The Kolb cycle is called one of the models that are used in the process of training adults (trainings, courses, schools). The name of David Kolb, a specialist in the psychological aspects of training, became known precisely because of the efficiency and effectiveness of the model he developed.
The theoretical basis of the technique
D. Kolb believed that learning as a process is a cycle or a kind of spiral, and its main components called the accumulation of personal experience with further pondering and reflection and, as a result, action.
Stages that a person goes through according to the Kolba technique:
- Basic level: a person has direct, specific experience in the issue that he plans to study.
- Stage of reflection or mental observation: here the student must ponder and analyze the knowledge that he possesses.
- The process of the emergence of an abstract concept or model: the stage of generalizing the information (experience) obtained and building a specific model. According to Kolb’s plan, this period of a study or training is intended to generate ideas, build relationships and add new information about how everything works (about patterns in the field being studied).
- Stage of active experiments: the final element of the lesson is checking how the created model or concept is applicable to specific situations. As a result, the student has a completely new experience. In the future, you can observe the closure of the cycle.
The Flask cycle: advantages and areas of application of the model
The described teaching method is considered one of the most effective and universal. It is interesting that the Kolb model can fit almost any person, because it is based on what the student already knows. That is why its use is so effective.
This method of organizing professional practical or academic knowledge and skills is used by the largest companies around the world. The Kolba cycle, used by personal growth trainers or teachers of advanced training courses, allows employees to use their potential to the fullest extent, as well as activate hidden opportunities and abilities.
Features specific to adult education
Unlike pedagogy, which considers the specifics of the child’s psyche in a learning environment, andragogy is the science of how a teacher and trainer should work with adults. The Kolba cycle involves the use of the basic principles of andragogy.
The difference between an “adult trainee” is the presence of a stable motivation to undergo trainings, training and self-development. This is not surprising, because many working people or businessmen are well aware that the new experience will help them more effectively find solutions to professional and personal problems.
In addition, referring to his experience, such a person benefits not only himself, but also other members of the group. Communication and exchange of information enrich the experience of each of them.
Follower D. Kolba: Model Optimization
The widespread Kolb cycle was developed and improved by Swedish training specialist Klas Mellander. Its cycle looks a little different and includes such components:
- Motivation (degree of susceptibility and psychological readiness).
- Information (the formation of information from transformed facts and available data).
- Processing (turning information into awareness and experience).
- The generation of conclusions (processing awareness and experience into knowledge).
- Use (practical application of knowledge, formation of skill and approach).
- Feedback factor (evaluation of results, their optimization and new thoughts).
This model pays more attention to the process of converting information received by students from a lecturer or trainer into skills that will be repeatedly applied in the future.
The Kolba cycle in training: structure of the lesson
A model that allows you to effectively train adults has found application in the field of personnel management. Most of the trainings aimed at improving the level of qualification or teaching employees new skills are structured as follows:
- 10% of the duration of the educational process: identifying the motivation of those present, arguing the value of this course (updating the course). This kind of introduction allows students to be interested, focus on the topic of training, and also indicate the benefit or necessity of the material presented. A correctly conducted first stage largely determines the success of training in general. Motivation can be formed with the help of case studies, challenge exercises, indicating to participants that they do not have the skills and experience necessary in specific situations. This is the most important tool that the Flask cycle offers. The following example can be cited: at a training in business communication and negotiating, the coach deliberately provokes a conflict between the participants, showing them how imperfect their communication abilities and ability to analyze non-verbal signals of the interlocutor are.
- 20% of the training: the process of consolidating and repeating what has already been learned in the lesson. This part of the training allows those present to form a consistent logical structure of skills from unsystematized information.
- 50% of the educational process: submission and clarification of new information. This stage is most important, as students gain new skills, knowledge and techniques that they will need to solve the tasks set at the beginning of the training.
- 10% of the time: evaluation of the work done. Here, the trainer evaluates the degree and completeness of the knowledge acquired by the participants. In the assessment process, the teacher should proceed from the principles of visibility, justice and objectivity. This is the only way assessment can stimulate the audience to further learning. Grades do not have to be given by a trainer, this can be done by each student or team.
- 10% of the training: conclusions. This is the stage at which the trainer receives information from students (reviews, comments, suggestions for improving the educational process). The last task of the teacher can be called the formation of the audience's motivation for further independent study of the material.
Adapting a model for teaching children
To use this model, students must have minimal skills in any field and have a desire to develop them. Since children are usually taught from scratch, the Kolb cycle is not often used in the process of pedagogy. An example for a kindergarten may be as follows:
- Demonstration of beautiful crafts made of plasticine.
- An appeal to what children already know how to do with this material.
- Illustration of the algorithm for making crafts.
- Comparison of works, their assessment.
- Questions from the teacher about what exactly the children liked.
The main danger that lies in wait for trainers and teachers using the Kolb cycle is the high risk of demotivation and the possibility of reducing the self-esteem of employees or students (if the experience gained during the lesson is frankly unsuccessful). For this reason, the trainer must be extremely patient and prudent. Using this method, you need to know the rules of criticism and monitor feedback.