Action Learning by Devin Melville

                Action Learning is a student-centered, results-driven approach which brings together individuals and tasks them with finding a solution to a real problem. Action learning is very successful in fields of study where there is no one “correct” answer as the task should involve strategic, social or tactical issues. 

Theoretical Family Tree

                The idea of Action Learning is a branch of the line of thinking that forms Constructivist Learning Theory. In Constructivist Learning Theory, the learner generates their understanding of the world around them as an output of their experiences in that world. Constructivist Learning Theory is an umbrella term that holds several schools of thought under it. Two of the major Constructivist approaches under the umbrella are the idea of “cognitive constructivism” which was championed by Jean Piaget and “social constructivism” by Lev Semyonovich Vygotsky.

              

 Action Learning is thought to be the brainchild of Reg Revans. Originally conceived as a method of generating solutions for the workplace, some of the terms regularly used in action learning are business-oriented. Although the process is easily adopted into the classroom due to the peer-focused, developmental goals, teachers may find it beneficial to rename components into terms that better fit the school setting. 

Instructional Model Example

                An ideal example of action learning is a short or long term simulation project that tasks students with coming together and finding a solution for an issue that will prove difficult to solve. For history and social studies classes, this could involve forming a model U.N. and attempting to come up with a solution for Peace in the Middle East.

Action Learning Resources

http://wial.org/  -- The World Institute for Action Learning is a business organization aiming to bring the methodology to organizations worldwide. Show your students the skills they are learning have a place in the business world and can help their future careers.

This video shows what an action learning session looks like in the business world.

Introduction By Reg Revans

The creator of Action Learning, Reg Revans, introduces the topic and describes how it came about.