Action learning is an approach to problem solving that involves teams working on real problems or challenges while also focusing on learning. It has four key stages: planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The process is cyclical, with teams continually refining their approach based on observations and reflections. Action learning aims to simultaneously solve problems while developing leadership skills and enabling lifelong learning through a process of questioning assumptions and considering different perspectives.

1. Action Learning Lena Arena Project Coordinator - DER NSW Sydney Region Ph: 9582 2851 [email_address]

2. Acknowledgement of Country I would like to show my respect and Acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Land, of Elders past and present, on which this meeting takes place.

3. What is Action Learning?

4. What is action learning (action research)?

5. Action learning approach is…

6. Then…

7. Components of an Action Learning Program Project, challenge, task, or problem Team of 4-8 people with diverse perspectives Reflective questioning and listening Developing Strategies and taking action Commitment to learning Action Learning coach

8. Stages in an action learning project Plan Act Reflect Observe Identifying Informing organising Trialling collecting questioning Analysing reporting sharing Evaluating implementing revisiting

9. Another diagram

10. Another diagram

11. Participants control the direction

12. Learning partnerships

13. Problem Identification : Identify the issue to be examined/changed Look elsewhere for information Develop the questions and methods to be used Develop a plan Is the problem stated clearly and in the form of a question? Is it broad enough to allow for a range of insights and findings? Is it narrow enough to be manageable within the timeframe? What resources exist and what information from others might be useful in helping you to frame your question, decide on types of data to collect, or to help you in interpreting your findings? Stage I – Planning

14. Stage 1 - Planning Planning the project requires team members to: identify one or two educational challenges or opportunities to be addressed by the project team, and perhaps at least one individual challenge (e.g. developing competence in relation to one or more elements of the Quality teaching framework) for each team member to pursue determine measurable and/or observable project team and individual outcomes that are achievable within the established timeline for the project

15. Stage 2 Acting Trial the change following your plan Collect and compile evidence Question the process and make changes as required Be clear about each step you take, ensure your timeframe is manageable. Taking action is about implementing the action plan. It may include teaching, assessing, team meetings and discussions, workshops, in-class support and peer observations, input from external sources (such as an academic partner or a regional consultant), reflection and sharing of expertise, ideas, experiences, thoughts and feelings.

16. Stage 3 - Observing Analysis of Data -describe, record, discuss and reflect upon the action Analyse the evidence. Collate the findings What can you learn from the data? What patterns, insights, and new understandings can you find? What meaning do these patterns, insights, and new understandings have for your practice? for your students? Share your findings with participants and colleagues Action research teams use a variety of strategies to gather evidence and describe action. This may include discussions between team members and support personnel to clarify and share observations, thoughts and ideas, interviews, focus group discussions, journals or learning logs, portfolios, video scenarios, photographs, and annotated student work samples.

17. Stage 4 - Reflecting Involves teachers in considering not only what they are doing in the classroom … but also why they are doing it. Teacher knowledge of educational theories and research can assist teachers to reflect critically on their current practice. When they become conscious of the theories implicit in their practice, they are better able to determine whether there is a need for fundamental change, e.g. Given the benefits to be obtained by students engaging in cooperative learning, to what extent do I provide for cooperative learning in my classroom?

18. Stage 4 – Reflecting Evaluate the first cycle of the process Implement the new findings or new strategy Revisit the process What will you do differently in your classroom as a result of this study? What might you recommend to others? How will you write about what you have learned so that the findings will be useful to you and to others?

19. Critical Reflection is important

20. The QT framework as a reflection tool

21. Considerations

22. Power and Benefits of Action Learning Solves complex problems and challenges in a systems-thinking approach Promotes holistic thinking Builds powerful teams Enables individuals and teams to learn while working Creates a culture that can handle change and learns Develops leadership competencies Develops systems thinking and creativity

23. Additional Benefits of Action Learning Learning how to learn New knowledge and information Improve relevant skills and competencies Reasoning and behaving differently Alters beliefs, values and basic assumptions Self-awareness

24. Your Action Learning Project Happens in the workplace Tackles the issues facing you in your school or classroom Is the c entre of the learning process

25. Some advice Reg Revans suggest you ask yourself… What are you doing? Why are you doing it? What will happen next?

26. A Learning Journal is used to...

27. To remember...

28. Final Thoughts

29. Quotes for thought…

30. Resources http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/ar/arhome.html http://www.learningplace.com.au/deliver/content.asp?pid=19632 http://www.qtp.nsw.edu.au/ https://www.det.nsw.edu.au/proflearn/research/actres.htm http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/ict/index.htm

31. Questions?