Identifying Needs: At this stage, I look at the cadets coming in to my class, I look at any special needs/requirements they may have, as well as taking note of their ability levels, and the overall purpose of my class which is to work them towards promotion to the next rate. I identify the new knowledge they need to progress, as well as any old knowledge they will need that I will have to revise with them.
Planning/Designing: During this stage of the learning cycle, I start to plan sessions, looking at what needs to be achieved during each session, and how I am going to successfully complete the session. I have to establish whether a session needs to be outside, what tools/training aids are needed and even which classroom within the unit I would be best using.
Facilitating: I then deliver the training, be it practically or in theory, ensuring I am as detailed as possible without overloading the class with new information.
Assessing: During the class, I continuously assess by checking understanding with questioning, culminating in a final formal assessment in the form of an assessment day, where all sections of the course are assessed and marked.
Evaluating: Once assessment has completed, I evaluate not only the students to see what revision is necessary, but also myself In the way of have I delivered all that’s needed, do I need to re plan sessions to ensure effective absorption of information.
Revising: In the final stage of Kolb’s learning cycle I then need to re iterate what has been taught, not only to ensure effective delivery and retention of knowledge, but also to refresh minds, remind them of what has been taught.
Kolb’s learning cycle is not only a beginning middle and end of a course, it also has to be used constantly. For instance, if a section of course is not being