Action learning
What is Action learning?
Action learning is an active and supportive approach to learning and follows the learn, do, review framework.
Action learning is common for groups of people who want/need to learn and apply new skills and techniques, and help to bring about change.
Often, it can be a combination of training and coaching which involves several episodes of learning. Typically, this will be a programme that builds and progresses over time with the same group coming together for each episode and forming a support and challenge network together. Time is given in between episodes to reflect and apply the new skills, learning, or insights into your day to day work.
The group will regularly come together to learn from each other, share experiences, successes and any challenges along the way. They also come together for shared support. The networks formed often continue long after the programme ends, adding valuable ongoing benefits to each other and the business.
What are the benefits of Action Learning?
There are many benefits both to the individuals in the group and the organisation.
Individuals benefit from:
- Having the opportunity to reflect
- Providing an opportunity for new ideas and answers to be created through open discussion, sharing knowledge, experience, ideas, views and opinions
- Receiving support and challenge in a safe environment
- Individual and group accountability for actions and follow through
- Setting goals, developing options and taking action that would not have been possible working on their own
- Learning to listen, question and offer ideas, without telling others what to do
- Actively learning about group dynamics and how to contribute effectively within a group.
Organisations benefit from:
- Employees who can listen to, question and work with others openly and honestly
- People who take responsibility for their actions
- New perspectives
- Enhanced confidence and self-awareness