Action Learning

Focus

Expanding group potential by addressing real-life problems

Principal Metaphors

  • Knowledge is … scope of possible actions
  • Knowing is … informed, team-based acting
  • Learner is … a team (group; collective)
  • Learning is … questioning, solving, & reflecting
  • Teaching is … coaching, promoting, facilitating

Originated

1990s

Synopsis

Action Learning is a team-based approach to solving real-life problems, intended for businesses, non-profits, and other organizations. Key components of Action Learning are becoming aware of lack of relevant knowledge and, when the problem at hand is solved, reflecting on the process and results. Most forms of Action Learning include a coach, although the team is encouraged to be self-managing. (Note: Action Learning should not be confused with Action Theory or Active Learning.)

Commentary

Action Learning is a popular and well-established approach to team-based problem solving that is associated with a significant, commercialized support industry. Consequently, proponents are often more concerned that ideas and strategies are marketable than they are theoretically defensible or empirically grounded.

Authors and/or Prominent Influences

Reginald Revans

Status as a Theory of Learning

Action Learning is not a theory of learning.

Status as a Theory of Teaching

Action Learning is perhaps best construed as a theory of teaching, although more in a collaborative, co-teaching sense that in a directive or managing sense.

Status as a Scientific Theory

There is a body of research associated with Action Learning – with claims, for example, that it has been demonstrated to be effective in supporting the development of individual leadership and team problem-solving skills. For the most part, this research has been founded on subjective assessments (e.g., exit surveys), and it there does not appear to be a broad scientific research program built around the approach.

Map Location



Please cite this article as:
Davis, B., & Francis, K. (2020). “Action Learning” in Discourses on Learning in Education. https://learningdiscourses.com.


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