Core Elements to Retain
These elements typically characterize “Action Learning”. Therefore,
a program should have these elements:
1. Group/Set
2. Members’ Projects/Goals
3. Group Processes (Time Slots, Groundrules, Questioning and Reflection)
4. Members’ Taking Actions
5. Facilitation
Select Type of Program
1. Single-Project Programs (all members work on the same project)
2. Open-Group Programs (each has different project)
Select Type of Groups
1. In-Company (all members from same organization)
2. Mixed (each member is from separate organization)
3. Horizontal-slice (members have similar responsibilities)
4. Vertical-slice (members have different responsibilities in same department)
5. Diagonal-slice (members have different responsibilities in different
departments)
Select Type of Projects/Goals
1. Familiar versus Unfamiliar Problem
2. Familiar versus Unfamiliar Setting
3. Another Factor: Who Chooses the Problem?
Design Structure (Duration and Size)
1. Part-Time versus Full-Time
2. Length of Program
3. Number of Groups
4. Size of Group
5. Number of Meetings |
Select Type of Facilitation
1. Internal
2. External
3. Self-Facilitation
Design Structures for Learning
1. Learning Theory (optional)
2. Learning Styles
3. Learning Goals in Program
4. Integrate Learning Throughout Program
5. Capture Learning (Journals, Agreements, Contracts, etc.)
Methods of Evaluation
1. Select Evaluation Design with Client
2. Conduct at End of Member’s Time Slot
3. Do Evaluations Throughout Program
4. Do Final Evaluation of Program
5. Include Organizational Evaluation
6. Include Follow-Up (6 weeks, 3 months?)
Pitfalls to Avoid
1. “Volunteered” Members
2. Inappropriate Problem or Project
3. Lack of Organizational Support
4. Lack of Time
5. Poor Mix of Members
6. Lack of Commitment by Members
7. Poor Problem Solving and Problem Framing
8. Lack of Commitment to Learning
9. Insufficient Commitment to Action
10. Poor Facilitation
11. Too Much or Too Little Structure |
