Action learning workshop
description
Transcript of Action learning workshop
ACTION LEARNING WORKSHOPADSHE Professional Peer Development Day
22nd September 2013Shirley Dow, Janet Skinner, Julia Tait and Tanya Zybutz
Overview
BackgroundGeneral principlesDemonstration
Experience
History
Professor Revans introduced the concept of Action Learning to the
business world in the 1940s.
"Action learning is not new; like all organic growth it depends more upon the reinterpretation of old and familiar ideas than upon the
acquisition of new cognitive knowledge” Revans (2011).
“There can be no learning without
action and no action without
learning” Revans (2011)
.…… an opportunity to
have regular and purposeful
conversations about current
uncertainties with the absolute intention of
discovering new options
Revans (2013)www.3dcoaching.com
Background
Action Learning was originally intended for managers but it is ideally suited for experienced
dyslexia practitioners
Now used in many different contexts: business, education and the church
Based on coaching models of supervision
What the action learning process can offer you:
A personal and professional
development tool
A ‘safe’ environment to explore new ways of thinking and practising
Space for individual reflective learning which can lead to
action
A fresh perspective on your working practices and time to think about
creative ideas which you can incorporate in
your regular work
Insight into how others achieve different
solutions
Support and challenge from peers.
How does it work?
Small groups (sets) of professionals work together on real life issues/situations to examine and challenge current ways of
working.
The presenter describes a situation, problem or challenge that they are currently working
with.
The facilitator keeps focus, reflects back and summarises.
The set members help the presenter review his/her options. This helps the presenter reflect and come to a deeper or different
understanding and decide on action.
Details
Other group members also ask
questions – the facilitator prompts
responses; comments on any
questions which are not helpful
At the end of the session the
facilitator sums up what has been discussed and
asked the presenter what they have learnt and what action they will
take in consequence.
The presenter takes what s/he has
learnt back to their workplace –
initiating changes and trying new
ideas or approaches
At the next meeting the presenter reports on the
action they have taken.
The role of the facilitator
The facilitator initiates the meeting by asking
the presenter what s/he wants to think
about and what s/he hopes to gain from the meeting. (This is the
contract).
The facilitator ensures that the questioning is
focussed and specific and that it is
relevant to the Presenter and not the
Set Members.
The Role of the Set Members
Set members ask questions, make observations and ensure that the Presenter has
sufficient time for reflection.
Set members should focus solely on listening to the
presenter and what s/he is saying and helping him/her to gain clarity, not on
how they would react in a similar situation.
Before asking questions, it is helpful to think how useful the
question is to the presenter.
General Principles
Group members do not give advice, tell anecdotes, pass judgement or talk about their own situations – their task is to stay focussed on the Presenter and his/her issue
Each group member is responsible for resolving their own issues
Other group members support and enable the Presenter to explore issues for themselves
Empathy and confidentiality are essential
General principles
Group members do not give advice, tell anecdotes, pass judgement or talk about their own situation – they stay focussed on the presenter
Each member is responsible for resolving their own issues
Other members support and enable the individual to explore issues for themselves
Empathy and confidentiality are essential
Careful questions
Open questions
Contracting
questionsClarifyingquestions
Challenging
questionsCatalytic questions
Diagram to describe the Action Learning Journey
References and further information
Hawkins P, Shohet R: Supervision in the Helping Professions. Berkshire, McGraw Hill Education 3rd edition (2011) McGill I, Brockbank A: The Action Learning Handbook. Oxon, Routledge (2004) Revans, R ABC of Action Learning (2011) Tower Publishing Limited: Farnham
Rogers, J: Coaching Skills - A Handbook. Berkshire, Open University Press 3rd edition (2012)
Any questions?