Welcome to today’s workshop – Action Learning: Shift 2013: Sharing practice, Developing Community Welcome to today’s workshop – Action Learning: Students learning in groups and engaging in a virtual activity Sandra Rankin Department of Psychology and Counselling S.Rankin@gre.ac.uk

Student Learning Objectives Procedure Outcomes Technology Reflection on: Strengths Weaknesses What will the audience be able to do after this training is complete? Briefly describe each objective and how the audience will benefit from this presentation.

Today’s Action Learning Overview Explain concept to students 1 Explore the benefits and drawbacks they might encounter 2 Ensure all materials are communicated in good time and allow discussion 3 This is another option for an overview slide.

Relate Activity to the real world New skills or application of existing skills: Communication Thinking creatively Thinking spontaneously Experience of working in groups (not with friends) on real or simulated tasks Learning from other people Experiencing Role Play in a safe environment Learning different ways to communicate Use a section header for each of the topics, so there is a clear transition to the audience.

New Skills e.g. The Communication Curve The Technology Learning Curve Add slides to each topic section as necessary, including slides with tables, graphs, and images. See next section for sample table, graph, image, and video layouts.

Working Toward Employability Microsoft Engineering Excellence Working Toward Employability Achieve goals Get Experienced Undergraduates experience Get Familiar Time Spent Microsoft Confidential

Getting Students to Do Their Best Work Microsoft Engineering Excellence Getting Students to Do Their Best Work Embed within course aims and objectives Working offsite – outside of the classroom/lab Technology requirements – making sure all students know what to do Encourage spontaneity If there is relevant video content, such as a case study video, demo of a product, or other training materials, include it in the presentation as well. Microsoft Confidential

Case Study Level 6 undergraduates – Organisational Psychology course Opportunities for student to work in RANDOM groups Opportunities to compare FORMAL and INFORMAL meetings, i.e. with agendas Opportunities to compare modes of Communication – F2F and Online Add a case study or class simulation to encourage discussion and apply lessons.

Now we have a little activity to do!! Each of you will be given a role in your group Each of you will need to access http://tinychat.com Each group needs a separate chat group

Discussion What we can learn from this type of activity? What Is Best practice? What works for you and your students Take-aways for students Time management Preparation Responsibility for group goals Be spontaneous Learning from other students Try it! You might like it Discuss outcomes of the case study or class simulation. Cover best practices.

Summary Define the challenges for students Technological as well as personal What can they reflect on Set realistic expectations for you and them What you can achieve with your resources Keep your eye on the goal Giving students more hands on experience Summarize presentation content by restating the important points from the lessons. What do you want the audience to remember when they leave your presentation?

Microsoft Engineering Excellence References Bourner, T., Frost, P., and Beaty, L. (1992) Management Development by Research. Personnel Review 21 (2). Facione, P.A. (1990) Critical Thinking: A statement of expert consensus for purposes of educational assessment and instruction. Willbrae: CA: California Academic Press. McGill, I. & Beaty, L. (2001) Action Learning. London: Logan Page. (3rd Ed). Mumford, A. (1995) Learning in Action. Industrial and Commercial Training. Vol 27, No. 8, pp 36-41. Smith, J.W. & Stitts, K., (2013) Using Action Learning and Critical Thinking Tools To Make Changes In Higher Education Contemporary Issues in Education Research. First Quarter, Vol 6, No. 1. Microsoft Confidential

Microsoft Engineering Excellence Questions? Microsoft Confidential