What is Action Learning?

Action Learning Bookmarks
When we are talking about tacit knowledge when we are using “action learning:” There are four modes of learning: socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization. Socialization involves sharing tacit knowledge by sharing experiences. Knowledge is shared and learning occurs through observation, imitation, and practice. Externalization involves translating tacit knowledge into explicit knowledge. This takes the forms of metaphors, models, concepts, and equations. Combination involves systematizing explicit concepts into a knowledge system by analyzing, categorizing, and using information in a new way. Formal courses and seminars convert knowledge in this way. Internalization refers to converting explicit knowledge to tacit knowledge. Training methods such as simulations, action learning, and on-the-job experiences are used to create tacit knowledge from explicit knowledge. Experiential Learning will come into play and the interplay between the management team or supervisors should if facilitated properly, build on the learning experience of those involved.


This links and comments below were put together by Richard Griffiths and they do not necessarily reflect the official position of the University of Brighton where he teaches.
Organizations
Downloadable Papers on:
Action Learning
Related Topics
Web Resources for:
Action Learning
Related Topics
Books on:
Action Learning
Related Topics
Organizations
The Action Learning, Action Research and Process Management Association
ALARPM was formed in 1991 following the First World Congress on Action Learning, Action Research and Process Management in Brisbane. World Congresses are held every two years. One key intention is to encourage development that crosses the boundaries of traditional disciplines and recognizes the common elements of Action Learning and Action Research. http://www.imc.org.uk/imc/apc-1996/papers/alarpm.htm

The Canadian School of Management
The CSM is an action learning-based business school supported by our unique and comprehensive Internet site, linked to a full "virtual library" of materials, and resourced by a network of faculty subject matter experts and facilitators.
http://www.c-s-m.org/

The International Management Centres
IMC - a private, multinational business school which has provided programmes in over 40 countries - provides management development and qualification programmes on an open, in-company and consortium basis. IMC is a global market-leader for in-company MBA programmes and in the use of the Internet. Programmes are based on the principles of Action Learning, where participants use both their theoretical knowledge and practical experience to learn how to ask the questions that will help solve the real problems, and tackle the real issues in their own organizations.
http://www.imc.org.uk/imc/home.htm

The Revans Centre for Action Learning & Research
The University of Salford, UK in 1995 established, within Continuing Education, a new Centre with the specific task of contributing to the development of action learning. Because Professor Reg Revans had given his wholehearted support, including his personal library, to this initiative, the Centre was appropriately named the Revans Centre for Action Learning & Research. It forms part of the University's Research & Graduate College. http://www.tlainc.com/rcalr.htm
Papers on Action Learning
Action Learning and Action Research
Bob Dick. Action learning and action research are closely related processes. This brief document sets out one way of using the terms, and also relates them to experiential learning and change. http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/ar/arp/actlearn.html
Net-Learning: Strategies for On-Campus and Off-Campus Network-enabled Learning
This paper examines the field of Asynchronous Learning Networks (ALN), also known as Net-learning or anywhere-anytime learning. Commencing with definitions, examples of current practice and an accounting of types of schools and faculty that are engaged in ALN, the essay then examines the role of faculty in an ALN-world and considers which strategies are suitable for different types of institutions. By John R. Bourne of Vanderbilt University. http://www.aln.org/alnweb/journal/vol2_issue2/bourne2.htm
Teaching and Learning Methods in Higher Education: A Glimpse of the Future
Tom Bourner and Steve Flowers The aim of this article is to look at the future of teaching and learning methods (TLM) in higher education (HE) over the next decade. The purpose of the article is to develop a viable new vision of the future teaching and learning methods (TLM) that is preferable to the destination towards which we are currently headed. http://www.bbk.ac.uk/Learning/ASD/Bourne.htm
The Role of the Set Adviser
If and when you become a Set Adviser for IMC, you are required to take on a dual role. You take on the traditional role of Set Adviser in an Action Learning programme, that of facilitator to the Set; while, for IMC, you take on the additional responsibility of managing and leading the Faculty team working with that Set, as well as some aspects of administration of the programme. You can find out more about your relationship with IMC and Faculty in the Appendices hereto. Here we concentrate on your role, working with the Set on its Action Learning programme. http://www.imc.org.uk/imc/roles/role-of-set-advisor.htm
Using Lotus Notes to Facilitate Action Learning
For over ten years, we have used an action learning pedagogy as the central learning platform in the Ohio University MBA Program. Much of the project-based learning makes use of collaborative learning groups. Although trained in group processes, we have found that learning teams tend over time to become less efficient and less effective in group functioning. In addition, geographic spread made the use of collaborative learning groups difficult in our part-time distance learning programs. This paper reports on our use of Lotus Notes to manage these two problems. It does not report empirical research, but rather is presented as a case study which may be of use to others facing challenges similar to those we faced. http://sirius.cba.ohiou.edu/~oumba/paper1.html
Papers on Related Topics
A Learning Guide to Design Patterns
A paper on using study groups to learn about software design patterns, by Joshua Kerievsky of Industrial Logic, Inc. An excellent introduction to the idea of a study group. The specific topic he addresses, pattern language, has some relevance also in examining architectural settings for these groups! http://www.industriallogic.com/papers/learning.html
Web Resources for Action Learning
Action Learning International
This site is the gateway sponsored by the International Management Centres on behalf of Action Learners and Researchers globally into the wealth of information and resources available throughout the Internet. http://www.imc.org.uk/imc/al-inter/

Action Learning Resources at Southern Cross University
This is the “front page” of a substantial action research site. Links to action research, action learning and related resources at Southern Cross University and elsewhere.
http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/ar/arhome.html

The Global Accumulative Bibliography of Action Learning
The Global Accumulative Bibliography of Action Learning ( GABAL ) is the fast route to significant published ideas and practice for all action learners world-wide. Whether your need is to keep abreast of new papers as they are published, or to carry out archival research from time-to-time, or both, GABAL is the mechanism to stay informed and to be effective. http://www.imc.org.uk/journals/gabal/
Web Resources for Related Topics
The Foundation for Community Encouragement
An organization founded by M. Scott Peck to promote his ideas on community development. He has written extensively on the use of community building groups, and the processes that these undergo. http://www.fce-community.org/
Books on Action Learning
McGill, Ian & Beaty, Liz, Action learning : a practitioner's guide London : Kogan Page, 1992.
Pedler, Mike (Ed.), Action learning in practice - 2nd ed. Aldershot : Gower, 1991.
Books on Related Topics
Peck, M. Scott , The Different Drum Arrow, 1990.
A book on community building, written from a (liberal) Christian perspective by a psychiatrist. He advocates the use of 'community building' groups, and gives a particular perspective on the dynamics of groups which is applicable to action learning sets.