Reflective writing

1
 Experiential Learning Cycle

Concrete Experience

Active Reflective
Experimentation Observation

Abstract
Conceptualisation

John Batros 2
 Kolbs Experiential Learning Cycle
> Concrete Experience
What did I see, hear or feel?
> Reflective Observation
What do my observations mean?
> Abstract Conceptualisation
What theory arises from these meanings?
> Active Experimentation
What will I/we do differently?

John Batros 3
 Analytical diary (Smith 1992)
> Description of the experience
Describe what occurred
> Detailed observation
What I observed about the experience, about my own
feelings and behaviours, what others observed about the
experience
> Analyse, systematize, synthesize, conceptualise
How do the observations relate to my expectations? How
do they relate to formal theories or concepts? To my own
theories?
> Future behaviour
What are the implications for future behaviours?

4
References

> Hailstone, P 2008, How to write a Kolb paper, viewed 20

February 2008,
<http://www.researcheditwrite.com.au/foundationhrm/>
> Kolb, D, Osland J and Rubin I 1995, Organisational behaviour:
an experiential approach, Prentice Hall, NJ
> Smith, B 1992 Management development in Australia, Brace,
Harcourt and Janovich, Orlando, Florida