Applied Counseling Theory 2022

Applied counseling
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Name:
Title:
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Applied counseling
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Table of Contents
Kolb’s experimental learning theory...............................................................................................3
The experimental learning cycle......................................................................................................3
Learning styles.................................................................................................................................4
Roles of student counselor in higher education...............................................................................8
References........................................................................................................................................9

Applied counseling
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Kolb’s experimental learning theory
David A. Kolb developed Kolb's experimental learning theory and published the model in
1984. He drew his inspiration from a gestalt psychologist from Berlin by the name of Kurt
Lewin. Kolb's experimental learning theory works on two levels, that is; four separate learning
preferences which are based on a four-stage learning cycle. Thus, the model is exceptionally
outstanding as it gives both a means to understand different learning styles of individual people,
and also elaborates on the experimental learning cycle that applies to all individuals. Kolb noted
that learning entails the acquisition of concepts that are abstract and that can be flexibly applied
in a wide variety of situations. In the theory, new experiences are the main driver for the
development of new models. (Kaushik, 2017). The theory is thus explained as follows:
The experimental learning cycle
This theory encompasses the four-stage cycle, concrete experience, reflective
observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation elaborated as follows.
1. Concrete experience (CE)
This is a learning experience is whereby an individual gains knowledge from
encountering a new situation or experience, or the interpretation of an experience that already
exists. An example of this learning experience can be well elaborated in a novice manager or an
experienced manager in a new organization. (Fewster-Thuente, & Batteson, 2018).
2. Reflective observation (RO)
This is the second stage and takes place after having new experiences. In this stage, an
individual tends to relate past experiences and observations made from them to certain situations,