Kolb's experiential learning cycle as the pedagogical basis for an engineering learning module¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 1 claim (1 mixed) · 1 study (1 review), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The article adopts Kolb's experiential learning theory (ELT) as the fundamental pedagogy of a Heat Transfer learning module. The model depicts "two related modes of grasping experience (Concrete Experince and Abstract Conceptualization) and two related models of transforming experience (Reflective Observation and Active Experimentation)", forming a four-stage cycle that begins with concrete experience and ends with active experimentation, in which students transfer generated knowledge into practicum.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Students must actively engage rather than learn by watching or reading; the cycle requires verbalization and discussion between teacher and students at the reflective observation stage

Constraints¶

• The article applies the cycle to a course with no hands-on laboratory facility, using FEA software in place of laboratory work

Target Learners¶

• first-year mechanical engineering education students (pre-service vocational school teachers)

Target Learning Objectives¶

• understanding of basic engineering concepts in heat transfer
• conceptual change in difficult mathematical concepts

Claims¶

• Learning styles measured by Kolb's inventory showed no significant change over one year of varied instruction [~W]

Related Theories¶

• Kolb's four-stage experiential learning cycle as the structural spine of case-based curriculum
• Kolb's four-stage experiential learning model and its four learning style categories
• Experiential Learning Theory
• Kolb's experiential learning theory: knowledge created through transformation of experience via a four-stage cycle

Examples¶

• Evaluate and assess experiential learning modules longitudinally to build pre-service teachers' pedagogical skills
• ANSYS Workbench commercial FEA software as a learning aid for heat transfer concepts
• Six-part section structure for FEA-based experiential learning modules

Key Sources¶

• Widiastuti, I. & Budiyanto, C. W. (2018). Applying an Experiential Learning Cycle with the Aid of Finite Element Analysis in Engineering Education. Journal of Turkish Science Education.