Four Stages of Kolb’s Reflective Cycle

Click a stage to reveal its definition and a practical example.

1

Concrete Experience

Doing & feeling in the moment

Taking part in a real event or situation.

2

Reflective Observation

Looking back & noticing

Stepping back to review what happened.

4

Active Experimentation

Trying out new actions

Testing changes and new ideas in practice.

3

Abstract Conceptualisation

Making sense & drawing conclusions

Turning reflection into general lessons.

Select a stage to explore
Kolb’s Reflective Cycle in Practice

Click any quadrant on the left to see:

  • ✔ A short definition of that stage
  • ✔ A practical example from a group presentation
  • ✔ How it links to feeling, thinking, knowing & doing
Four modes in this stage