What is a Learning Set?

The following is an excerpt from Decka Mah. I think it's interesting to draw the distinction between making suggestions and asking questions borne by insight. As a teacher I often find myself relying on my adopted authority (established via the teacher/student relationship) as a way to give instructions and lead people to a learning outcome. This teacher-centric approach is often very efficient in the short-term and is consistent with the cultural expectations of most of my English language students - coming from Asia. However this approach falls down in the medium and long term contexts where a better approach is to instill a self-motivated learning pattern through inspired discovery. I'm still learning about implementing this kind of approach. As a male I find it difficult to stop myself giving suggestions to others when I see solutions to their challenges.

/// What is a Learning Set Meeting anyway?///

Reg Revans (the inventor of Action learning) described learning as a formula.
L=P+Q
Learning equals Programmed knowledge (stuff found in books, etc.) plus insightful Questioning. (what you ask about that P in your unique context)

To aid this process of reflection, he built into the Action Learning syle a social reflection process in the form a small group who would help each other learn by posing these insightful questions.

//// Make up ////
The Learning set is made up of 4 or more people who may be working on a shared project or on individual projects.

//// Process ////
Reg Revans (the inventor of Action learning) suggest you ask yourself…
* What are you doing?
* Why are you doing it?
* What will happen next?

* Each group member has some “air time” to describe what is happening and ask for help.
* A time keeper makes sure they stay within their allocation of time.
* A recorder takes note of questions asked and ideas given. (As it is hard to talk and take notes) The chat history in Second Life negates the need for this. So just copy and paste from the history into a notecard.

!!!Note!!!
Suggestion giving is to be avoided unless couched in the form of a question such as …Would xyz that worked for us in the past be of use in your context? Your past success worked because it was right for YOU in YOUR context. This does not necessarily transfer to someone else in a different context.

//// Purpose ////
To deepen the learning of the individual through social reflection and questioning.
To achieve this:
* Ask you colleagues for their help in areas you self identify.
* Ask questions when you see a blind spot as a colleague is presenting their project.
* Resist offering solutions, suggestions or silver bullets. Use questions instead.

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Remember you are trying to help them see below the surface of the obvious. So ask deep questions in a respectful manner.

A useful phrase when you want to confront a difficult topic that can soften what might be a confronting question…
“I want to be honest and tactful, but I don’t know how to be tactful.” (Thanks Bob Dick)

//// Preparation for the Learning Set Meeting in Second Life ////

1. Get to know your Learning Set Members

Prepare a notecard that tells your Learning Set Members a little about you and give it to them (drop it on their profile) prior to the meeting.
Include
Who you are;
What you do;
A little about your context as it relates to this program.
A metaphor/analogy for how you are feeling about Second Life right now.


2. Send the members of the group your Project Planning Tool form (pasted into a notecard).

3.Collect your Speakeasy HUD (heads up display) and prepare it in Second Life.
A separate notecard will be sent about this process. IM Lindy to get help if editing an object is new to you and the instructions leave you bamboozled. Or ask your colleagues who have been building.

4. Read the other group member’s introductions and use the Question Starters as a prompt to formulate some questions based on their Project Planning Tool. An important thing to remember, YOU are NOT in the Learning Set to SOLVE their problem. (Yes caps are for emphasis…it’s important). You job is to ask insightful questions that will help them decide the best way to move THEIR project forward in THEIR context.

5. Arrive for your Learning Set Meeting on time or even 5 minutes early so you can check in and get settled.

6. As you will be online and out of sight, it is tempting to multi-task or deal with real life during the meeting. Try and make appropriate arrangements so that you can give your colleagues your full attention.

Enjoy!! Learning is fun and rewarding. Please take a few minutes after the meeting to jot a few notes about the experience and post them off to me.