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Action Learning and Work-Applied Learning (WAL)

by Dec 10, 2013

2013 Work Applied Learning Conference - Adelaide

Dr. Ron Passfield, a Director of Merit Solutions, recently presented on action learning, action research and reflective practice at the Work-Applied Learning for Change Conference in Adelaide.

The Conference was jointly sponsored by the Australian Institute of Business (AIB) and Middlesex University, London and supported by the Action Learning, Action Research Association (ALARA).   Dr. Passfield is an Adjunct Professor at AIB and member of the Academic Board.  During the conference, he also participated as a discussion facilitator and as a member of the panel of speakers who were available towards the end of the conference to take questions from the audience.

Dr Passfield - WAL Conference, Adelaide

Facilitating Table Discussion - WAL Conference

Participation was effectively built into the conference process by table discussions after each presentation and questions to the speaker arising from those discussions.

Professor John Garnett and Dr. Darryl Bravenboer from the Institute for Work Based Learning at Middlesex University each spoke of different aspects of Middlesex University’s approach to integrating academic learning and work based learning through formal accredited education.

Natalie Holyoake of BAE Systems (Australia) gave a thought-provoking presentation on how her company fuses action learning, action research and McKinsey’s 7-S Framework to achieve continuous improvement across multiple parts of the organisation.   BAE Systems is a global defence, aerospace and security company employing 88,000 people worldwide.  Natalie Holyoake is the Business Improvement Manager for the company in Australia.

Tan Sri Eng, Chairman of Epic Valley Holdings, Malaysia, spoke of how he is using a Work-Applied Learning process in collaboration with AIB to plan for and implement changes for the future growth of his company which he founded in 1997.  The WAL research and development process incorporated a development program for Tan Sri Eng and his senior managers.  The Chairman is currently undertaking a doctoral research degree with AIB and writing a book on his contribution as an entrepreneur.  His company, Epic Valley Holdings, is a key player in the residential property development industry in Malaysia, employing more than 400 employees in 20 subsidiary companies.

Tan Sri Eng met Dr. Passfield for the first time at the Work-Applied Learning Conference  and informed him that he had read many of his articles and as well as his doctoral thesis on action learning which he had in his personal library.  He also told Dr. Passfield that he considered him to be “his action learning guru”.  So the Conference proved to be very rewarding on many fronts.

Tan Sri Eng and Dr Ron Passfield

Tan Sri Eng and Dr Ron Passfield

A copy of Dr.Passfield’s presentation on action learning, action research and reflective practice can be downloaded from the following link:

 

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TESTIMONIALS

The presentation was done well, showing me how to unpack my skills, how to do the STAR technique, interview skills, info and tips.

Participant

The facilitator kept it simple and explained everything so well. The whole course was excellent.

Participant

Very practical & logical approach in delivering Interview Skills. Great energy, positive, engaging, motivating & relevant.

Participant

The clear messages you articulated in the course really assisted me in conceptualising what it takes to be successful at interview. I gained a great deal of confidence through the practical sessions and through this course I was able to understand what preparation I needed to do to succeed.

TESTIMONIALS

The strategies the facilitator discussed were extremely helpful and insightful. Connecting these strategies to brain functioning was very engaging and well presented.

Participant

The course was very tailored to our questions rather than a more structured format. The presenter was very knowledgeable and able to provide relevant examples to suit the audience.

Participant

Great workshop, very interesting and informative; the workbook will be very helpful and I will keep handy for time to come! I have enjoyed the day!

Participant

Great trainer, very knowledgeable and answers all questions very well; Good activities and content covered well; Great tips and ideas provided.

Participant

I enjoyed the explanation of STAR; this has given me a better understanding as to what is more important.

Participant

I came away feeling fully armed and equipped to tackle any job application which may take my fancy, and felt your presentation style was warm, friendly and very engaging..

TESTIMONIALS

The activities were well paced and created opportunities for robust discussion & knowledge sharing.

Participant

The presentation by the facilitator was engaging, maintained level of interest & energy throughout the day – encouraging interaction of course members.

Participant

The energy was maintained well throughout the day. The facilitator is a seasoned practitioner who is very informative and engaging.

Participant

The class was interactive and information presented was very informative; I learnt a lot of helpful tips within this class for interviewing/selection.

Participant

It was a comfortable environment to ask questions and provide feedback/comment on my own experiences.

Participant

Very good level of detail in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process; Presenter has very detailed knowledge and interesting.

Participant

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