Kolb reflective model (1984)

Kolb’s reflective model is known as “experiential learning”. Learners are encouraged to actively experiment with their practice. A learner can use reflection to formulate theories about their learning. They can then test out those theories to see what the new outcome is; this should result in a new experience.

This model is particularly useful if you are likely to experience a similar set of circumstances again, so that you can more easily test the findings of your reflection.

In some reflective assignments, it's not always possible to 'experiment' and try out the experience again to see what you have learned. In that case, the final stage of the reflection should be on planning for next time. 

 

Kolb's reflective model. There are 4 stages. Concrete Experience. Reflective Observation. Abstract Conceptualisation and Active Experimentation

 

 

In this video, a specific example of reflection (writing up an experiment) is taken around the Kolb model: