Experiential learning is a hands-on way to learn by doing. So, what is experiential learning actually? Direct experience and self-reflection practice are its key elements by definition and it is an approach to education that emphasizes it in order to facilitate greater understanding. The experiential learning theory developed by David A. Kolb describes this interactive process in detail. This theory shows us the kind of experiences that lead to learning when we bring our experiences together with some thoughtful analysis and experimentation.
Today, this theory is reshaping how we see learning and skill-building, so let’s take a look at this model.
David A. Kolb’s theory of learning is based on the idea that learning is driven by experience. Kolb was influenced by philosophers such as John Dewey and developed a framework that focused more on the process of learning than the result.
According to the Kolb experiential theory, there are four main steps: experiencing, reflecting, thinking, and acting - which create a continuous loop of growth.
Kolb’s ideas are not standalone. They are pretty much the same ideas that Dewey and many other thinkers agreed with – humans learn best when actively with the world. This mix of thinking, acting, and reflecting provides a practical and adaptable view of how this theory can be used in educational and professional settings.
John Dewey considered the father of experiential learning, believed education should involve doing and not just listening. He argued that students learn better when they work from real-life situations.
Building on Dewey’s ideas, Kolb formalized these ideas into a structured cycle that can be more easily applied in modern settings.
According to Kolb’s experiential learning cycle, learning is broken down into four interconnected stages. Each step builds on the last, helping learners solidify new skills and concepts.
This model guarantees that it's not a passive type of learning but rather a full circle of doing, thinking, and applying.
Learning starts with doing. This is the “hands-on” phase where you jump into an activity, like completing a project, leading a team, or experimenting in a lab. Basically, it's all about being in the moment and completely engaged in what you're doing.
Once the experience is done, it’s time to reflect. What happened? Why did it happen? It helps you reflect on the experience from various angles to see what worked, what did not, and what you could have done better.
In this phase, we bring each reflection to a connection of broader ideas or theories. For example, if you had worked on a team project you may want to consider leadership principles and how those played out. This stage transforms raw experiences into structured knowledge.
You take your new understanding and finally put it into action. You might even try a new strategy or change your way of thinking based on how things went in your previous projects. Once this step is done, it propels you back into the cycle of continuous learning.
When learning is tied to real-life experiences, it becomes a lot more meaningful. Kolb’s learning theory generates a system of learning where people can solve problems, adapt, and grow. By doing so, they not only gain knowledge but also develop practical skills.
The entire process of experiential learning begins with active participation and moves through reflection, theory-building, and experimentation. Understanding increases with each stage, making learning stick.
Experiential learning doesn’t mean only gaining knowledge. It’s also about using it effectively. Reflecting on experiences allows learners to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and apply them practically in the real world. This approach encourages innovation and adaptability.
Kolb’s learning styles model recognizes that not everyone learns the same way. This is based on his theory, that people may have different preferences of how they learn, whether that be hhands-onlearning or reflective analysis.
Kolb identified four main learning styles:
Knowing your learning style will help you build learning experiences that are more effective.
Experiential learning holds many benefits that extend beyond academics. Learning by doing helps learners master problem-solving skills, and develop confidence and flexibility. This approach is used widely in internships, corporate training, skill-based programs, etc. mainly because of its versatility.
The experiential learning cycle offers a framework not just for education, but for lifelong growth. Whether applied in academic programs, workplace training, or individual development, it equips people to navigate complexity by building knowledge through reflection and action.
For educational institutions designing curricula and learners navigating their early careers, this model remains a valuable guide for making learning stick and matter.