Five stages of learning necessary to process experiences

This experiential learning cycle was adapted from the Northwest Leader Corps training curriculum written and compiled by Nicole Trimble. The DIGA model takes a learner through the five stages of:

Stage 1: The experience forms the basis for the rest of the cycle. The activity should produce information or understanding.

Stage 2: Describe—Participants describe or share their experience to the group by reporting their observations and reactions. It is a time to find out what events occurred. Questions include:

• What happened?
• What were your impressions of that experience?
• How did you feel?
• What surprised you?

Stage 3: Interpret—Participants share their ideas and reactions. It is important to help individuals see and evaluate any trends or dynamics that may be emerging in the group. The trainer's role is to help participants not only notice what happened, but to ask "Why?" Questions include:

• Why did that happen?
• What kinds of patterns are you seeing here?
• How was that significant?
• How might it have been different?

Stage 4: Generalize—The group determines if the experience was unique or if it happens in other situations. Participants are asked to focus on linking the experience to the real world. Questions include:

• Where have you seen this before?
• What does this remind you of?
• What does this make you think of?
• What does that suggest to you about _____ in general?

Stage 5: Apply—Participants plan ways to use what they have learned. Giving participants the opportunity to not only reflect on the lessons they have learned, but to share with and teach others further enhances learning retention. Questions include:

• What do you want to remember from this experience?
• How could you apply that?

Use this resource to:

• incorporate experiential learning within your trainings.