Kolb's Learning Circle

In the 1970s, educator and psychologist David A. Kolb developed a model of experiential learning called the learning circle. This cycle describes the process of how people develop new skills and knowledge through their experiences.

The learning circle consists of four sequential phases:

1. Experience:
   In this phase, individuals gain direct experience, whether through hands-on activities, interactions, or real-life situations. In this process, new situations or challenges arise that form a basis for the entire learning process.
2. Observation and Reflection:
   After experience comes the phase of observation and reflection. Here, learners analyze their experiences, reflect on the impressions gained, and try to understand what happened in the specific experience. This phase promotes critical thinking and analysis of one's own actions.
3. Abstract Conceptualization:
   In this phase, learners try to develop abstract concepts and theories from their reflected experiences. They put the observed patterns into a larger context and try to identify principles and connections.
4. Active Experimentation:
   The last phase involves testing new ideas and theories in practice. Learners apply their abstract concepts in real-life situations and observe the results (e.g. a case interview situation). This allows them to test the effectiveness of the ideas developed and gain further experience, which can then be the start of a new learning circle.

Kolb derives four learning style types from this learning cycle (see also: 16 personalities test):

• Assimilator (Thinker)
• Converger (Decision-maker)
• Diverger (Discoverer)
• Accommodator (Doer)

Significance for the Management Consulting Industry

Kolb's learning circle has significant relevance in the management consulting industry. Consultants are constantly faced with new situations and challenges, whether analyzing business processes, developing strategies, or solving problems. By applying the learning circle, they can reflect on their own experiences, develop new concepts and experiment with them in different business contexts.

This approach enables consulting professionals to continuously learn, adapt to change, and find effective solutions for their clients. In addition, the model can also be used in trainings and workshops to promote effective learning among staff and support the application of new ideas in practice.

Overall, Kolb's learning circle provides a structured approach to continuous learning and the development of new skills. In the consulting industry, it helps transform professionals into agile and adaptable experts who are able to deliver innovative solutions to the ever-changing needs of their clientele.