MENTAL MODEL · M0350

Kolb's Experiential Learning Cycle

Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportCognitive Science

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

David Kolb's four-stage closed loop: concrete experience (doing), reflective observation (thinking), abstract conceptualization (understanding), and active experimentation (applying). Scaffolding role: - Learning completeness: Most people's learning is fragmented—either they only do without reviewing (having experience but no progress), or they only think without practicing (having high ideals but low ability). Only by completing all four steps can a complete cognitive upgrade be achieved.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Learning completeness: Most people's learning is fragmented—either they only do without reviewing (having experience but no progress), or they only think without practicing (having high ideals but low ability). Only by completing all four steps can a complete cognitive upgrade be achieved.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Kolb's experiential learning cycle posits that learning is a cycle around four stages: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation. Knowledge arises from experience, is elevated to theory through reflection, and then returns to practice for testing.

MINIMUM ACTION

In progress 0/5

Practice this model in one real situation:

First, gain concrete experience
then engage in reflective observation to identify patterns
form abstract concepts and hypotheses
test them through active experimentation
and return to experience to start the next cycle.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

Learning progress0%

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Source support: Explicit

link
en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolb%27s_experiential_learningZH · Explicit
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