Reflective Reflection

The Kolb Learning Cycle identifies four stages of experiential learning.  The theory posits that the cycle can be entered at any stage, but that all four stages must be observed, in sequence, for learning to be successful.

I recently used the mind-mapping tool available here to reflect on the question of reflective learning.  In doing so, I realised that it is not only a useful resource for the teacher, in presenting information clearly and simply to a group, but also that students could employ the tool to boost their own reflective learning in the classroom.  Wouldn’t it aid Kolb’s ‘reflective observation’ stage if, following a lesson, students created from memory a mind-map of the information they could recall?     

And incidentally haven’t I, in creating this blog post, embarked on a little reflective or experiential learning of my own?  I have encountered new technological tools, I have experimented with their functions, and I have put my learning into practice.  The act of considering reflective learning has in turn brought about an instance of reflective learning – isn’t that a neat demonstration of Kolb’s theory!

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