As part of looking at each others work we applied Kolb’s learning cycle to an anonymous piece of a fellow classmates work, dividing it up into each section of the cycle. This was to inspire us to look at our own work in a reflective style allowing us to add any information that may have been left out.“The David Kolb styles model is based on the Experiential Learning Theory, as explained in David A. Kolb's book Experiential Learning: Experience as the source of learning and development (1984)[4]. The ELT model outlines two related approaches toward grasping experience: Concrete Experience and Abstract Conceptualization, as well as two related approaches toward transforming experience: Reflective Observation and Active Experimentation. According to Kolb’s model, the ideal learning process engages all four of these modes in response to situational demands. In order for learning to be effective, all four of these approaches must be incorporated. As individuals attempt to use all four approaches, however, they tend to develop strengths in one experience-grasping approach and one experience-transforming approach. The resulting learning styles are combinations of the individual’s preferred approaches.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_styles
I have tried to apply Kolb’s learning cycle to one of my own experiences. I have chosen a performance that I did in June for my Final Major Performance which was credited against my Foundation Degree. The piece was called “Horst Buchholz and Other Stories”.
Concrete Experience
I was chosen by the director to take part in this piece. The beginning of the piece was very well organised and we were able to get on with the piece very quickly and get a grip on the story. We often had read through sessions of the script which I feel helped however we may have done a little too much reading and not enough performing.
The piece had to be ready for the beginning of June to perform to a large audience, in order to achieve this piece to a high standard we had to work as a group and listen to each other especially the director - who unfortunately was one of the lazier members of our class which I why I think we slipped up a few times. As John (the director) tried to give direction and advise it was always taken with the attitude ’Why should I take direction from a person who has only turned up to about 25% of our lessons over the past year’ This attitude - which I think all members of the group had had a negative effect on the piece.
Reflective Observation
As the weeks went on and performance day grew closer each of us had to do something about our group dynamic. It was not that we did not get on as friends it was the challenge of working together on a professional level. We had to leave our petty squabbles at the door and get into rehearsal mode. I could feel myself taking over and getting very annoyed with all members of the group - this may have been because I was the only girl and the three boys I was working with have a very relaxed approach to life.
I feel that we were quickly able to establish the bad habits we were getting into due to keeping a log book throughout the piece. I kept my log book in a rough form and at the end of each week I would transfer the information onto my computer allowing me to read through the weeks developments of lack of depending on the work we had done. This was a really useful way of learning from mistakes and also learning what good had come out of doing things in certain ways. The information in my log book was also backed up by my tutor who blamed our slow development on our lack of communication, which was luckily resolved.
Abstract Conceptualisation
I have not yet been able to use my learning’s from this particular piece however as I have copies of my log book I will be able to use them in future. Although I have not been able to start a whole new project with the lessons I learnt from “Horst Buchholz and Other Stories” I was able to use them towards the end of the project. Each member of the group were able to find a middle ground and communicate any problems or positive feedback allowing us to work better as a group and also complete the piece successfully.
Active Experimentation
As I have noted previously I have been unable to use my learning for a whole project as of yet however I do feel from keeping my log book I was able to identify a lot of the problems we were having as a group and try and resolve them as we went on. I learnt so much from this project and learnt that everybody needs to make comprimises sometimes in order to work as a group you need to think as a group and allow each member their space to experiment with ideas and also encourage each other to develop ideas, this reflects well on the group and will enable you to develop your experiences.
Overall Kolb encouraged people to reflect on their work and learn from their mistakes, allowing yourself to reflect on your work allows us to develop a better insight to our own teaching techniques. Kolb’s cycles must be followed in sequence for successful learning to take place.
“The learner must make the link between the theory and action by planning, acting out, reflecting and relating it back to the theory.” http://www.ldu.leeds.ac.uk/ldu/sddu_multimedia/kolb/static_version.php
