Action Learning
by Steve RocheHow to evaluate Action Learning
The work of a set can be evaluated at several levels:
- Individual – progress on a problem and learning from it
- Set – collective achievement, group development and maturity
- Programme or organisational level – impact on the organisation as a whole, across all sets.
Self-evaluation is an important part of Action Learning. Self-awareness, combined with improving the ability to self-evaluate, can be an important outcome in itself.
A good final task for a set can be to carry out a more formal evaluation, such as interviewing stakeholders to assess how far their expectations have been met.
In the early stages, it can be good practice to use a review sheet to embed the evaluation habit.
Sample review sheet
Each person should spend five minutes reflecting individually on the work of the set, before sharing with fellow members. A review sheet should be created along the following lines:
My problem
The three key things I have learned about my problem today are:
1. ....................................................................................
2. ....................................................................................
3. ....................................................................................
Action
My action steps before the next meeting are:
........................................................................................
Other set members
The most interesting thing I have learned today about the problems facing other set members is:
........................................................................................
The set
The thing that stands out for me today in terms of the working of the set is:
........................................................................................
Myself
The one thing I have learned about myself today is:
........................................................................................