Action Learning is a learning process for working on stubborn and complex challenges in a collaborative way. It combines the learning cycle of action, reaction, planning, new actions with the power of small groups.
These small groups used their collective experiences to solve problems encountered by set members. Action learning works on the premise that the practice wisdom of set members often results in better solutions than outside expert interventions. Each participant in an action learning set would have relied on their fellow members for a network of support when they encountered problems, and in turn lend their own expertise to their colleagues’ problems.
As part of What Works, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth have, in the past, facilitated a series of action learning sets for those working with children and young people.