Experiential Learning Essay TemplateExperiential Learning .docx

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.
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.
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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