Few people have considered what learning is or examined their own approach to learning. Kay will make the process of learning explicit using the Experiential Learning Cycle, a four-step process of Experiencing, Reflecting, Thinking, and Acting that is simple, but not easy. Since the cycle contains pairs of opposites--experiencing and thinking; reflecting and acting —few people find that they are automatically able to manage all these ways of learning with equal ease.
Coaches will identify their own preferred approach to learning-- a learning style--and examine its consequences for their life and coaching practice. Learning styles are habits of learning, not traits or pigeonholes. Each style brings its own joys and satisfactions, presents its own challenges, and brings the learner to a different place. Coaches will be encouraged to recognize their own style and the styles of friends, family and coachees. Understanding learning style helps coaches to assess their preferences, strengths, and challenges. Because each of the learning styles has an upside and downside, it is important to identify the learning styles one uses and those one avoids. Recognizing the different learning styles of others can illuminate the communication problems that arise when a colleague or client is coming from a different place. It can bring the synergy that occurs when a partner’s strengths cover one’s weaknesses and vice versa. Finally, coaches will be introduced to the concept of learning flexibility, the ability to use all learning styles to meet situations more effectively. They will leave with an appreciation for the benefits of developing learning flexibility as a means of selftransformation
and growth for them and their clients.
Session Objectives:
1. Examine the ideal process of learning from experience
2. Assess one’s own learning style preference
3. Identify the strengths and challenges of the learning styles
4. Link learning style to coaching effectiveness and client connection
Participants will earn 1 Core Competency and .5 Resource Development CCEs for attending this webinar.
Kay Peterson is the founder of the Institute for Experiential Learning, a global service organization committed to developing whole, integrated people who are capable of dealing with the world’s most challenging dilemmas.
Kay’s goal is to put Experiential Learning on the agenda of every team and organizational change and development effort and anyone looking to enact personal change. Together with David A. Kolb, Kay has developed a broad array of programs and materials that promote Experiential Learning and learning flexibility in individuals, teams, and organizations. Kay’s research on learning flexibility is contributing to the already vast body of evidence about the power of learning to transform lives.
Kay earned a BS from Vanderbilt University, an MS-POD and a MBA from Case Western Reserve University. In addition, she holds an MN from Emory University. She is a Board Certified Coach, Professional Certified Coach, a Gestalt Professional Certified Coach, and a member of the Forbes Coaches Council. She co-authored with David A. Kolb the books How You Learn Is How You Live: Using Nine Ways of Learning to Transform Your Life and the companion Personal Development Guide. Her work in experiential learning has been published in HBR Guides to Coaching Your Employees, OD Practitioner, and the Journal of Experiential Learning.
For more information, go to www.experientiallearninginstitute.org.