Kolbs Learning Cycle
I have been reading through the handbook again today, trying to organise my thoughts and I re-read the section about ‘Kolbs leaning cycle’. Instead of just skimming over the text (which I can be a culprit of) I tried to think about an experience I have had, where I have unknowingly at the time, followed this learning cycle and asked myself which section I started at…
Below is a diagram of how the cycle works
Image taken from-Skillshub.com. 2020. What Are KOLB’S Learning Styles And What Do They Mean? - Skillshub.Com. [online] Available at: <https://www.skillshub.com/what-are-kolbs-learning-styles/> [Accessed 16 October 2020].
I want to relate this to an experience I had learning a new lift on a job. My dance partner on this occasion was my fiancé Rodney; so I already felt safe and trusting and we have danced together before. My partner is very experienced with lifting and partner work and although I have had lots of experience too, I have also dealt with some weak male partners in the past and have been dropped before. Therefore, the worry is always slightly there. Also secretly me and my partner can argue about partnering each other, I think its because theres no filter and we like to blame each other. BUT we love it really!
The teacher said, “can you do a star lift, into the transitional lift around the world and finish in a fish lift”. My brain automatically went into overdrive and I started to panic. I didn’t want to feel stupid in front of the director, as she is an intimidating lady at the best of times and this was a duet I would love to have!
I asked if she had any footage of the lift. Although my partner was nodding in confidence that he understood, I was pretty confused. That's when I realised I came into the 'Kolbs Learning Cycle' at ‘Reflective observation’. I needed to visualise what was going on before I could attempt anything.
I then had to work out the process in my head and think about my placement and what I was going to be doing with my body. This related to the ‘abstract conceptualisation’ stage.
When I finally felt confident enough to attempt the lifts, this then put me into the ‘active experimental’ section of the cycle as I was now able to try out what I had discovered.
Then I was able to fully learn from the “concrete experience”. I was able to keep attempting the lifts and keep learning from our mistakes!
Its important with any pas de deux work, to both be on the same page and both understand the task at hand. Otherwise it can be extremely dangerous and can cause both dancers bad injuries when lifts go wrong!
I certainly prefer to always visualise something before I attempt it myself, because that way I can fully process what I should do. Also by watching other couples attempt lifts, I normally like to step back and analyse and reflect on why something is or isn’t working.
To end the story, we did get the duet and had a whole contract of passion and niggling at each other, but I guess thats what kept it interesting hey.
Hi Emily, what a lovely story you have shared! I think it is so lovely that you can share these moments with your fiancé and that you have built this trust in each other. I also like to visualise before I attempt certain techniques, especially when it comes to dance and pas de deux. I think that some moves can seem quite daunting, but there is comfort in observing and noticing what needs implementing, as well as knowing that it is actually possible. x
ReplyDeleteAww Thanks Alice! Yes its so lovely to be able to travel and share our job! Yes me too, I always feel like if I don't feel fully confident and commit when attempting a lift Ill either hurt myself or the boy! I think although I am a kinaesthetic learner, I certainly am a visual learner too :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I just watched the TedTalk you have shared below, very interesting! x
DeleteHi Emily, I read this the other day but doesn't look like my comment posted! Weird.
ReplyDeleteAnyways- as you said on my blog you have also worked out you are a visual learner... but I also believe that we can be more than one... just in different situations. And generally our brains will take over with the risk that will outweigh your fear! So for instance, if you didn't know how to open a door you would most probably just do it without having to watch it first, where as something like driving a car you would need to be taught. So I think there is place and times for all types of learning types x
I like your examples, I actually watched a TED talk the other day about a lady saying she doesn't agree with pinpointing types of learning and it was very interesting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=855Now8h5Rs give it a watch if you fancy :)
DeleteHi Emily, I loved reading this! I have just been reading over Kolb's learning cycle and so it was so helpful and interesting to read how you implemented it in partner work and were able to reflect on this. I am definitely the same in I like to see a lift done before attempting, but in college I was sometimes used as the 'tester girl' to work out a lift our teacher wanted to do. I think that would mean I came in at Active Experimentation. Fortunately I love being thrown in the air so didn't mind too much that that's how we were learning! x
ReplyDeleteHello Emily! i am currently on Module 1 and just doing some exploring to try and inspire my learning. I really love this blog and its been really helpful as I am currently looking into learning styles and am watching the link you have posted in the comments regarding learning styles as i have found myself questioning my learning style and I was feeling that in different situations I would enter at different stages based on the task at hand!
ReplyDeleteI look forward to exploring some more of your past blogs they have been a real help !
H x