Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a powerful and proven approach to teaching and learning that is based on one incontrovertible reality: people learn best through experience.

Experiential Learning, 2nd Edition builds on the intellectual origins of experiential learning as defined by figures such as John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, Jean Piaget, and L.S. Vygotsky, while also reflecting three full decades of research and practice.

Kolb models the underlying structures of the learning process based on the latest insights in psychology, philosophy, and physiology. Building on his comprehensive structural model, he offers an exceptionally useful typology of individual learning styles and corresponding structures of knowledge in different academic disciplines and careers. Kolb also applies experiential learning to higher education and lifelong learning, especially with regard to adult education.

This edition reviews recent applications and uses of experiential learning, updates Kolb's framework to address the current organisational and educational landscape, and features current examples of experiential learning both in the field and in the classroom. It will be an indispensable resource for everyone who wants to promote more effective learning: in higher education, training, organisational development, lifelong learning environments, and online.

David A. Kolb is the Chairman of Experience Based Learning Systems (EBLS), an organization that he founded in 1980 to advance research and practice on experiential learning. EBLS conducts basic research on Experiential Learning Theory and has developed many experiential exercises and self-assessment instruments including the latest Kolb Learning Style Inventory 4.0. The EBLS program of research on experiential learning is ongoing in collaboration with an international network of researchers, practitioners and learning partners.

He received his BA in psychology, philosophy, and religion at Knox College and his Ph.D. in social psychology from Harvard University. He was a professor of organizational behavior and management at the MIT Sloan School of Management and at the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, where he is currently Emeritus Professor of Organizational Behavior.

He is best known for his research on experiential learning and learning styles described in this book, Experiential Learning: Experience as the Source of Learning and Development. Other books include Conversational Learning: An Experiential Approach to Knowledge Creation, Innovation in Professional Education: Steps on a Journey from Teaching to Learning, and Organizational Behavior: An Experiential Approach. In addition, he has authored many journal articles and book chapters on experiential learning.

David A. Kolb has received several research recognition awards and four honorary degrees recognizing his contributions to experiential learning in higher education.

For more information about his work, go to

David A. Kolb''s Definitive Statement of Experiential Learning Theory (ELT): Reflecting 30 Years of New Research and Theoretical Advances A complete structural model of learning, integrating modern insights from psychology, philosophy, and physiology Ranges from ELT''s history to its newest applications in higher education and lifelong learning Introduces the powerful nine-style Kolb Learning Style Inventory 4.0 with assessment of learning flexibility In this revised edition of Experiential Learning , David A. Kolb offers the most complete and up-to-date statement of Experiential Learning Theory (ELT), an approach that has shaped the fields of human learning and development for decades. Kolb adds new research and reflections at the end of each chapter, preserving his original theory while illuminating key advances and theoretical issues raised during the past 30 years. After reviewing ELT''s historical roots, Kolb turns to contemporary applications in education, organization and management development, and adult learning. Next, he introduces a structured model of the learning process based on two key dimensions: prehension and transformation . Kolb explores new linkages between ELT and modern research into neuroscience, learning styles, and personal types; and introduces his improved Kolb Learning Style Inventory 4.0 assessment. Finally, he shares important new insights into adult development, specialization in higher education, and integrative development for lifelong learning. Experiential learning is a singularly powerful approach to teaching and learning that is based on the fact that people learn best through experience. Now, in this extensively updated book, David A. Kolb offers the most complete and up-to-date statement of the theory of experiential learning and its modern applications in education, work, and adult development. Experiential Learning , Second Edition builds on intellectual origins defined by figures such as William James, John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, Jean Piaget, and L. S. Vygotsky, while also reflecting three full decades of research and practice since the classic first edition. Kolb models underlying structures of learning based on the latest insights in psychology, philosophy, and physiology. Building on a comprehensive learning cycle model, he offers an exceptionally useful typology of nine individual learning styles, and corresponding structures of knowledge in diverse academic disciplines and careers. He also applies experiential learning to higher education and lifelong learning, especially with regard to adult education. This edition reviews recent applications of experiential learning, updates Kolb''s framework for today''s organizational and educational landscape, and features new examples in the field and classroom. It will be valuable for anyone who wants to improve learning anywhere : in higher education, training, organizational development, lifelong learning environments, and online. New reflections on the roots, history, and future of ELT Progress on the trail blazed by James, Dewey, Follett, and Vygotsky Learning cycles and learning spirals: a dynamic view of human learning Learning by resolving the dual dialectics of action/reflection and experience/abstraction Nine learning styles: the Kolb Learning Style Inventory 4.0 Reliably identifying learning styles and learning flexibility based on 30+ years of empirical and clinical research Becoming an experiential educator Finding a better way to help learners learn

Experiential learning is a powerful and proven approach to teaching and learning that is based on one incontrovertible reality: people learn best through experience. Now, in this extensively updated book, David A. Kolb offers a systematic and up-to-date statement of the theory of experiential learning and its modern applications to education, work, and adult development. Experiential Learning, Second Edition builds on the intellectual origins of experiential learning as defined by figures such as John Dewey, Kurt Lewin, Jean Piaget, and L.S. Vygotsky, while also reflecting three full decades of research and practice since the classic first edition. Kolb models the underlying structures of the learning process based on the latest insights in psychology, philosophy, and physiology. Building on his comprehensive structural model, he offers an exceptionally useful typology of individual learning styles and corresponding structures of knowledge in different academic disciplines and careers. Kolb also applies experiential learning to higher education and lifelong learning, especially with regard to adult education. This edition reviews recent applications and uses of experiential learning, updates Kolb's framework to address the current organizational and educational landscape, and features current examples of experiential learning both in the field and in the classroom. It will be an indispensable resource for everyone who wants to promote more effective learning: in higher education, training, organizational development, lifelong learning environments, and online.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.