Action Learning

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What is Action Learning?

L = P + Q

Learning = Programmed

Learning

+ Questioning

Insight

Clever Vs Wise

Programmed

Knowledge

+ Questioning

Insight

Revans, R., (1996). Action Learning: Reg Revans in Australia. University of Queensland:

Video Vision, The Prentice Centre, Queensland.

The knowing-doing gap

The gap that exists between what people in organisations know

and

what they implement of that they know in practice

Pfeffer & Sutton (1999)

What you can see is only the tip of the Iceberg

Titanic

If only they had asked some insightful questions

Pfeffer & Sutton (1999)

Michael Fullen

Nothing has promised so much and has been so frustratingly wasteful as the thousands of workshops and conferences that led to no significant change in practice when teachers returned to their classrooms.

Fullan, M., (1991).

What is Action Learning?

Action Learning:

Happens in the workplace

Involves existing staff

Uses teaching as the program material

The Action Learning Model involves groups of teachers engaged in professional conversations within supportive collegial networks.

By tackling the issues facing them in their respective classroom within a supportive learning community, they will be able to transform, enhance, enrich, enable or amplify student learning outcomes

What does Action Learning mean for the Participant?

Participants identify a workplace issue, problem or idea they want to pursue related to the theme of the Action learning Program.

Learning events may require reading, substantive conversations or activities

Action Learning Sets are collegial groups that provide a forum for facilitated learning and discussion

Celebrate and share the learning

Inspiration

By using the knowledge and experience of a small group of people combined with skilled questioning, individuals are enabled to re-interpret old and familiar concepts and produce fresh ideas –often without needing new knowledge

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Reflective Journal Writing

Ordered

Sections

Actions

–v-

Reflections

Inspiration

Visual Cues

Symbols to

prompt

memory

Diagrams

Personal

Left-hand

them

Right-hand

me

Journals

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Reflective Blog

Respond

Record

Reconsider

React

Rant

Remember

Recount

ALL SUPPORT

REFLECTION

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What happens in a Set Meeting?

Airspace

Asking helpful and challenging questions – but not seeking answers

Listening ‘actively’

Giving feedback and sharing insights

Allowing time and space for silences

Not judging or giving advice

Not telling anecdotes (unless they are helpful)

Not offering solutions

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Typical Set Meeting Agenda

1. Sharing (interaction before starting)

2. Check in (each member says whatever is in the forefront of his or her mind. Others listen and acknowledge without discussing)

3. Agenda Setting (Agree in time allocated to each member for presentation and feedback in Round Table)

4. Round Table

5. AOB

6. Reflection – Check out (Each member briefly comments on how this meeting has been for them. Confirm time, place and agenda for next meeting)

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Learning Set Protocol for Round Table

The following steps are repeated for each member of the Learning Set

5-15 mins maximum for each person (negotiated)

One set member acts as timekeeper

One set member acts as scribe so that all ideas are collected for the presenter

Step 1: The set member shares their idea / progress with the rest of the group – uninterrupted

Step 2: Clarifying questions from the other Learning Set members

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Airspace

As you explain things to the set, you hear your own inconsistencies, the missing elements, the illogicalities. But you need to do it out loud.

If you only consider ‘internally’, in your own thoughts, your mind can lead you down all sorts of pathways. But somehow, as you speak, your voice can give you away. And others are listening, and can spot the flaws, where the gaps are, and will pursue you down the alleys you are following. Eventually the trick is to learn to do this yourself, though having others listen will always add another dimension.

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