Faculty Service Delivery Teams: Learning Strategies Workshop 27 August 2008 ACTION LEARNING

What is Action Learning? Action Learning is a process of learning from DOING. It involves three critical elements: ACTION REFLECTION CRITICAL QUESTIONING

The action is usually a project that has a specific start, end and goals. The project can be done as a team or individually. The project can be one that has already started or a new one. The project needs to be real and purposeful. ACTION

REFLECTION The reflection involves a number of strategies, such as a journal and presentations at action learning meetings. Presentations at the set meeting are informal. Journal can be a learning diary, weblog, wiki

CRITICAL QUESTIONING The critical questioning occurs at the set meetings when the group asks questions to help the presenter learn more about their project, their goals and themselves. Questions are asked as a way of opening up the presenter’s view on their situation.

How does this relate to FSDT and my project? Action Learning provides a framework for you to integrate your learning, recognition and work-based projects FSDT projects are Action Learning Projects You will be facilitating your FSD teams in the action learning process – part of your learning/ recognition for TAA

ACTION LEARNING MEETINGS Very structured – around individual presentations Friendly, supportive Start with ‘how we are feeling’ round Individual presentations – each followed by critical questions (don’t offer solutions) Breaks and refreshments are important

FACILITATING Set ground rules for meetings, control the meeting to keep to agenda Group forming activities – fun, brief, energising activities at the start Encourage members to support, clarify, question and challenge each other Allow the set to become self-directing

FACILITATING Structure the meetings, eg –Rounds to start – what’s on top? Trauma trivia and joy –Individual presentations (no interruptions) –Critical questioning at end of each presentation –Presenter talks about ‘what next’

PRESENTING What I did What happened What was different from expected What have I learned Critical questioning may result in: What is the issue now What actions could I take now

PRESENTING Time Beginning Middle End Presenter’s Role Describing Exploring Questioning Listening/thinking Exploring future actions Support Role Observing/ listening Reflecting back Offering ideas Ask ‘what if’ questions Questioning action

CRITICAL QUESTIONS Be a critical friend Open questions A way of opening up the presenter’s view on their situation ACTIVITY: In groups of 3, think of 5 critical questions you could use

ACTION LEARNING PRACTICE ACTIVITY: Think of a work issue or situation you could present – make a few notes Participate in an action learning meeting Critically reflect on the ACTION –How did you feel? –What happened? What did you learn? –How might you apply this process with your FSDT?