Introduction
Krause (2013) observes that the Kolb Model is a four-stage learning theory that entails cognition, experience, behavior, and perception. The specific stages of this model are Concrete Experience, Reflective Observation, Abstract Conceptualization, and Active Experimentation. The four-stage learning cycle of the Kolb Model assists in demonstrating how the experiences of an individual can be translated by transforming reflections into concepts.
According to Chapman (2011), these concepts are then used to provide directions when engaging in active experimentation, and also when choosing new experiences. Concrete Experience is the first stage and focuses mainly on the active experiences of the learner. Reflective Observation is the second stage. it involves the reflections of the learner based on past experiences. In the third stage (Abstract Conceptualization), the learner aims at conceptualizing a model or theory through observation.
In the last stage (Active Experimentation), the learner subjects the theory to test or may opt to plan for other forthcoming experiences. Since the Kolb Model can be applied in different situations, this paper explores and analyzes George Orwell’s essay Shooting an Elephant using the four-stage Kolb Model.
Main body
In Orwell’s essay, the author has been placed in a very challenging situation that involves an elephant. It is evident that the survival of the elephant depends on the decision that Orwell will make. The final decision made by Orwell leaves the elephant lying on the ground in a pool of blood. It is worth to mention that Orwell has managed to win the readers’ sympathy by expressing his pleasure as an Anglo-Indian. This is also based on the fact that he has portrayed a high sense of compassion after witnessing the dying elephant (Orwell, 2012).
After exploring Orwell’s essay, there are several sections of the story that can be linked to some of the stages of the Kolb Model. The first stage of the Kolb Model is reflected where Orwell tries to describe his feelings after being pressured by the white man to kill the elephant. He believes that he made the wrong decision of shooting the elephant, and thinks that it would have been better to make an independent decision instead of being influenced by another person. The Reflective observation of the Kolb Model is portrayed where Orwell is apparently struggling a lot with his actions. Initially, Orwell thought it was right for him to kill the elephant.
However, this turns out to be the worst step of action. From his reflections, the readers are able to understand that Orwell was not in favor of the idea to kill the elephant. He understands that his decision mainly benefited the Burmese. It is also worth noting that Orwell showed a high level of compassion towards the dying elephant. Though he killed the animal, he did not have the power and strength to do so. This is the reason why he feels extremely helpless and weak, and also finds it rather painful to watch the dying elephant (Orwell, 2012).
Conclusion
In my view, I suppose that the analysis of George Orwell’s short essay Shooting an Elephant lacks the Abstract Conceptualization and the Active Experimentation stages. In the Kolb Model, these stages are indeed vital in completing the entire circle. It is also pertinent to note that even though the third and fourth stages have not been clearly brought out in Orwell’s essay, there are several aspects of these stages that can still be remotely detected in the essay.
References
Chapman, L. (2011). Integrated Experiential Coaching: Becoming an Executive couch. New York: Karnac Books.
Krause, M.D. (2013). Smart Prospecting That Works Every Time. New York: McGraw- Hill Professional.
Orwell, G. (2012). Shooting an Elephant. Web.