Action Learning
What is Action Learning
“Action learning involves working on real problems, focusing on learning and actually implementing solutions. It is a form of learning by doing” (Lord Weinstock, managing director, GEC).
It was pioneered by Professor Reg Revans and has developed worldwide over the last 50 years providing a well-tried method of accelerating learning to enables people to handle difficult situations more effectively.
It enables individuals to learn (L) best with and from one another in an Action Learning Set as they each tackle their own problem and implement their own solution through using previously programmed knowledge (P) through quality questioning (Q) from Set members. L = P + Q
Specifically it has been used to develop skilled managers for new responsibilities, improve companies’ productivity, bring about major change in large organisations and improve services in health and education. Both small businesses, large organisations and voluntary organisations have become involved. Larger ones include GEC, ICI, Motorola, Texaco, Prudential, Zeneca, Thorn EMI, Lloyds TSB, Littlewoods, Financial Services Authority, NHS, local authorities and government departments.
It can be used for people within an organisation or across organisations. A lack of line management working directly in the Set is beneficial but the right manager could cope with it. It is most beneficial, however, to people working on the same level within an organisation but within different departments and by people in different organisations who have similar interests or work in partnership.