Action Learning And Its Applications

This second volume of two discusses the employment of action learning in different contexts, including healthcare, education, government, military and the business world. Use of action learning in delivery of Future Search Conferences is addressed, as well as action learning in community and civil society and the future of action learning.

The burgeoning use of learning sets has generated many innovative uses for, and developments of action learning, which are detailed and explored in this practical, accessible book written for educators, trainers and developers.

Action Learning is the brain-child of Professor Reginald (Reg) Revans. Revans believed that management was a practical subject carried out by practical people in the real world of work, not an academic subject to be taught by University Professors who had no experience of the real world of work. Action learning uses the participant's actual job to identify and satisfy real learning needs; the specific Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Behavior appropriate to the situation. Unlike training It provides a 'holistic' framework through which all four aspects of our behavioral 'package' are objectively assessed by the facilitator and 'comrades in adversity' to help participants identify the things they need to change to be successful. These needs once identified are met through a development program created and monitored with the help and support of the facilitator and colleagues in the set. This book; 1. Explains the philosophy of Action Learning 2. Describes the various models and their application. 3. Provides an objective analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the various options 4. Examines how Action Learning can help in today's world to develop organisations and their people. 5. Offers reference information for those who would like to learn more. Note. Whilst Reg's focus for Action Learning was on management development this process is equally applicable to any personal or organisational development need. We hope you will find this book useful and are happy to help interested readers with further information or advice on specific program design and management.

Previous editions of Action Learning in Practice established this authoritative overview of action learning around the world. Over the last decade the move towards action-based organizational learning and development has accelerated, and action learning is now an established part of the education and development mainstream in large and small organizations. Fully revised and updated, this fourth edition covers the origins of action learning with Reg Revans' ideas, and looks at their development and application today. Action learning is self-directed learning through tackling business and work problems with the support of peers and colleagues. A professional and diverse workforce, attracted, influenced and developed in this way is more able to deal effectively with the growing complexity and pressures of working life. As the limits of conventional training and development become more obvious, leaders are increasingly attracted to action-based approaches to learning when seeking better outcomes and returns on investment.

The first of a two volume set that fully explore the roots of action learning and the legacy of its principal pioneer, Reg Revans. Rather than prescribe one approach to action learning, it shows alternative approaches to fit different contexts, including classic action learning, action reflection learning and business driven action learning.

Our daily experiences at work provide us with endless opportunities to learn - which is the principle underlying action learning. If you want to understand the benefits of being part of an AL programme, or would like to set one up but need to know more, then this popular guide is an ideal place to start. It is both a manifesto for a key approach to management development, and a very personal and practical guide for anyone looking for a reliable introduction. Based on the author's extensive experience, and on that of numerous participants, this new edition includes expanded material on set advisers and on putting an effective programme into practice, together with a chapter on the future of AL.

Action learning is a continued process of learning and reflection with the support of a group of colleagues, working on real issues. The action learning method is increasingly used to bring innovation to many different fields of work. The principles of action learning can achieve improvement and transformation in a wide range of applications and disciplines, including professional training and educational contexts. This book is a comprehensive guide to action learning which maintains an accessible, practical focus throughout. It is packed with useful resources, including case studies and ideas for workshop sessions. Key topics covered include: * action learning in professional and educational settings * setting up, facilitating and evaluating an action learning programme * the roles and skills required to practice successfully * use of action learning in relation to the individual, the group and the organization * the role of reflection; and action learning theory. Newcomers to the area of action learning will find this an essential introduction which can be put to use straight away, while more experienced practitioners seeking a deeper understanding will value the thorough analysis of action learning theory.

Action learning was developed in the UK in the 1960s and is now one of the most widely used development methods in healthcare. This practical manual embodies the dual focus of action learning as both philosophy and technique - exploring the underlying concepts derived from adult education and organisation development, addressing challenges and providing invaluable support material. Specifically targeting the healthcare sector, this book is divided into three parts: an exploration of core ideas and underlying assumptions including techniques and methods; practice-preparation, projects, sets, facilitation and evaluation; and a compendium of resources. Action Learning in Healthcare is vital reading for senior managers and professionals considering using action learning for leadership, management and organisation development purposes. It is also highly recommended for organisation development practitioners (with responsibility for project managing the use of action learning in local and national programmes). Action learning facilitators, too, will find much to absorb, modify and use in their own practice, as will action learning set members wishing to enhance their knowledge.