Learning can be defined as the acquisition of abstract concepts that can be applied in real life situations. Experience plays an important role in this learning process.
Learning can be defined as the acquisition of abstract concepts that can be applied in real-life situations. Experience plays an important role in this learning process.
The learning cycle of Kolb was developed in 1984 by David Kolb and shows how an effective experiential learning process can be designed. The cycle consists of four steps:
Using Kolb’s model for designing a course forces you to design activities according to the steps in the learning cycle. This is powerful because it addresses different learning styles. And people are very different in their learning style. Kolb describes four dominant learning styles which are always a combination of two learning preferences on two dimensions:
“Feeling versus thinking” and “watching versus doing”
Every learner will score differently on these two important dimensions of learning:
In designing a course with the business games created by Inchainge, Kolb’s learning cycle is a powerful model. Below we explain all the steps in the learning cycle and how they work in our business simulation games:
After this the team is ready for a next learning cycle, starting again with a round of decisions in the business game. A training is typically designed to go through this cycle three to six times. Every cycle a new topic or learning objective can be highlighted and a new round in the business game will be played.
As explained in “The Magic Circle: Principles of Gaming & Simulation”, by Jan H. G. Klabbers (2009), in this game approach we actually have two learning cycles: the macro and micro cycle. The macro cycle is the Kolb learning cycle as described above. But there is also another one, the micro cycle. The micro cycle occurs during the experience within the business simulation game and within the team you play the game with. In this micro cycle the team members play a round in the business game. The cycle consists again of four steps:
In the micro cycle the learners learn from each other.
Now you have a clear understanding of the learning cycle and how Inchainge uses this cycle to facilitate its business simulation games. Do you want to learn more? Take a look at our page about experiential learning. Or, check out our business games!
Now you know everything about the learning cycle, Kolb’s model, and why to use it. You discovered that the learning cycle shows how an effective experiential learning process can be designed. In addition to Kolb’s macro cycle, Klabbers (2009) identifies a micro cycle in his ‘Magic Circle’ model. The micro cycle occurs within a learner’s team during the experience of a business game. Learners go through 4 steps allowing learners to learn from each other. A training consists of multiple learning cycles. In designing courses with Inchainge’s business games the learning cycle is a powerful model.
Experiential learning is a powerful way of education that fosters numerous benefits. We truly believe that going through an experience, will result in a better and longer lasting understanding. What is experiential learning exactly? And why should it be implemented? In this article, Inchainge discusses everything you need to know about experiential learning.
A high-performing value chain needs the collaboration of team members from across the organization. Tearing down silos and creating the right cross-functional mindset, however, can be a serious challenge. So, what do you need in order to achieve success? Ideally, you’d like your team to experiment with different scenarios wherein they learn to overcome various obstacles.
With technological advancements and changing circumstances, the need for alternatives to traditional face-to-face education is rising. Blended learning combines hard and soft, online and offline, and individual and group learning– the options hereby are endless! Inchainge’s business simulations lend themselves to many forms of blended learning, find out which one suits you best!
After studying Civil Engineering at Delft University of Technology, and a subsequent course in business administration, I have conducted a number of improvement projects at TPG. I have also occupied a logistics management position at the CPG production and distribution company Beiersdorf in Almere. My responsibilities during this period included optimizing stock management and production planning. I have also guided the streamlining and shortening of the product development process and a possible shift to production to order for part of the product range. After this management position, I made the transition to business consultancy in 1996. Besides managing a group of consultants, I was responsible for many improvement projects in the area of strategy, supply chain management, logistics and IT selection. In addition, I was an initiator and pioneer in the supply chain management field of expertise. During these years I have gained extensive experience in the food industry, construction supply, transport, shipbuilding and various wholesale organizations. As an Involvation partner I am involved in a large number of supply chain improvement projects. In addition, I am actively engaged in the development of new consultancy concepts and knowledge development. I live in Epe, with my wife, son and two daughters.