Action Learning: What It Is and Why It Works

Action Learning is process and a powerful program which involves usually four to eight individuals in a group solving real problems while at same time focusing on what they are learning and how their learning can benefit each group member and the organization as a whole.

There are six interactive and interdependet components of an action learning program. Which are as follows:
1. A Problem: Some examples of a problem are project, challenge, issue or task.
2. The Group: Four to eight individuals who examine the problem which is not easily solvable.
3. The Questioning and Reflection Process: This process involves first asking questions, to get better clarification of the exact nature of the problem and then reflecting and identifying possible solutions before taking any action.
4. The resolution to take action: People who are working the problem have the power to take action themselves or be assured that their suggestions will be implemented.
5. The Commitment to Learning: This interply between solving the problem and learning as well as developing yourself and organization.
6. The facilitator: The facilitator helps the group members in solving the problem by giving advising in the process.

What action learning is not:

Action Learning is not Task Forces and Quality Circles.
Action Learning is not Learning an Reflecting on the Job.
Action Learning is not Outdoor Adventures.
Action Learning is not Simulation.

Need of Action Learning in Today's world:
As we move from Newtonian Physics to Quantum Physics, Industrial Age to Information Age, National Economy to Global Economy, Worker Market focus to Customer Market focus, Manufacturing to Mentofacturing, we need solution to a complex problems in a systetic way, so they remain solved. Action Learning provides this kind solution to organizations.