Action Learning (Revans)

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What is Action Learning?

Some variations of definitions for Action Learning are:

• A process for bringing together a group of people with varied levels of skills and experience to analyze an actual work problem and develop an action plan. The ad-hoc group continues to meet as actions are implemented, learning from the implementation and making mid-course corrections. Action Learning is a form of learning by doing.
• An approach to individual and organizational development. Working in sets or groups, people tackle important organizational issues or problems and learn from their attempts to change things. Traditional instruction, or "programmed knowledge", is appropriate when we are faced with "puzzles" - challenges that have a right answer. However, when we are faced with "problems" - challenges that have no right answer - we need critical reflection or "questioning insight". Action learning encourages such reflection by providing the support to enable people to learn from challenges as well as from themselves and the process itself. The benefits of learning on all these levels are that the knowledge is more likely to be transferable to other situations and participants will be engaged in "double loop learning" where they not only receive feedback on their actions, but will find their underlying assumptions and mental models under scrutiny.
• An experience-based approach to developing people that uses work on meaningful problems as a way to learn. Action learning programs involve small groups that meet regularly to take action on critical, real problems while explicitly seeking learning from having taken that action. Usually, the learning aspect is facilitated by a learning coach who is skilled in using the collective experience of group members to create learning opportunities.

Action Learning typically comprises the following activities

1. Experiential learning.
2. Creative complex problem solving. See also: Case Method
3. Acquiring of relevant knowledge.
4. Co-learning group support.

Each of these activities can be regarded as a necessary component, but insufficient by itself, to be considered as Action Learning.
 

characteristics of Action Learning

1. An emphasis on learning by doing.
2. Conducted in teams.
3. Addressing company / organizational issues.
4. With participants placed into problem-solving roles.
5. Where team decisions are required.
6. Formalized into presentations.

Origin of Action Learning. History

Professor Reg Revans first introduced and coined the term "Action Learning" in the coal mines of Wales and England in the 1940s. In Revans interpretation, the purpose of Action Learning is not just to promote local action and learning, but to bring about organizational change. As in "The enterprise as a learning system" (1969).

the Action Learning Formula

Reg Revans described Action Learning with the formula L = P + Q, where Learning (L) occurs through Programmed knowledge (P) and insightful Questioning (Q)

Usage of the Action Learning. Applications

• To address problems and issues that are complex and can not easily be resolved.
• To find solutions for underlying root causes of problems.
• To determine a new strategic direction or to maximize new opportunities.
• Generating creative ideas.

Steps in Action Learning. Process

1. Clarify the objective of the Action Learning group. Presentation of the problem or the task to the group. A group may handle one or many problems.
2. Group formation. The group can consist of volunteers or appointed people, and can work on a single organizational problem or each other's department's problems. Convene a cross-section of people with a complementary mix of skills and expertise to participate in the Action Learning group. Compare: Belbin Team Roles. Action Learning groups may meet for one time or several times. Depending on the complexity of the problem and the time available for its resolution.
3. Analyze the issue(s) and identify actions for resolving them.
4. The problem owner presents the problem briefly to the group. He can remain involved as a member of the group, or withdraw, and await the group's recommendations.
5. Reframe the problem. After a series of questions, the group, often with the guidance of the Action Learning consultant, will reach a consensus on the most critical and important problem the group should work on. The group should establish the crux of the problem, which might differ from the original presenting problem.
6. Determine goals. Once the key problem or issue has been identified, the group seeks consensus for the goal. The achievement of the goal would solve the restated problem for the long-term with positive rather than negative consequences on the individual, team, or organization.
7. Develop action strategies. Much of the time and energy of the group will be spent on identifying, and pilot testing, of possible action strategies. Like the preceding stages of Action Learning, strategies are developed via reflective inquiry and dialogue.
8. Take action. Between Action Learning sessions, the group as a whole and individual members collect information, they identify the support status, and they implement the strategies developed and agreed to by the group.
9. Repeat the cycle of action and learning until the problem is resolved or new directions are determined.
10. Capturing learning. Throughout and at any point during the sessions, the Action Learning consultant may intervene. He can ask questions to the group members, which will enable them to:
    • Clarify the problem.
    • Find ways to improve their performance as a group.
    • Identify how their learning can be applied to develop themselves, the team, and the organization.

    After a period of time, reconvene the group to discuss progress, lessons learned, and next steps. Document the learning process for future reference. Record lessons learned after each phase of learning.

Strengths of Action Learning. Benefits

• Offers an intelligent and creative way to act and learn at the same time. This has become essential in a work environment that is rapidly changing and that faces evermore unpredictable challenges.
• Can help to solve complex, urgent problems.
• Instrumental to develop skilled leaders, or to develop teams.
• Can help to transform corporate culture, and to create learning organizations.
• Produces tangible outcomes as a return on investments in education.
• Adults are most motivated for learning when it is immediately relevant to their lives. Participants can test the utility of frameworks and techniques on tangible problems, and are able to see for themselves what can be usefully applied, and what can not be usefully applied.

Limitations of Action Learning. Disadvantages

• Necessary to organize multiple Action Learning events, to make it effective.
• The design and content of the Action Learning program is crucial to its success.
• The accomplishment of the example task or project can potentially overwhelm the reflective learning process. Without reflection and feedback, Action Learning is similar to a normal day on the job.
• In teams where a single individual or a single functional perspective dominates, the group tends to produce outcomes that are not very innovative or insightful. (Compare: Groupthink).
• Good and objective facilitators are needed.
• Risk of poor follow-up on project outcomes.

Book: R.W. Revans - Action Learning: New Techniques for Management

Book: Michael Marquardt - Action Learning in Action: Transforming Problems and People...

Book: Michael Marquardt - Optimizing the Power of Action Learning: Solving Problems and Building Leaders...

Forum Forum discussions about Action Learning. 🔥 Outdoor Adventure-Based Learning Outdoor Adventure-Based Learning (OABL) is an educational approach that utilizes outdoor activities and experiences to facilitate learning and personal growth. It is a form of experiential learning th... 13   9 comments Action Learning Starting Point and Ownership If there is an action learning cycle then what is best point to break into the cycle? And who owns the process?... 10   6 comments Action Learning is Nothing New Nothing new. All learning start with available knowledge + problem + available solutions + best among them + traditional overlay + resulting gain. Questioning insight itself is a by product of availa... 7   1 comments Conditions for Action Learning. Circumstances My experience in a corporate organization is that you need: 1. An active driver (champion) behind the AL process, to ensure that everyone commit the time they promised initially. 2. Monitoring also ... 6   Action Learning Mantra - Right or Wrong? Revans said: There is no learning without action and no sober and deliberate action without learning. Is this really true? Cannot some people keep taking the same action over and over without learnin... 5   A New Name for Action Learning? What do you think: Is it time for a name change and a relaunch? How about: Learning in Action - sounds more dynamic. Or: Action for Learning? Any other ideas for a new, better name for a new future... 4   4 comments Does Action Learning Deal with the Knowing - Doing Gap? Action Learning is surely working in this era of human behavior and learning? Is there far too much knowing in organizations and far too little doing?... 3   1 comments Key Features of Action Learning Here's a list of the key features of Action Learning (AL) in a business context. - Small action sets with people who work together in a supportive and challenging way with each other - Clear ground ... 3   Distance: An Action Learning Delusion? The distance between our actions and the observable, known, impact of those actions can be close (when we have a coaching conversation with a team member) or far (when we take a decision at head offic... 3   2 comments Socrates and Action Learning? The Socratic Method - which he used more than 2000 years ago – still works and has many similarities to an Action Learning approach. For example what about Socratic Circles for Business? Follow the st... 2   The Difference in Learning Between Knowing and Doing When it comes to learning, there is a world of difference between knowing and doing. Many learning programmes leave participants 'knowing' lots about leadership or team working (for example), but do n... 2   Action Learning in Fire Departments I am exploring the possibilities of action learning in the discipline and work practices of fire departments in the Netherlands. I'm searching for examples of investigated action learning in similar d... 2   2 comments Which Comes First - Action or Learning? Does action always precede learning or does learning precede action? Does this matter? Can both take place simultaneously? Not exactly questions on the meaning of life but still intriguing… And what... 2   The Return on Investment of Action Learning Is there hard evidence for an attributable Return on Investment (ROI) for Action Learning programmes out there somewhere? I have been searching for robust organisational studies which provide this. ... 2   Action Learning Facilitation Revans (1998) himself was critical of the need for facilitators apart from the earliest stages of the process, believing that independence was important. How important is the role of a facilitator in... 2   New Year Action Learning Resolutions Now may be a good point to put time in the diary very early in 2014 to actively reflect on 2013 and what has been learned - with a clear intent to take action in the New Year to improve our lives?... 1   Experiential Learning Through Virtual Simulation One of the processes involved in action learning is experiential learning: a learning technique that takes into account the impact of emotions and subjectivity and its influence on the learner’s exper... 1   1 comments New Radka Action Learning Matrix Please have a look at my new Action Learning Matrix which can be used to understand the learning dynamics of teams and leaders. It has been placed in the 'Resources - Action Learning' part of this AL ... 1   Start a new topic about Action Learning Sign up for free

Courses about Action Learning. Beginners Course Advanced Course Course for Experts

Best Practices The best, top-rated topics about Action Learning. Here you will find the most valuable ideas and practical suggestions. 🥇 Why Action Learning? Purpose Many "study groups" result in heightened awareness and increased knowledge but often stop there. In my work with action learning teams (mostly corporate based) the key purpose is getting increased or ... 41   1 comments 🥈 Similar Knowledge Level First of all, to succeed in active learning, the different entities involved should not be far in terms of basic knowledge to be able to achieve an initial transfusion of knowledge from the highest to... 27   1 comments 🥉 New Technologies for Action Learning Great overview, my interest is how the new technologies "leverage" action learning (and research)?... 26   Action Learning Principles 1. Make sure that your students understand why 2. Respect that they have different styles to learn (auditory-visual-kinesthetic) 3. Allow them to experience what they are learning.... 24   Introduction to 2nd and Consecutive Sessions I have learned that is very important to start second and consecutive sessions in a learning course with a brief review of the past concepts, to reinforce them in the process. Just select some questio... 24   Virtual Action Learning Is anyone doing virtual action learning? If so i'd be very interested to hear from you. I'm researching this emerging form of action learning.... 15   6 comments Action Learning in Leadership Development Leadership development programs that most organizations currently use do not deal with all dimensions necessary for becoming an excellent leader, according to M. Marquardt. As a result, leaders are p... 14   9 comments What are the Questions in the Action Learning Formula ( L = P + Q) The Q in the Action Learning formula refers to: A. Four "major" questions: 1. Where? 2. Who? 3. When? 4. What? B. Three "minor" questions: 5. Why? 6. How many? 7. How much?... 14   3 comments Puzzles , Problems and New Learning I wholeheartedly agree about the difference between 'puzzles' and 'problems'. However, for me, there is a problem of context. The AL sets I have been involved with all take place in the workplace, or ... 11   4 comments

Expert Tips Advanced insights about Action Learning. Here you will find professional advices by experts. Consultancy Tips Teaching Tips Practical Implementation Tips Capturing Learned Lessons: After Action Reviews How to Capture Organizational Learning? Best Practices Knowledge from bad and good experiences will lead you and your organization to better future performance. You can improv... 'Action' Learning is Misleading... Understanding Action Learning Note that the title "Action Learning" can be a bit misleading, because it emphasizes action, learning in practical situa... Action Learning Groups / Programs Creating an Action Learning Organiztion According to Michael J. Marquardt (Action Learning in Action), there are two basic types of programs: Single-project pro... 6 Action Learning Components How To Apply It According to Michael J. Marquardt (Action Learning in Action), Action Learning has Six Interactive Components: 1. A pro... Execution as Learning Similar Approach Also compare Action Learning with the quite similar Execution as Learning-approach by Amy Edmondson.... Core Characteristic of Action Learning What Makes an AL Group Different? The difference between a simple work team (like a task force or a quality circle) and an Action Learning group is the si... Alignment is key Change and innovation Having used action learning in several programs over 3 years I now always align the Action Learning with the strategy of...

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding Action Learning. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. Action Learning in Action Action Learning, Problem Solving Good, detailed presentation about Action Learning by M.J. Marquardt. - Concept of action learning, benefits and an some... Action Learning Schools and Varieties, History of Action Learning Action Learning This presentation outlines the various schools on action learning and the varieties of Action Learning it has generated.... A Leader's Guide to After-Action Reviews After-Action Reviews In-depth manual on conducting After-Action Reviews by US military.... Action Learning Guide Anyone Interested in Learning About Action Learning Open source Ashridge College reference document with background and description of Action Learning, as well as useful bo... Introduction to Action Learning by Reg Revans Historical Background and Foundation of of Action Learning In this 1984 (!) video, Professor Reg Evans explains that the central idea behind and the foundation of Action Learning ... Applying Creative Thinking to Complex Business Problem Solving Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, Complex Problem Solving Techniques This presentation focuses on creative thinking as a useful tool for dealing with complex business issues. It includes th... Introduction to Working in Teams, Team Work and Related Concepts Team Management, Team Work, Groupthink Presentation about teamwork, including the following sections: 1. Importance of Teams 1.1. Introduction 1.2. Definiti... Organizational Framework Action Learning Paper by Ivo de Loo and Otmar Donnenberg. Action learning programs are supposed to result in both personal and organizat... Professor Evans Explains Why Fast Change Requires New Ways of Learning and Thinking Action Learning, Coping with Change, The Need of Change, The Need for New Ways of Learning In this historic video Action Learning Professor Reg Evans shows that it is very important to understand that today's ra... The Knowing - Doing Gap A New Action Learning Perspective? 'The Knowing-Doing Gap' by J. Pfeffer & R. Sutton explores and identifies the causes of this gap and provides insights o... Action Learning Toolkit Action Learning Sets This is a very good sample activity which you are welcome to use in your training programmes. This sample activity is ju... Tools and Approaches to Complement Action Learning (3) Action Learning Tools This Action Learning Question asks how I will use my learning insights and understanding from Research Papers 1 and 2 to... Action Learning Diagram Experiential Learning Download and edit this 12manage PowerPoint graphic for limited personal, educational and business use. Republishing in ... Action Learning in Leadership Programmes (2) Action Learning for Leadership Development How I will use my learning insights from Paper 1 to organise the Action Learning content/process before commencement, in... Co Consulting Action Learning Different AL Approach Co Consulting Action Learning Involves working with a group or set of people in a quiet space. The novelty in this appr... Evaluation of Action Learning Approaches to a Leadership Programme (1) Action Learning “How do I evaluate, and learn from, the use of Action Learning approaches within a pilot Leadership Programme to inform ... Radka Action Learning Matrix Team Leadership Reflection and Assessment A new matrix which explores the dynamics of action and learning within teams and in relation to the behaviour of the tea...

Tools Useful tools regarding Action Learning. News Videos Presentations   Books Academic More

Compare with Revans' Action Learning: Case Method  |  Team Management Profile  |  Stages of Team Development  |  8D Problem Solving  |  Appreciative Inquiry  |  Positive Deviance  |  Analogical Strategic Reasoning  |  Knowledge Management (Collison & Parcell)  |  SECI model  |  Bridging Epistemologies  |  Organizational Learning  |  Organizational Memory  |  Cause and Effect Diagram  |  Root Cause Analysis  |  Metaplan  |  Groupthink  |  Six Thinking Hats  |  Emotional Intelligence  |  Training Within Industry  |  Pyramid Principle

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