Action Learning Sets can offer a powerful framework to problem solve & develop our practice. This brief article describes a simple to follow method.

1. Alex Clapson
Action Learning Sets

2. The Why:
Action Learning Sets are an effective way to develop reflective practice, to
collaboratively problem solve, & help in the creation of Action Plans.
The process:
There are a number of Action Learning Set models / processes available.
The process described here is one that (based upon feedback) works well
with most groups in most settings.
It will help with the smooth running of your Action Learning Set if you have
a 10 minute sand timer. A stopwatch can also be used, but I find that the
presence of a sand timer, with the grains of sand running away is a powerful
visual reminder to the group to use the available time wisely.
Each group member will need a pencil & some notepaper. The group can sit
in a circle, or around a table – whichever they prefer.
The process is divided up into three blocks of ten minutes, followed by five
minutes of feedback & then the opportunity to reflect upon what has gone
before.
Action Learning Sets work well with at least four people & ideally less than
eight people – the larger the group size; the less opportunities there are for
everyone to contribute. Working with less than four people can reduce the
collaborative problem solving power of the model.

3. The first ten minutes – The Presenter:
A group member volunteers to become the Presenter & presents a current
problem, or challenge that they would like to discuss. Only the Presenter
can speak during this time. Other group members are encouraged to take
notes, including questions they wish to ask of the Presenter. The Presenter
describes the problem & may wish to discuss what they have already tried
in their attempt to solve the issue.
The second ten minutes – The Group:
Group members can now speak – they may wish to refer to their notes. This
time is to be used by the group to help them to understand the problem the
Presenter is facing. The group must NOT get into problem solving – they are
asking questions to gain clarity. The group may wish to ask questions about
what has already been attempted to solve the issue & use open questions
to gain as much information as possible in readiness for the next stage of
the process.
The third ten minutes – Problem Solving:
The Presenter moves slightly out of the circle (a maximum of one metre) so
that they can still hear what is being said, but they are no longer
contributing to the discussion. The Presenter cannot speak for the next ten
minutes, but they can make notes.
Group members now discuss what they have heard, discuss any perceived
inconsistencies & begin problem solving. Example questions: “What if they
tried this”, “Have they thought about doing…” etc. The Presenter listens to
the discussion & makes notes of anything they hear which they find useful.

4. Five minutes of feedback – The Presenter:
The Presenter thanks the group for their valuable contributions & shares
with the group what they found useful from the discussion, & any actions
they plan to take.
Reflections – The Presenter & the Group:
The Presenter & Group members discuss the process – what worked well &
what might be improved for the next time.
And repeat:
Allow time between each problem solving discussion for group members to
take a comfort break & then re-convene for another group member to
become the Presenter. A three-hour Action Learning Set is usually enough
time for four problems to be presented, including time for breaks.
Questions & suggestions: Alex Clapson alexclapson@yahoo.co.uk
22-05-19