Action learning, developed by Reg Revans in the 1940s, is a highly effective method for group problem-solving that has shown significant improvements in outcomes across various sectors. It emphasizes deep understanding through listening and open questioning, fostering individual and team learning, decision-making skills, and reflective practice. This approach contrasts with traditional learning by prioritizing experiential insights over quick solutions, leading to more profound understanding and innovative solutions.

1. An introduction to Action Learning
Ⓒ Alex Clapson Images
The Action Learning approach is a highly effective, & time efficient approach
to group problem solving
History: Action Learning was developed in the 1940’s by Professor Reg Revans, the
former Olympic Athlete, turned Management Consultant. Reg created the
management development programme for the post-war British Coal Board. The
techniques that he created achieved amazing results – mines where managers
engaged in Action Learning demonstrated a 30% improvement in output.
The past 80 years have seen Action Learning established as a method for delivering
individual, team, & organisational improvements. It has proved popular, & effective in
a diverse range of sectors, including Health, Higher Education, across Government
Departments, & the Third Sector.
Action Learning is a powerful tool for achieving profound individual, & team
learning. It helps to create change, & improvement, at the individual, team, &
organisational level
Time to think: At the heart of Action Learning is the ability to listen, & then to ask
open questions to deepen our understanding of the problem / situation at hand,
thereby enabling the problem-owner to make informed choices, & to take action.

2. It is the development of deeper insights into a problem, or situation through
constructive challenge that helps create new learning, & innovative, & powerful
solutions.
Added Benefits of Action Learning:
It is inclusive
It helps to develop decision-making skills
It is collaborative
It enhances appreciation
It develops listening skills
It develops reflective practice
It encourages participation
The knowledge that is written down in books, theories, & concepts is termed
‘programmed knowledge’. This is vital for learning, but it’s not enough; only
when we use that knowledge in challenging enquiry, & then apply it, can it
become true, valuable, & impactful learning
How Action Learning differs from other forms of learning: Action Learning
focuses on the experience, feelings, & insights of the individual. Rather than jumping
to solve a problem as quickly as possible, Action Learning enables deeper enquiry, &
results in deeper understanding.
This approach encourages the problem-owner to reach the best solution, not just
adopt the first one that comes to mind. It also encourages all whom participate to
gain greater insights about themselves, & others which will enable future challenges
to be met with more confidence, & success.