Action Learning is notion of pedagogy developed by Prof Reg Revans. For the purposes of this research his basic notions (developed originally for industry) have been adapted to the present context.
His basic proposition is that we have two sources of learning. We learn
from 'experts'
and from our own (shared) experience.
According to Revans: Learning = P + Q where...
- P = 'programmed knowledge'. We learn from what we are told or shown by others. This kind of knowledge is necessary but not sufficient to enable us to deal with the complex, messy ever changing reality of our own experiences. This kind of knowledge can be a basis for being clever.
- Q = 'questioning insight'.
We learn
from what we can think for ourselves. This kind of learning is required to
make sense for our unique and sometimes unusual experiences. It
includes insights about ourselves
(including our own knowledge and ignorance). This can be a basis for
wisdom Our
own thinking is derived largely from insight into our own experience.
This requires some questioning techniques that extend the insight to
be achieved, eg,
- What don’t I know?
- What are the concepts involved?
- How does it work?
- How did my actions help?
- Where are the obstacles, constraints...?
- To what extent are my purposes realistic, feasible, desirable..?
- What questions might I ask in order to begin finding out?
- Who else is struggling, as I do, with the complex problems of reality?
- What are our values, motivation, lived experiences?