Experiential Learning Cycle

Active experimentation -
our visioning and planning of new experiences as we take what we have learned and apply it to a new situation in our lives. Here is the place that we PLAN new ways of doing things. We often ask the question "Why not?" or "What next?" .

Abstract conceptualization-
our naming of particular experiences as we categorize organize, and make connections between what we have brought together and social systems that make up our worlds. Here is the place that we start to ANALYZE things and develop theory. We often ask the question - "Why?"

Concrete experience -
our history of personal experiences as we recall them through our bodies, our minds, our hearts, and our spirits. Here is the place that we DO things and develop our senses, our words, our emotions, our basic beliefs. We often ask the question "What?"

Reflective observation -
our conscious and unconscious awareness of our experience and the experience of others, as we step back from what happens and reflect from a less engaged position. Here is the place that we REFLECT on things and develop meaning and interpretation. We often ask the question "How?"



Action Research Design

  1. October-December 1991
    Drawing on past experience, reflection, and analysis, PLAN a woman. positive activity that makes sense within your program. Attend the first workshop to talk with others and gain information that will allow you to actively experiment in your own program.
  2. January-March 1992
    Using the plan as a framework, DO your woman-positive activity. Remain aware of your bodies, minds, hearts and spirits. Use the coordinating researcher's first visit to move further into reflection.
  3. April-June 1992
    Talking with others and writing about your experience, allow yourself to REFLECT on what you have experienced and observed. Attend the second workshop to talk with other women about their reflection, interpretation, and ideas for documentation.
  4. September-November 1992
    Using what you have learned from your own experience, develop your documentation and read the documentation developed by others. Attend the third workshop to collaborative ANALYZE what happened in the overall project


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