Kolb’s Reflective Cycle: A Research Methodology

This article discusses Kolb’s Reflective Cycle as a research methodology for effective completion of research projects. It explains the stages of the cycle, including Concrete Experience, Reflection Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation. The article also highlights the benefits of using this methodology for personal growth and development.

Research Methods

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
Kolb’s Reflective Cycle........................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

Introduction
Research could be determined as systematic procedure of investigation in order to acquire
required information or knowledge in order to contribute additional knowledge to the determined
subject matter. Kolb’s Reflective Cycle has been taken into account for carrying out the
mentioned reflective writing in order to complete the same in the desired manner. In addition to
that, it is also termed experimental learning comprised of different steps or stages which
facilitate carrying out the practice of reflective practice in an effective manner (Kolb, and Kolb,
2018).
MAIN BODY
Kolb’s Reflective Cycle
Concrete Experience
Referring to the conducted research, I was engaged in acquiring required information and
knowledge based on employee turnover in the context of respective business organizations i.e.,
Marks & Spencer. For instance, I have gone through various different steps of acquiring
information and knowledge in order to accomplish the determined research based on employee
turnover. I have learned that increasing employee turnover impact respective business
organization in a negative manner as employees leave workplaces or organizations according to
their own purpose or concerns. Furthermore, the initial stage of research was comprised of
framing a proposal to conduct the overall research with consideration of all the necessary factors
and aspects.
The primary and major aim behind conducting this particular research lies in
improvisations and enhancement of my academic skills, especially research skills. In order to be
precise, I am aimed at contributing maximum efforts towards my personal growth and
development with effective learning practices in order to ensure upright career development in
the future. Moreover, all these aspects considered in conducting the mentioned research were
thought to be contributing added value to my personal growth and development. Throughout the
research, I have undergone various different situations which encompassed different activities
and practices which further facilitates in completion of the overall research.
Reflection Observation

In the initial step, I explored the subject matter with all the available data or information
regarding Employee turnover (Ramos-Mejía and et.al.,2018). For instance, it included a brief
description of the Concept, impact upon the respective organization, factors or aspects associated
with the same, etc. This classification of information further allowed me to carry out the
determined research in a systematic manner in order to ensure effective as well as efficient
completion of the same. In addition to that, I considered the use of secondary sources of data in
order to acquire the same in lesser time and cost as it is directly available over the internet.
Though I faced issues in searching for the data in the initial stage, still I was aimed at
consistent efforts towards prevention of the same. For instance, initiating consistent efforts
facilitated me in learning the meaningful concept of acquiring information and conducting
research. In addition to that, I looked out for relevant data over the internet over available
websites of companies as well as general articles in order to enhance my personal understanding.
Furthermore, these efforts have allowed me to be determined at the accomplishment of desired
goals and objectives with the completion of the project up to desired standards.
Abstract Conceptualization
It is considered to be the third step in the experience that helped in producing a new idea
for the concept in order to make the sense of experience (Topping, 2018). The main target of this
stage is to generate such concepts which can be applied in the future course of the period. Under
this stage, it has been abstracted by me the concept of staff turnover and the various issues which
are faced by the chosen company in relation to staff turnover rates enhancement. The concepts
that are produced at this stage comprise the segment which is related to the employees who are
leaving firms in comparison to those newly join. With the help of this stage, I was able to
improve myself and in beginning, it was quite difficult as I tried to find new ways. But later on, I
took the help and guidance of my seniors that I got an understanding of new and innovative
ideas.
Active Experimentation
It is the final stage of Kolb's learning cycle and under this stage, I will apply the
decisions and research that I have learned in the previous stages regarding the concept of staff
turnover (Savicki, and Price, 2021). It can be concluded from the above stages that I got to know
about the many strategies for staff turnover rates and maximizing the commercial events. I have
also analyzed the issues and difficulties that are faced by the respective company for staff

turnover rates enhancement. In addition to this, it can also be said that there are various ways to
deal with such issues and such issues can be resolved by adopting mentioned strategies. Some of
my ideas work and some did not, due to that I got to learn a lot in the research.
CONCLUSION
From the above analysis, it can be said that by making use of Kolb’s reflective model, I
gained a lot of knowledge as I learned to review and analyze the various situations. As we
performed the tasks in groups with the aim of finishing the task, I learned the importance of
teamwork and I clearly understood my role and duties. During this experience, I understood that
teamwork is not an easy task and our mentors helped us to illustrate the duties and tasks which
were required in the task completion. With the help of this research, I got to know about the
research onion and its stages which comprises various stages and steps.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Kolb, A. and Kolb, D., 2018. Eight important things to know about the experiential learning
cycle. Australian educational leader, 40(3), pp.8-14.
Matsuo, M. and Nagata, M., 2020. A revised model of experiential learning with a debriefing
checklist. International Journal of Training and Development, 24(2), pp.144-153.
Mulryan-Kyne, C., 2021. Supporting reflection and reflective practice in an initial teacher
education programme: An exploratory study. European Journal of Teacher
Education, 44(4), pp.502-519.
Savicki, V. and Price, M.V., 2021. Reflection in transformative learning: The challenge of
measurement. Journal of Transformative Education, 19(4), pp.366-382.
Topping, K.J., 2018. Using peer assessment to inspire reflection and learning. Routledge.
Ramos-Mejía, M., Jauregui-Becker, J.M., Koers-Stuiver, M. and Franco-Garcia, M.L., 2018.
Cycles of action and reflection as the basis of transformative innovation. Management research
review.