Experiential Learning Theory: They didnt teach THAT in library school

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Experiential Learning Theory They didnt teach
THAT in library school

• February 3, 2005
• Jane Burpee, Library
• Peter Wolf, Teaching Support Services
• University of Guelph

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The Cycle of Learning
Concrete Experience (experiencing)
-Learning from specific experience -Relating to
people -Being sensitive to feelings
-Observing non-judgmentally -Viewing diverse
perspectives -Looking for meaning
-Getting things done -Risk taking -Influence thru
action
Active Experimentation (doing)
Reflective Observation (reflecting)
-Logically analyzing -Systematic Planning Acting
on Intellectual understanding
Abstract Conceptualization (thinking)
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Learning Style Characteristics
EXPERIENCING
-Intuitive -Risk taker -Action-oriented -At
ease with people -Can be impatient -Like new
experiences -If plans/theory doesnt work, toss
Diverging
Accommodating
-Imaginative -Emotional -Broad interests -At ease
with people -Views concrete from different
perspectives
REFLECTING
DOING
-Practical application of ideas -Integrates
disparate observations -Concerned with abstract
concepts - Theory - logical/ precise

• -Creates theoretical
• models
• Not concerned with
• application
• At ease with
• concepts
• Logical

Converging
Assimilating
THINKING
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Learning Styles Activities
Active
EXPERIENCING
Direct experience Lab Simulation Lecture
example
Accommodating WHAT IF? Hands off
Diverging WHY? Motivator
Fieldwork Cases Labs
Examples
Passive
Discussions Journals Reflection Brainstorming

DOING
REFLECTING
Model building exercises Assignment
proposals Text readings Lecture analogies
Assimilating WHAT? Expert
Converging HOW? Coach
THINKING
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Learning Styles

• Make a list/describe characteristics of your
  favourite course or learning experience.
• What did it look like?
• What type of learning took place?
• What was the structure of the course/experience?
• What made it so valuable?
• What else...?

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Learning Styles Application 2nd year biology
assignment

• Students are required to conduct term paper
  research, doing everything EXCEPT writing it.
  Students will submit
• Clearly defined topic
• Annotated bibliography of 5 related refereed
  sources
• Outline of paper
• Thesis statement
• Opening paragraph and summary

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Learning Styles Application 3rd year psych
assignment

• Students research a self-selected topic and
  present it as a poster which other students will
  use to learn about the topic.

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Learning Styles Application 1st year philosophy

• You have been asked to give a general session on
  the Library...

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Experiential Learning Theory They didnt teach
THAT in library school

• February 3, 2005
• Jane Burpee, Library
• Peter Wolf, Teaching Support Services
• University of Guelph

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Learning Style Kites

• Which one is most like your kite?