Biggest Challenges

Mon, 1 Aug 2016 05:11:14 GMT

Share a "learning challenge" that you think warrants attention and action within the OD field.

Action Learning

Wed, 3 Aug 2016 00:55:58 GMT

Hi ... I'm curious to know if 'action learning' remains relevant in OD; and if so, how is it's being used? I imagine the application may differ across different sectors?

Wed, 3 Aug 2016 16:36:19 GMT

I attended the World Institute for Action Learning Conference in DC in 2015, which focused on "Sustaining Change through Action Learning". A variety of presenters, including leadership groups, private sector, and nonprofit, shared examples of using action learning in their organizations in support of change efforts. It appeared to be a strong tool amongst these attendees for both fostering leadership development and producing learning that facilitated change efforts.

Thu, 4 Aug 2016 13:38:07 GMT

Good question about Action Learning.

One thing that comes to mind about Action Learning concerns the role it has in curriculum design. In my doctoral program, I felt that various courses were designed, intentionally, to take students through the stages of Action Learning. We wrote many "reflection papers" in our courses; although the value was not obvious at the start, later in the program the value of reflecting became clear.

In this way, Action Learning is relevant as a model for designing doctoral level courses. Further, it presents a challenge to course designers who would like to create group exercises, individual assignments, and the like that inherently reflect the Action Learning process.

Tue, 9 Aug 2016 01:10:51 GMT

Dr. Fuessel,
I'm curious to know if you have used AL yourself? In what setting?
Do you see AL being connected with Action Inquiry and Action Research?

Dr. Garcia,
Thank you for your perspective!
I see the practical value of AL in curriculum design.
This seems to have a connection to Kolb's experiential learning as well?