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Experiential Learning Essay Template

Experiential Learning Essay Template

Review this check list in prior to submitting your experiential learning essay. If you have completed all of the items listed below, you are ready to submit your essay. Keep in mind, your evaluator may still request additional material, however, the list below will guide in your essay submission preparations .Not adhering to these guidelines will cause a delay in processing.

**Review each of the items below and check if you have completed each of them:

1. I have selected an approved essay topic from the essay course descriptions page. http://www.phoenix.edu/admissions/prior_learning_assessment/experiential-essays/essay-topics.html

2. Some essays have specific experience requirements. I have checked the essay description and I meet all of the experience requirements listed.

3. I have written and included a 1,500 to 2,100 word autobiography; autobiography is only required with first Experiential Learning Essay, subsequent essays do not require additional autobiographies.

4. I have written an experiential essay eligible for 3 credits with a3,000 to 4,000 word count.

5. My essay is written in first person (1st) without references.

6. I have written to all four (4) areas of Kolb’s model of learning.

7. I have addressed all of the required subtopics in each of the four areas of Kolb’s model of learning.

8. I have included supporting documentation that validates my personal/professional experience with the essay course description/topic.

9. My essay is based on personal, life learning experiences, not based on research, history, or another individual’s learning experiences.

Kolb’s Model

Below is a description of Kolb’s Model. All experiential essays must be written following Kolb’s Model. Below you will find the four sections of Kolb’s Model, a brief description of the section, and a sample of how that section should be addressed. The samples are pulled from the sample essay found on the PLA website, and it is recommended that you review the sample essay for a more complete example of how to write an experiential essay in Kolb’s Model. The words on this page do not count toward the essay length requirement.

1. Description of Concrete Experience

Description: Concrete experience represents your personal participation with the people, places, activities, and events of an experience. You should describe your involvement relative to the experience, demonstrating the opportunity for learning.

Sample : My career in public relations started off as a staff assistant in the Public Information Office of a community college system. After two years of on-the-job training, I was promoted to the position of community relations officer.

2. Reflections

Description: Reflections represent your thinking and processing relative to the experience. You should demonstrate your learning by describing the knowledge, skills, and attitudes developed through the reflective process.

Sample : I have observed that some organizations are very good at garnering free publicity. They appear at local events and frequently appear as experts in television and newspaper interviews.

3. Generalizations/Principles/Theories

Description: Generalizations, principles, and theories are constructs that organize and guide academic learning. A typical college course is built around several such generalizations, principles, and/or theories.

In this stage, you identify and describe the generalizations, principles, and/or theories to demonstrate your learning outcomes. These learning outcomes result from analyzing and reflecting on your experience. The generalizations, principles, and/or theories should be comparable to those addressed in typical college courses and should match the course description selected.

Sample : Whether working with large or small one-owner organizations, it makes no difference in establishing rules, guidelines, or policies regarding image and public relations. Developing a detailed plan of action makes it much easier to schedule and implement appropriate applicable strategies.

4. Testing and Application

Description: Testing and/or application represent situations in which the new learning can be used. You should describe how you did, or could in the future, test and/or apply what you learned.

Sample : A fun promotional idea that emerged as a by-product profit center for the bookstore was t-shirts. We printed t-shirts with the bookstore logo on the back with advertisements for the bookstore on the front.

Name:	Korey Raymond Moye
Date:	August 2, 2017
Individual Record Number:	90526711
Title:	Communication in Development and Training

Enter your name, the date, your IRN, and the approved essay title of the essay topic you have chosen from the PLA website. When you are ready to begin writing the essay, type out the essay subtopics as they appear in the essay course description, and follow the four steps of Kolb’s model.

Describe the experiences that taught you about the subtopic, reflect on that experience, explain the principles learned, and then explain how those principles were tested and applied. You are then ready to move on to the next subtopic. Follow this process until you meet the length requirement, and have addressed all required subtopics. *Word count begins at the first subtopic.

Subtopic (1): Summarize the intersection of communication models and training models.

Description of Concrete Experience:

At any company that is successful, there are core beliefs that they follow. One of those cores are development and training. This is reflected in not only the business, but the people that work in the buildings. In Wal-Mart, there are departments that must function efficiently to help the company become prosperous. Communication takes many forms, and that is displayed in the models of communication and training. When I think about training one must first have the information to teach or train others. Until that communication has been initiated, then the training cannot start. I had to learn the purpose of critical thinking and effective communication in school and then relearn it at work. When I began work for Wal-Mart, I had to learn paperwork that I would need to fill out in my department. Recently, I was promoted to lead a team of unloaders. Since I was leaving my original position I needed to teach or train someone on how to perform the following forms correctly: Claims slip, Beer/alcohol log, TLE sales slip, assembly log, telxon log, printer log, Ride on lawn mower log. Each of these logs helps me to perform my job well. The last task of technical writing is the shipping receiving paperwork or bill of lading. The Example claim slips will be stated on subtopic 3. As for the rest, they will be explained to how technical writing can be elaborated. As with any form the purpose of a form is to organize information or data so that an individual can analyze and incorporate the findings and a final report that will display the results.

The beer and alcohol laws are designed for people that purchase a large quantity of alcohol. When an individual customer purchases a significant amount of alcohol this log States that they are going to use the alcohol for responsible reasons and that they will do so in a way that corresponds with the local laws as well as the federal statutes that we all live. The log list the name of the customer how much of the quality of alcohol if they are buying, the date of the purchase, and their drivers license. The customers uniform that trying to return the alcohol would have to go through a longer process than normal.

The telxon log and printer log are both devices that need to be signed out to perform daily tasks. A telxon is the phone like scanning device that is used to check in inventory. This method is also used to make labels and signs for merchandise. A printer is a mobile device that allows for labels and signs to be made that is sent from The telxon to the printer. The logs for both of these devices calls for a name first and last that are used to sign the devices out, as well as the corresponding number that has been placed on the back of the devices.

Reflections: The assembly log and the ride on lawnmower record a very similar in that they both keep track of information that pertains specifically to lawn and garden. The assembly log is a form of paperwork that explains not only what needs to be assembled, but to the customer that purchase the item is. The log also states with the client's buy the item and when the assembler needs to have the item assembled to keep within the three days to keep it in a three-day requirement of assembly. The ride on lawn mower log is in a similar form; the form is designed to show when the product was received along with the model number the serial number and the actual name brand of the lawnmower.

Generalizations, Principles, and Theories: Generally, you should deliver important messages face-to-face or over the phone. This makes more impact and enables the receiver to respond immediately. E-mail is suitable for less critical messages, or those to which you don't need an urgent response. Instant messaging is best used for casual messages. Some people respond best to information that's presented visually. Others rely more on what they hear, or on information that's text-based. And some learn best by doing – building models or putting ideas into practice. In trying to choose an active medium, you should consider the preferred communication style of the receiver. You should also consider the receiver's willingness to receive your message. For example, it's better to communicate sensitive information, rather than via e-mail.

The last part of the log States the date of the purchase of the lawnmower as well as the name of the customer that bought it. Both of these logs are filled out at the time of purchase. With these forms, the information is kept in an organized and detailed manner so that it can easily be traced to verify devices are properly turned in when the tasks have been completed.

Testing and Application: The TLE log is something that I use on a regular basis. This record is designed to maintain the organize information that is required for auto maintenance of vehicles. The basically at a register the paperwork is first established with the customer confirming what they want it done to their vehicle. After I explained to the new hire, what the log was and how to use it, I then gave him any example of a real life experience. For example, if a client wanted an oil change then the paperwork would reflect the decision that they want it for their vehicle. I recently had to check out a customer that wanted an oil change and four new tires. For some reason, the register did not function correctly regarding the transaction. I explained to him how to fix a problem if it can arise. So to accommodate the client, I have to do a manual input of the information into the register. I explained by doing this; it did not correctly place the information where it should be on the actual paperwork receipt. To counteract this, I have to reprint the second receipt to put on the paperwork with an explanation explaining what happened in detail how the result was rectified. The art of communication is a two-step process. The first step is hearing or listening to information so that when can get the point or meat of the conversation. And the other is using the information so that a task can be accomplished. That is the basis of the model of communication and training. I was once told catch a man a fish he will eat for the day. Teach a man how to fish feed him for a lifetime.

Subtopic (2): Analyze common presentation styles.

Description of Concrete Experience:

Typical presentation styles can have a broad range in how each can motivate and inform an individual or group. I will be mentioning three different styles of presentation. First, story teller

Storyteller

Some of the most persuasive presentations in history have been engaging narratives and stories. As humans, we are fundamentally emotional creatures, and that's why your Storyteller presentation style is so powerful. The Storyteller that can tap those emotions and weave a compelling narrative typically delivers successful performances.

Some presenters are much happier offering dozens of slides with charts and graphs. But as a Storyteller, one of your greatest strengths is staying focused on making an emotional connection with your audience. An audience may not remember every single data point or statistic, but they will remember a great story or emotional connection. When an audience doesn't connect with data, or they're getting bored with too many slides, you're able to skip all of that, feel their pain and get them connected to you.

One potential downside to watch out for is audiences that just want a factual answer to a simple question. Sometimes an audience isn't quite ready to make an emotional connection to a presenter and, in those cases, you'll be faced with a big decision. You'll need to be able to assess what presentation style your audience prefers and know how to stretch outside of your Storyteller comfort zone.

In a world where emotion sells, and stories are so memorable, having a Storyteller presenter on board can be a significant advantage.

Closer

The Closer doesn't mess around. Knowing the reputations of many type-A CEOs, the Closer can jump into a presentation, cut right to the chase, deliver the bottom line and skip all the boring stuff.

Some presenters are dedicated to outlines, slides, timelines, and scripts, but not you. As a Closer, you see the end goal, and you go right for it. Why spend 60 minutes dragging your audience to a conclusion when you can get right to the point and be done in 15 minutes?

While patience isn't necessarily your biggest virtue, distilling a presentation to its essence is. And that's one of your greatest strengths. You can see the destination and get right to it. And as a result, your audiences will rarely, if ever, get bored or miss the central point.

One potential downside to watch out for is that, at some point, you may run into an audience that isn't ready to move as quickly as you. And that may leave them feeling like your presentation style is too abrupt or harsh. Having a chaotic presentation such as this will cause that, someone to be bounced around too much, leaving them feeling disoriented. You'll need to be able to assess what presentation style your audience prefers and know how to stretch outside of your Closer comfort zone.

With today's world of information overload, having a Closer who can distill a presentation to its essence can be a terrific asset.

Director

Director gives the order to presentations. As a Director, you like presentations to have a precise linear flow, with logically structured slide decks and clear transitions across topics and presenters. While some people are content to jump in front of a crowd and speak extemporaneously, you are much happier with an outline, slides, timelines, and scripts.

Sometimes a presentation misses the mark (perhaps running into a bored or distracted audience). And while some presentation styles (like the Closer or Storyteller) will happily trash the slide deck and go ‘off-script,' you're much more likely to stay the course and see it through.

This is one of the greatest strengths of the Director. You deliver ordered logical and structurally sound presentations. It's highly unlikely that you would walk into a presentation unprepared. And when you're working on a team presentation, you're typically the one to whom the others will turn to ensure that the slides, outlines, timelines, and scripts are well executed.

One potential downside to watch out for is when the presentation you've so carefully prepared is a poor fit for your audience. Perhaps there was a last minute change in the attendance or some emergency sprung up. But regardless of why, you may someday face a test of whether you're willing to scrap your thorough preparation and react on the fly. You'll need to be able to assess what presentation style your audience prefers and know how to stretch outside of your Director Comfort zone.

Ultimately, with today's complex and complicated presentations and teams, having a Director on board can be a great asset.

When working in a place that receives merchandise, forms are a must to do things in an organized manner. I have had multiple occasions where I have had to check inventory that I was supplied. Since there are different teaching styles, there are different ways to instruct someone with the same information. In each of my styles, I try to use at least one example to help bring what is said to a real-life environment. For example, I worked in lawn and garden section of Wal-Mart where we will receive orders of plants as well as refills for propane exchanges. In Wal-Mart when receiving plant orders, it is important to take note of how many racks of plants are being delivered.

Some of the ones that I have trained were not inclined to listen to everything that I said. I understand if someone is talking for extended periods of time, the mind can wonder that is why changing up styles offers a different look at the same information.

Reflections: To me, a big part of understanding what someone is teaching is first to build a relationship with ones that are learning. For example when speaking of things that they are not familiar with, using phrases such as I was feeling the same way. This way they know, it will take time, but they can do it just like I did. I would follow up with my workers and see how they were doing.

I remember a for example when receiving an order of plants that some of the plants on order was not actually in the shipment and I accordingly filed a claim to the company explaining the issue. Most of the time the truck driver is in a rush and usually try to pressure the attending Associates you just signed the bill of lading so that he can be on his way.

Generalizations, Principles, and Theories: According to the bylaws of Wal-Mart though this needs to be confirmed through the inventory of the shipment that has been received before the paperwork can be signed. After the associate goes through line-by-line verifying that each type of plant has the quantity that is stated on the paperwork present, then the paperwork can be signed. Some companies expect a Wal-Mart seal a store Seal to be used on the paperwork that confirms that not only that Wal-Mart has received the shipment, but that the right store has received it because the seal shows the Insignia of that Wal-Mart number.

Testing and Application: I have used story teller style before when explaining the importance of shrink. Or preventing loss of products that would include trying to rush to help the truck driver that wants fast service. Traditionally the truck driver hands the paperwork to the attending associate that will be receiving the plants. After the paperwork is given to the associate, the associate should then verify what is on the paperwork to confirm whether or not this is the correct store before the plants are loaded. That can be done by looking at the store number that's on the paperwork compared to this number of the warehouse that the truck driver is currently. On the paperwork, other features needed to be confirmed regarding the plant orders. When noticing the company that's supposed to be delivering the plans is important to keep in mind that individual companies have to have the paperwork filed in regards to damaged merchandise or missing merchandise right there at present.

Subtopic (3): Discuss the use of media and how media impacts communication in training.

Description of Concrete Experience: Thanks to digital media, companies can get their information out to the public faster than ever. Instead of printing inserts and waiting for the Sunday paper to announce their sales, companies now can let the world know about an exciting promotion through email, social networking, their websites and Internet ads. However, digital media can spread harmful information about a business just as fast as it can spread well. A video or camera was taken with a cell phone or a Facebook status update featuring a company secret, or faux pas can go viral within minutes, leaving a business's reputation damaged when business before digital media would have been able to clear up the mess long before it went public.

Using digital media means using new technology both to create and support the media. New technology can be an asset for your business. When you adopt smartphones and laptops to use digital media, you also can positively influence other areas of your business. For example, such mobile technology makes communication among employees much easier. However, new technology is expensive, and sometimes it does not have the positive effect its champions think it will have. For example, "Information Week" notes that some companies gave its employees home computers when the Internet first became popular hoping that those employees would be a positive influence for the company online.

While I was working at Wal-Mart and I have many experiences with technical writing. For example, I had just found some damaged merchandise while I was stocking. I immediately placed it aside to document it later. I continue to stalk after I record the damaged items. As I was stocking the customer came in to return a lawn mower and weed eater with the box and other documentation that was needed. I then filled out the claim slip for the lawn mower and weed eater. The form calls for a UPC number that I found on the box of the items. Next, I added my initials instead of my full name to the claim slip, by doing so this way I would live if you have time you need to fill out the form. No horrible be complete without a date for the submission. After I have added the date, the department numbers are next. After the department number has been added, I then fill in the description of the item.

This could have all been done more efficiently through first hands on training with other associates. But also have videos on how or other various media that could instruct one and not lead to boredom. The downside to having information in paper form limits access if not available. And limits that amount of information that can be retained.

Reflections: The description of the item is something that helps the claims associate to identify the item that is being submitted for claims. The reason is the last needed criteria to be filled. With these requirements fully Justified the technical writing is completed. I learned this in further detail later in the task. Having a step by step process this can be taught to others.

Generalizations, Principles, and Theories: As with any paperwork, it is critical to understand that unless is turned in, then it is considered useless. Having media in training and development helps to keep the flow of information consistent.

Testing and Application: At the position that I was in at the time had a plastic information board that would allow anyone access to step for getting rid of hazardous materials. There can be added steps when dealing with the lawn mower weed eater. If the lawn mower or weed eater has gas or-or left within it is policy to ask the customer to remove these liquids before with trying to return them. If this cannot be done, then another form must be filled out to dispose of the Hazardous liquids, and separate measures need to be taken as well regarding those fluids. I had to follow the safety information that was provided to complete the task.

Subtopic (4): Evaluate changes to presentation and communication style when training for a small group and large group.

Description of Concrete Experience: At Wal-Mart, there are many different forms of paperwork or technical writer. Some range from original paperwork, like building a plan for display of merchandise. Two other like technical writing, silver to filling out reports and filing information.

The example I have dealt with was the submission process of technical writing. I was working on some merchandise when I stumbled upon damaged items. Technically I was supposed to write up a slip that specified what the other was, why the item was being claimed, and the date that the item was damaged. Unfortunately, I did not fill out the paperwork comma because I felt that it would have been somewhat redundant the item had UPC still intact, and it could be seen where the item was damaged.

Reflections: Regardless though I turned the item into claims department, and reluctantly I disciplined because I did not perform the technical writing needed for the item. After I had been given an explanation, I was determined to build from my mistake.

Generalizations, Principles, and Theories: I learned that technical writing and development of others are important, not only does it allow for individuals dealing with the item to understand what is going on, but it also shows a measure order in a chaotic world.

Testing and Application: The claims associate explained to me that through the use of technical writing many problems could be solved or even rectify. If an item were taken to claims without proper identification, it would take longer to identify the problem and then tried to get it taken to the correct bin. In the long run, though it would affect how the company will receive the credits from the damaged product then that would affect accompanies loss ratio or Shrink.

Subtopic (5): Assess the various means of developing training content and materials.

Description of Concrete Experience: Compared to other businesses that are willing to allow the associate to check the merchandise and submit a claim after the truck driver has departed from the store. These issues need to be addressed promptly, to allow various companies to process as well as receive the claims that may be written. After the merchandise has been successfully removed from the truck with every security and safety measure taken it is then important to verify what the information that is stated on the paperwork is what was received from the truck. As mentioned earlier sometimes plants are missing, or damage in this needs to be determined and filed promptly said the companies could process the claim and send credits back to Wal-Mart. All the paperwork and filling it out there are various lines that need to be signed. One line states that we the company have received the shipment. The second line shows that it was the right store that has received the shipment. And then the third line is the date of they received it of the plants that were shipped.

Reflections: When finishing up the paperwork, the associate must double check that all the plants are in healthy shape. If the plants are not healthy or dry or damaged or missing these issues, then needs to be reported.

Generalizations, Principles, and Theories: Training materials are a necessary part of any program or activity that involves knowledge acquisition and retention. The best approach to developing instructional materials is to start by examining the training plan and available resources. Depending on the learning objectives and length of the training program, training materials may include workbooks, training manuals, computer-based lessons and audio-visual aids. Here are a few strategies for developing training materials

Testing and Application: The shipment for propane exchanges running a similar manner to that of the plant deliveries. There's a truck that comes to deliver and pick up propane bottles from the storage facility adjacent to the lawn and garden entrance. When this process begins the attendant associate is handed paperwork to confirm how many missing tanks or Sold tanks that there are. After the confirmation of the sold tanks the associate, the end counts the tanks needed to reveal the storage containers. After this process has been completed the truck driver the rights of the paperwork for the associate assigned to confirm that the tanks or sold as well as replacement tanks or replaced.

Subtopic (6): Evaluate methods to assess the effectiveness of the communication in training.

Description of Concrete Experience:

I know when giving instructions, it is important to confirm that each person understands what is going on in the project. For example, in the morning managers perform three different types of searches for problems to correct in the store. When doing this, they are following up on tasks they have assigned to others. Evaluate the effectiveness of the training materials by asking training program participants to share their opinions. Training material feedback forms could contain questions about organization, clarity, variety, and usefulness, and may be used to revise and improve the materials

Reflections: For example, participants in a software training program may need hands-on access to the software, screen shots of more complicated software elements, and an instruction manual that details software features in a step-by-step fashion. At our position, it is important to understand what is required of my team and I.

Generalizations, Principles, and Theories: Estimate how much time to spend on each learning objective. This will assist in the development of training materials and ensure that equal time is devoted to concepts of equal importance. Follow up is key to success.

Testing and Application: If using videos or presentations to train students, assess students by asking learners to write down their impressions. When creating a training workbook, knowledge may be evaluated through the use of quizzes. When going over tasks with my team, I make sure that each one of them knows what the task is, the time expected to get it done, and what is expected of them. They all have to follow CFF. Clean, fast friendly is what CFF stand. That means while stocking they are to keep the aisles clean and clear no boxes or trip hazards on the floor. They are given an assignment and an expected time to complete that task. So they have to be fast in that they complete their isles promptly. And lastly friendly, everyone is instructed to observe the 10-foot rule. By following that rule my team and I help customers when they are near. If they don't need help, then we only greet them, and that helps them to be comfortable.

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