Discussion 1b – Kolb’s Learning Phases

Instructions

Designing live teaching sessions around an experiential learning phase is a technique for ensuring instruction intentionally supports diverse learning preferences and fosters deeper cognitive engagement.  Choose an experiential learning activity from the Experiential Learning Activities for Conflict Management list.  (Please choose one that no one else has selected. Include the activity number and title in the topic title.)  Then do the following:

1. Explain which Kolb learning phase it best supports and why:

• Concrete Experience (Feeling)

• Reflective Observation (Watching)

• Abstract Conceptualization (Thinking)

• Active Experimentation (Doing)

2. In your explanation, reflect on how each activity could help a learner develop skill or insight through that phase.

3. A criticism of Kolb's Learning Theory is that the course must be designed to meet learning objectives rather than based on being based on learning styles and preferences.  Comment on why you might opt for or decide against using this experiential learning method if you were teaching a class on Conflict Management.

4. Respond to at least 2 classmate posts. 

• Comment on one of their selected activities.
• State whether you would have chosen the same activity for that learning phase.
• If not, suggest an alternative activity and explain why you think it would be more effective.

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Experiential Learning Activities for Conflict Management

1. Practicing de-escalation techniques in real-time scenarios
2. Journaling about past conflicts and personal reactions
3. Watching conflict resolution videos and discussing takeaways
4. Role-playing common workplace conflicts
5. Diagramming conflict scenarios to break down root causes
6. Analyzing conflict resolution models (e.g., Thomas-Kilmann)
7. Facilitating mock mediation sessions with rotating roles
8. Sharing personal conflict experiences in pairs or groups
9. Silent observation of role-play exercises before discussion
10. Debating different conflict resolution approaches based on research
11. Engaging in rapid problem-solving challenges to resolve conflicts
12. Case study storytelling, focusing on emotions and perspectives
13. Interview a classmate about a difficult conflict they resolved
14. Create a visual model or framework for resolving a specific type of conflict.
15. Design and deliver a 5-minute peer-teaching session demonstrating a conflict resolution strategy.
16. Create a timeline of a conflict and identify key turning points.
17. Engage in a live group task to surface conflict and navigate it in real time.