Kolb’s model suggests that learning occurs through a process that begins with a concrete experience that leads to reflective observation about the experience. The next stage is abstract conceptualization, in which people apply models, paradigms, strategies and constructs to the results of the experience. Active experimentation concludes the cycle as the concepts are then put into practice, thus generating a new concrete experience.

Think of an experience that relates to two chosen class concept(s). It should be an experience that you would like to understand better (e.g., there was something about it that you do not understand that intrigues you, that made you realize that you lacked certain skills or that was problematical or significant for you). The experience must be substantial enough to take it through the entire learning cycle. The incident does not have to take place at work. An incident in any setting that relates to the course topics is acceptable.

Some of the concepts that you could chose include: the psychological contract; changing employment relationship; a previous learning experience; a social perception experience, e.g. stereotyping; a personality-related experience or a work-related motivation (or lack thereof).

Elements of the PAA

Briefly describe what happens in the experience. A simple description of the events that occurred is not sufficient. The feelings experienced by you as well as you thoughts and perception during the experience are relevant. The CE section possesses both objective and subjective components. The objective part presents the facts of the experience, like a newspaper account , without an attempt to analyze the content. The subjective part is the “here and now” personal experience of the event. This experience is composed of feeling, perceptions and thoughts. Avoid reporting feelings and thought experienced after the event.

Ask yourself, what did I observe in the experience and what possible meanings could these observations have? The key task here is to gather as many observations as possible by observing the experience from different points of view. The main skill to work on is perspective taking or “re-framing.” Look beneath the surface and try to explain why the people involved behaved the way they did. Reflect on these observations to discover the personal meaning that the event had for you. Try to figure out why people, and you in particular, behaved as they did. If you write about a conflict or interaction, be sure to analyze both sides and put yourself in the shoes of the other people involved.

By relating assigned reading and class discussions to what you experienced, you are demonstrating your ability to understand conceptually abstract material through your experiences. Use at least two concepts or theories. Provide the source for each reference. First, briefly define the concepts or theory as you would for someone who was not familiar with it. Next, apply the concept thoroughly to your experience. Does the experience support or refute the theory? Avoid merely providing a book report of what you have read – you should discuss how you see concepts and theories relating to your experience.

This section should summarize the practical lesions you have learned and the action steps you will take to make you more effective in the future. These ideas can be stated in the form of rules of thumb or action resolutions. You should elaborate in detail how you see your action ideas being carried out. Be specific and thorough. Include at least one action resolution that is based on new knowledge that you have gained as a result of writing the paper. That is, if you were to relive your experience, what would you do differently? Label any action steps, e.g., “First,..” Second.

Explain the following

Decide on the “plot” for your paper and outline what information is needed in each section to carry that plot throughout.

Label each section.

Transitions are important to make the paper flow.