on the Kolb’s experiential learning theory. The sample group was thirty undergraduate students from Guangxi Vocational Normal University in the first year of Artificial Intelligence Class 1 (Vocational Normal Teacher). The research instruments were 1) a questionnaire on factors influencing the development of subjective well-being, 2) an interview form on factors influencing the development of subjective well-being, 3) lesson plans, 4) a subjective well-being scale, 5) a teaching opinion interview form, and 6) an observational record of student behavior. The research results indicated that 1) three factors affect students' subjective well-being: life satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect. 2) The mental health and life education curriculum consisted of six components: (1) concept, (2) contents and time, (3) objective, (4) learning processes according to Kolb's experiential learning theory, (5) learning resources and (6) evaluation, and 3) students’ subjective well-being improved after the implementation of a mental health and life education curriculum based on the Kolb’s experiential learning theory. According to the results of the study, it is suggested that universities should implement management and teaching based on students' emotional and affective experiences and add the content of life education to universities' ideological and political theory education curriculum and students' professional curriculums. Students should put the knowledge and skills they have learned in life education into practice and maintain an optimistic attitude.

Development of a «people-centred approach» to realising healthcare by facilitating, patient participation in health attainment in South Africa and Ukraine

Object of this research is South Africa's healthcare system. South Africa's healthcare system faces numerous challenges that contribute to inadequate access to quality healthcare for its citizens. These challenges include a scarcity of healthcare workers, insufficient funding and resource allocation, a high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases, as well as disparities in healthcare access and outcomes driven by socioeconomic status and geographic location. Consequently, many South Africans endure unfavourable health outcomes, limited availability of essential health services, and a prevailing sense of mistrust towards the healthcare system. Concurrently, Ukraine has encountered its own set of healthcare obstacles, including similar shortages of healthcare professionals, funding deficiencies, and disparities in healthcare access exacerbated by armed conflict. This study provides insights into the patient experience, utilizing Kolb's experiential learning theory. It employs qualitative and quantitative methods, including a questionnaire administered to conveniently sampled participants at Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital's HIV/AIDS unit. Data analysis using Excel and SPSS reveals a communication gap between healthcare workers and patients, highlighting the need for Department of Health training on communication and diversity. Finally, the implementation of consistent patient feedback mechanisms is essential for healthcare institutions to comprehend evolving patient needs, fostering the adoption of a «people-centred» approach to delivering high-quality healthcare services. By incorporating insights from Ukraine's challenges, this study not only addresses the specific healthcare obstacles faced by South Africa but also provides a broader perspective on healthcare issues across diverse contexts. These insights enable policymakers and healthcare professionals to identify potential solutions and work towards improving healthcare access and outcomes for all citizens, ensuring the overall health and well-being of the population of South Africa and other countries with similar challenges.

The Votes Are In! Candidate Debates as Large Policy Course Experiential Learning Method

Background: Like other professional training programs, social work pedagogy has long recognized the value of experiential learning for professional development. Despite social work's rich experiential learning literature involving field education, direct practice courses, and program evaluation, there is a dearth of literature examining how to make learning in the policy classroom experiential, particularly for large class sizes. Purpose: We asked, “How might electoral candidate debates provide experiential learning opportunities for large classes?” Approach: The authors organized municipal and federal election candidate debates attended in-person and online by over 300 undergraduate students in a social work policy class at a Canadian university. Integrating our experiences as instructors/organizers and a teaching assistant, within a social constructivist framework, we used Kolb's experiential learning theory, and critiques thereof, to analyze reflective assignments from 73 students. Results and Conclusions: Candidate debates, when facilitated appropriately, can encourage students in large courses to work through the stages of experiential learning and consider related concepts and possible links among social justice course content and social policy, social work practice, and political engagement. Implications: The paper contributes to a broader understanding of the opportunities and constraints associated with employing experiential learning in the large social work classroom and beyond.

Absorptive capacity in entrepreneurial education: Rethinking the Kolb's experiential learning theory

This study extends Piaget's theory of absorptive capacity to determine the priorities of entrepreneurial education associated with the occurrence of students' assimilation and accommodation. It identifies criteria of absorptive capacity in entrepreneurship education and prioritizes the identified criteria. These criteria are classified into four categories in Kolb's learning theory depending on the following student traits: learning ability, propensity, field of interest, and learning type. The AHP method is applied for investigating priorities of criteria and entrepreneurship education experts at a Korean university conduct a related survey. The most salient finding is that propensity is the most important major factor among the learning approaches. In other words, in entrepreneurship education, absorptive capacity will be more prominent depending on a student's propensity for it. This research also indicates that students with greater logical tendencies have better absorptive abilities. Regarding this study's contribution to theoretical development, it expands the experiential learning literature to the area of entrepreneurship education, yielding results that suggest the identification and prioritization of an individual's trait of absorptive capacity in receiving an entrepreneurial education. Therefore, the new theoretical perspectives indicated in this study reveal that absorptive capacity could best be used in the primary and sub-criteria in the entrepreneurial learning processes. Regarding practical applications, the results of this study could help entrepreneurial educators and offer a better understanding of teaching method adoption in entrepreneurship education. Specifically, if entrepreneurship education is conducted after identifying and analyzing the major factors of students' adaptive skills, the effectiveness of the program will be significantly improved.

A case of design based research methodology to create curriculum for an entrepreneurial thinking course.

In light of complex social, environmental and economic challenges, business schools play a critical role in preparing students to become future leaders. Society will need responsible and ethical leaders who will address these challenges, think entrepreneurially, and find ways to create viable solutions in for-profit, social enterprise and not-for-profit organizations. After extensive consultation with students, employers, and community partners, the researchers recognized that entrepreneurial skills are essential in business, regardless of career path or entrepreneurial self-identity. Using design-based research methodology, a unique course on entrepreneurial thinking was developed and launched by a large Canadian university in 2014. The course is unique in three ways: it is a required course for all Bachelor of Commerce Students (rather than elective); it is entirely focused on skill development (rather than entrepreneurial identity or efficacy); and it is large scale, with over 800 students per year enrolled in the class. This paper demonstrates over seven years of curriculum creation and iteration using design-based research. The learning and results of this work are presented through a theoretical lens of a deviant case study. The paper examines the unique combination of pedagogical approaches that have been utilized in the class and demonstrates the large-scale impact from more than 6000 students completing this course to-date. The researchers have developed a curriculum, based on Kolb's experiential learning theory, which delivers entrepreneurial thinking skills to non-nascent entrepreneurs at scale. The skill development that takes place in the course has been validated by multiple stakeholder groups including students, faculty, community, and employers. The paper aims to share the findings with the community.