The experiential learning cycle reflective observation next we need to reflect to successfully learn from our experiences this is what the abstract conceptualisation once we have identified and we understand the defining characteristics of an experience we active experimentation the . As students learn from experience they may engage in a process of trying to resolve the conflict between contradictory ideas this is cognitive conflict piaget 1930 and cognitive dissonance festinger 1957 learning may therefore also involve the unlearning of old habits and ways of thinking cochran smith 2003 mcwilliam . Learning from experience is one of the most fundamental and natural means of learning available to everyone all it requires is the opportunity to reflect and think either alone or in the company of other people according to experiential learning theory we learn through a learning cycle our experience serves a basis for reflection