Experiential Learning in Action: Teaching Kolb’s Theory Through Origami in Asynchronous Environments

Charlotte Jones‑Roberts,, Crystle Bechtold,

Simple, physical tasks like origami can successfully teach complex theories online when paired with structured video reflections.

What it found

This study evaluated an online module where 19 graduate students learned Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory by actively folding an origami crane. Students moved through four asynchronous stages of learning, sharing 30-second video reflections at each step. The hands-on approach resulted in high engagement and stronger metacognition, though some students needed more scaffolding to connect their physical actions to the underlying theory.

What it means for your work

Designers should integrate simple, low-cost tactile tasks into asynchronous courses to ground abstract concepts in concrete physical experiences. Provide explicit prompts and scaffolding to help learners successfully bridge the gap between hands-on activities and theoretical frameworks. Keep the reflection technology simple and accessible to minimize technical friction during active learning cycles.

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