The theory of the experiential learning consists of a perspective about the development of the adult, in special, of the professional. According to its founder, the American David Kolb, the profissionality is a permanent process of learning, provided the individual can assume appropriate the experiences of professional performance. The principles and basic concepts of this approach are presented, based on the relation between certain types of learning and the development of the affectivity, perception, cognition and behavior belonging to the professional life track or in specific situations as it is the case of projects of formation in service. The holistic and integrative perspective of the experiential learning has some proximity with contemporary approaches which emphasize the role of the reflective thought for improvement of the professional qualification. However, Kolb’s theory follows a proper and original way, with great potential for studies and formative proposals for the professional development.
experiential learning; david kolb; professional development; adult learning
