The Experiential Learning Cycle: How to Turn Theory into Practical and Meaningful Learning Activities

Hey there! Let’s chat about something we all want but sometimes struggle to put into practice: experiential learning. It’s an amazing approach that, when done right, transforms the learning experience. But the big question is: How do we move it from the land of theory into our actual teaching day?

Enter the experiential learning cycle. If you’ve ever read about Kolb’s theory, you’ve probably come across his famous learning cycle. But if you’re anything like me, you might’ve thought, “Okay, but how do I make this work in real life?” 

In this post, I’m going to break down the experiential learning cycle in a super-practical, step-by-step way so you can start using it in your classroom or homeschool today!

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WHAT IS THE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CYCLE?

First, a quick overview. Kolb's experiential learning cycle has four key stages:

1. Concrete Experience: Active, real-world learning where students do something.
2. Reflective Observation: Students think about the experience, asking questions like, “What just happened? What did I notice?”
3. Abstract Conceptualization: This is where they start making sense of it all. Students connect the dots between their experience and the bigger picture.
4. Active Experimentation: Finally, they apply what they’ve learned, testing new ideas or tweaking their approach next time around.

​That’s the theory. But how do you take this theory and turn it into action in your classroom or homeschool? Let’s dive into some practical ways to use the experiential learning cycle—complete with activities, projects, and real-world examples.

1. Start with an Active Experience (Concrete Experience)

The cycle begins with a real learning experience. This is the “doing” part. It is active learning, not passive. Here’s how you can kick things off:

• In the Classroom: Have students build something, conduct an experiment, visit a local business, or solve a real-world problem.
• For Homeschoolers: Think about cooking together, going on a nature walk, or volunteering at a local shelter.

​Tip: This stage works best through inquiry and direct involvement. Instead of watching a demo, have them jump in and do the activity themselves.

​2. Encourage Reflection (Reflective Observation)

After the experience, give students the chance to reflect on what just happened. This is an important part of the cycle that sometimes gets skipped, but it’s where the learning really starts to sink in.

• Ask open-ended questions: “What did you notice? What went well? What didn’t?”
• Use reflective journals: Have students jot down their thoughts or keep a running log of their learning experiences.
• Group discussions: Get students talking with their peers to share observations and compare experiences.

3. Make Connections (Abstract Conceptualization)

Now that they’ve done the activity and reflected on it, it’s time to connect the dots. This is where students start to really understand the “why” behind what they just did.

• Classroom ideas: After a science experiment, discuss the theory behind it. In a history lesson, explore the broader context of the events they’ve been studying.
• For Homeschoolers: Make those everyday learning moments meaningful. Did you bake together? Talk about the chemistry behind baking. Did you take a hike? Discuss the ecosystems they saw and how they work together.

​This stage helps students move from doing to actually understanding the concepts in a deeper way.

​4. Apply It! (Active Experimentation)

Here’s where the magic happens—students take what they’ve learned and apply it. This is the perfect moment for them to experiment with their new knowledge, try different approaches, and test ideas.

• Classroom project ideas: Have students tweak their original experiment, solve new problems, or come up with their own projects based on what they learned.
• For Homeschoolers: Encourage students to apply their knowledge to real life. Did you study economics? Have them plan a small business. Did you dive into art history? Have them create their own art inspired by what they learned.

​The more they experiment and play with their newfound knowledge, the deeper their understanding will become.

5. Create a Cycle! Keep Going

Here’s the beauty of the experiential learning cycle—it’s a cycle! When students finish one project or experiment, have them reflect on what they could do differently next time. Encourage them to think critically about their process and apply those lessons to future projects.
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The more students engage with the cycle, the more natural it will feel, and the more they’ll learn from each experience.

Real-Life Application: How to Incorporate the Experiential Learning Cycle Into Your Day

So, how can you use Kolb’s experiential learning cycle in your day-to-day teaching? Let’s break it down:

1. Pick an experiential learning activity: Whether it's a science experiment, a service learning project, or even a field trip, the key is to start with something hands-on.
2. Build in reflection time: Don’t skip this! Make space for your students to process what happened, either through discussion, journaling, or group reflection.
3. Connect the dots: Help your students see the bigger picture by discussing the why behind what they did. Bring in theory, real-world examples, or expert insights to deepen their understanding.
4. Encourage experimentation: Let students take what they’ve learned and run with it! Give them the freedom to tweak, test, and apply their knowledge in new ways.

Need Some Help? I’ve Got Just the Thing!

If you’re excited about using the experiential learning cycle but want a little help getting started, I’ve got the perfect resource for you -- The Experiential Learning Playbook: Transforming Lessons for Deeper Learning!

This free guide will walk you through Kolb’s experiential learning theory (don’t worry, it’s simpler than it sounds) and give you the tools to apply it in your classroom or homeschool. You’ll get:

• A benefits checklist to impress your stakeholders (and, hey, who doesn’t love a checklist?).
• A breakdown of experiential learning approaches that fit your teaching style.
• Ready-to-use templates to brainstorm and create your own activities.
• Two examples of experiential learning in action to get you started.

​By the end of the playbook, you’ll have everything you need to take experiential learning from theory to practice and turn your lessons into dynamic, student-centered experiences. Grab your free copy today!

Yes, sign me up!

The experiential learning cycle is more than just a theory—it’s a practical, active (not passive) approach that can transform your teaching. 

Experiential learning is taking the world by storm!

By focusing on real-world experiences, student reflection, and experimentation, you’ll create a learning environment where students are engaged, curious, and excited to learn.

Whether in a classroom or a homeschool setting, the experiential learning cycle is a game-changer.

​Ready to dive in? Download The Experiential Learning Playbook now and start transforming your lessons today!
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Before you take off, let us know your thoughts in the comments! How does this explanation of how to turn theory into practice resonate with you? Are you already doing experiential learning and didn’t even know it? What is a more teacher-centered learning activity that you could modify to be more experiential?

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