The Action Learning Handbook

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 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.

First Published in 2001. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Action Learning is based on the simple idea that leaders and managers learn best by working together in a group, helping each other find solutions to real work problems through discussions. Facilitating Action Learning is a clear, concise and straightforward guide to this well-established leadership and management development technique. The role of the facilitator is to provide guidance in the action facilitation process. In this practical guide, Mike Pedler and Christine Abbott present a new threefold model of the facilitator's role - as initiator, set adviser and facilitator of organizational learning. Supported by many real life cases and practical examples, this superbly practical book shows you how - as a manager, business coach, trainer or facilitator - you can add to your repertoire of skills and abilities, and enhance your effectiveness as a leader and developer. Suitable as the course text for ILM Level 5 and 7 qualifications in Action Learning Facilitation. "A 'must read' book providing a very practical method and approach for all those interested and passionate about helping people help themselves, and in optimizing Action Learning." Dr Yury Boshyk, Chairman, The Global Executive Learning Network, and the Annual Global Forum on Executive Development and Business Driven Action Learning, Canada "This book best reflects my lived experience of integrating learning and change in a large complex organisation; reading it was like coming home!" Mandy Chivers, Assistant Chief Executive, Mersey Care NHS Trust, UK "This is a superb, well-crafted book. The balance it achieves between conveying the spirit of action learning while providing concrete and practical tools is exemplary." Bob Dick, independent scholar, Australia "With this book, Christine and Mike have brought a significant maturity to the field of action learning. This book will go some way in helping action learning advisors improve their craft. An important contribution." Professor Jeff Gold, Leeds Business School, UK "Pedler and Abbott have done a masterful job in presenting and analyzing the wide array of roles and responsibilities that one can undertake in facilitating action learning groups." Michael Marquardt, President, World Institute for Action Learning, USA "Pedler and Abbot pack lifetimes of experience into this book - which shine through in the depth, breadth, and practicality of its coverage. Reflective tools accompany the reader throughout to help practitioners develop their own thinking and practice of Action Learning. This is a must-have for both practitioner and scholar resource libraries!" Victoria J. Marsick, Professor, Columbia University, Teachers College, New York, USA "The authors have written a book that is engaging, inspiring and practical - a book to make you think also about learning relationships as constructionist practice; which they put forth as the correct approach and warn against action learning for power, influence and dominance." Paul Olson "This is an extremely significant contribution to understanding and developing practices in action learning. It will add value, provide direction and stimulate practitioners and academics in equal measure." Brian Milsom, University of Hull, UK

Reg Revans based his theories of Action Learning on 30 years of work and observation. This revised and updated reissue of the definitive text, ABC of Action Learning, is a clear, easily-read primer for anyone wishing to learn about and apply his methods. It offers a succinct, practical guide to integrating action learning into every-day situations, and enhancing the practical and managerial skills of the workforce.

As much as adult learners can absorb in a classroom, they learn and retain a lot more on the job. Action Learning, or AL, can be based on any of several different schools of thought, and there is much debate as to which is ideal. The authors advocate tailoring the best attributes of each approach to the specific purpose and the learning environment. Drawing on theory from Self-Directed Learning, Learning from Experience, and Transformative Learning, Understanding Action Learning enables the reader to make an informed decision about which approach or combination to use in his or her organization, and provides: * a theoretical model that explains the different approaches to AL, and a framework for identifying which approach to use * a focus on co-design in creating Action Learning programs * practical tools, assessments, and exercises * illuminating stories and case studies from the field Combining top-shelf research with real-world experience, Understanding Action Learning is a crucial resource for adult educators everywhere.

Marquardt brings together the six essential elements with realistic advice, practical wisdom, and such tools as checklists and a comprehensive glossary of terms. Readers can learn to leverage action learning to solve problems, develop employees, enhance personal growth, and create organizational learning.