Liz Beaty Coventry University

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Liz BeatyCoventry University

• Using Action Learning Sets for Continuing
  Professional Development

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Action Learning a definition

• Action Learning is a continuous process of
  learning and reflection that happens with the
  support of a group or set of colleagues working
  with real problems with the aim of getting things
  done.
• Ian McGill and Liz Beaty
• Action Learning a guide. Revised 2nd edition
• London, Kogan Page (2001)

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Values of action learning

• Voluntary nature of the set
• A positive approach to life
• Reflection is the key to learning from experience
• The Presenter is the expert on her issue
• Support and Challenge
• Empathy
• Empowerment
• Quality of attention
• Trust and confidentiality.

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Action Learning reflective cycle
Experience
Reflection
Action Planning
Making sense
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Development

• Development of technical skill
• Development of professional approach
• Development of reflective practice

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How does a set work

• Each individual has time for presenting an issue
• Set members offer support, and challenge through
  open questioning
• Individual action planning
• Reporting back on learning
• Reflection and review of outcomes.

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Roles within the set

• Presenter
• Present the problem
• Listen to support and challenge
• Action Plan
• Control the focus of discussion

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Roles within the set

• Supporters
• Empathise
• Support and Challenge
• Recognise underlying issues
• Leave room for reflection
• Support action planning

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Roles within the set

• Facilitator
• Control the process
• Create a learning climate
• Timing and flow
• Supporting the development of set culture
• Review the process

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Why use action learning?

• Development of reflective practice
• Group process provides support
• Learning from own issues and those of others
• Linking theory to practice
• Problem solving

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Skills developed through action learning

• Listening and questioning
• Giving and receiving feedback
• Reflective practice
• action planning
• linking theory to practice
• Recognition of different teaching styles, values
  and approaches.
• Interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Empathy.

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Example of an action learning programme

• 2 day induction workshop
• includes introduction to A.L.
• Monthly action learning set meetings
• 3 hours in groups of 6 with tutor
• Workshops
• Various topics 4/5 each term
• Portfolio assessment
• mapped against SEDA/ILT requirements

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Examples of issues brought to the action learning
set

• What to wear in lecturers to be comfortable but
  not look like a student?
• How to cope with being given too much work and
  not feeling wanting to appear unequal to the job?
  
• Why do some seminar groups work well while others
  do not?
• What to put in the portfolio?

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Development -

• Confidence
• Competence
• Control

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Other uses for action learning

• Diploma / MA
• Research
• Management development
• Any work-based programme
• Student placements
• Part time students
• Continuing Professional Development

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Core qualities of the facilitator

• To balance the needs of individual set members
  and maintenance needs of the set
• Unconditional positive regard (Rogers)
• Empathic understanding

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Facilitation Issues

• Being a facilitator and a tutor
• Support and assessment
• Confidentiality
• Dealing with cynicism and negativity
• Within set issues