Learning Framework

Our mission for Cambridge Lakes Learning Center is to educate children by cultivating curiosity, challenging minds, and inspiring excellence through collaborative learning experiences.

Experiential Learning 

We are committed to providing the best learning experiences and opportunities for our students, in which they are challenged and grow through their academic journey. One proven framework we integrate into our learning practices and curriculum is David Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory, which explains how meaningful learning occurs through active experience, reflection, and deep cognitive engagement and application (Kolb, 2015).

Traditional VS. DEEP Learning

Most schools who follow state mandated curriculum follow similar traditional learning models. All students must receive a fixed academic experience to ensure consistent content distribution. 

David A. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory suggests individuals learn best when actively participating, thinking, understanding, and trying based on the learned. 

Kolb described learning as a four-step cycle. First, a person has a concrete experience, such as trying a new task, participating in an activity, or facing a real-life situation. Next, the learner engages in reflective observation, where they think about what happened and how it went. Then comes abstract conceptualization, where they make sense of the experience by forming ideas, explanations, or lessons. Finally, during active experimentation, they apply what they learned to a new situation to see if it works better next time.

Learning is a continuous, iterative process that deepens over time. Take cooking, for instance: A learner might first experience by trying a recipe. Next, they engage in reflection, considering what aspects were successful and what weren't. This leads to conceptualization, where they refine their understanding of the steps. Finally, they use experimentation, cooking again with these improvements, and the cycle continues.

In simple terms, Kolb’s theory says learning happens by doing, thinking about what you did, understanding it, and then trying again. This approach is widely used in education, job training, and professional development because it connects learning to real-world experience.

 

We inspire growth and learning for students, staff, and families through every experience. We achieve this by equipping our educators with the knowledge and resources to integrate new learning experiences into the curriculum, supported by reading, learning communities, instructional support, and professional development.

Bibliography and Additional Resources

Hattie, J. (2008). Visible learning: A synthesis of over 800 meta-analyses relating to achievement. Routledge.

Hoff, B., & Vance, S. (1982). The tao of pooh (p. 1). New York, NY: EP Dutton. 

Knight, J. (2007). Instructional coaching: A partnership approach to improving instruction. Corwin Press.

Kolb, D. A. (2015). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. FT press. 

Lemov, D. (2010). Teach like a champion: 49 techniques that put students on the path to college (K-12). John Wiley & Sons.

McLeod, S. (2017). Kolb’s learning styles and experiential learning cycle. Simply psychology, 5, 1-21.

Schmoker, M. (2018). Focus: Elevating the essentials to radically improve student learning. Ascd.

Zhao, Y. (2012). World class learners: Educating creative and entrepreneurial students. Corwin Press.