A Holistic Approach to Professional Development: Integrating Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory for Soft Skills Mastery

Abstract

Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory emerged as a foundational educational framework in higher education, offering a structured approach to design sessions and courses that encompass a complete learning cycle. The theory aligned specific phases of the cycle with varied learning styles, acknowledging the diverse preferences individuals have for learning. Recognizing these distinct learning styles constitute the initial stride in cultivating learners' awareness of alternative learning strategies. The research investigated the practical application of Kolb's theory within professional studies encompassing disciplines such as management, engineering, design, and law. Through a stage wise application of the theory, the research delved into how Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory effectively enhanced the understanding of soft skills. The objectives of the study were twofold: first, to understand the dominant learning styles of the mentioned professional courses and apply Kolb's Experiential Learning Model in a step-by-step process to teach and learn soft skills for each course, and second, to evaluate the effectiveness of the stage-wise application of Kolb's theory in understanding soft skills to the management learners for holistic student development, which could further be applied to other professional courses too. By integrating theory into practical scenarios stage by stage and in a cyclic way, educators and practitioners actively contribute to assimilation, thus paving the way for the holistic development of professional learners, equipping them with the soft skills necessary for success in their respective fields.