Action Learning
Action Learning
Action Learning is a problem-solving and learning technique which is a blend of solving real-world problems, working in collaborative teams, and reflective learning. It underlines the significance of doing in the process of learning that is why it is essential for the individual and organizations to grow.
What are the key principles of Action Learning?
Sustaining the real issue as the main focus, the founders of Action Learning stressed out the importance of operating, assessing, and teamwork as the main drive to learning. In a hypothetical case, a crew responsible for the task of bettering customer service could periodically come together to mull over their strategies, put into action innovations, and compare findings in a collective way.
How does Action Learning differ from traditional learning methods?
Unlike traditional learning, which often puts weight on theoretical knowledge during classes and focuses on classroom settings, Action Learning is a method that focuses on learning through the experience of real-world challenges. This method is all about pushing participants to integrate their knowledge right after the learning session, measure the results, and revise the plans, thus, learning through action, instead of just listening to the information.
What are the benefits of implementing Action Learning in organizations?
Actually, I would like to give you an example of the technique of Action Learning implemented in one of the companies. As a rule, many organizations survive the problems they face through the application of gap analysis, risk management, and the effective use and allocation of resources. However, as a rule, many of those firms are unable to maintain their competitiveness in the marketplace because either they do not know their gaps or they do not have effective solutions. Action Learning is a powerful tool in this regard. It allows organizations to redefine their problems and find proper answers while at the same time, it makes their members learn and grow in a way that seems that they are solving not only their immediate problems but better ones instantly. This is a practical example of what happens with the companies that apply Action Learning methodology. For example, the fruits of success for modal companies that were built through this technique are mostly categorized as more - innovation driven- companies. Teams, for example, are the ones that put forward many new ideas for products or processes while they solve their exercises in creativity and innovation as well as by the process of shared responsibilities and experience of leadership in a long run.
Can you provide an example of Action Learning in practice?
Of course! When a multinational company has a problem, for instance, the decrease in its market share, it can set up a cross-functional Action Learning group with workers from different departments. They will be the ones to find the root causes, come up with the practical tips, apply the changes, and analyze the results on the sales. By doing this, the practical experience is not only providing solutions to the short-term issue but also stimulating the development of workplace culture as continuous improvement and learning.