Action Learning for Principal Investigators
What is Action Learning?
Action Learning is an approach that focuses on learning from actions with the help and support of colleagues, in an environment that is safe and strictly confidential. Action learning has increasingly gained credibility with senior managers in higher education as a method of professional development that meets real and current needs. The process was developed as a form of peer coaching and counselling using the assistance of an experienced facilitator.
The Action Learning Programmes for Principal Investigators
The Action Learning Programmes for East Midlands PIs will take place over a series of four full days at approximately monthly intervals – for meeting dates see below.
As part of the programme you will:
- Meet with a small group of PI colleagues (usually 4 to 6) from different institutions in the East Midlands;
- Use a range of coaching, mentoring and problem-solving techniques to address an issue of particular concern to you in your role as a PI;
- Share practice and experience of leading research projects and teams;
- Identify and make commitments to actions that increase your effectiveness as a PI.
During each meeting each PI will have dedicated time to present their issue and its context. The issue or problem must be one of substance so that it can be addressed over a period of time - it should not be a "puzzle", ie something where there is a correct answer that just needs to be discovered. The other PIs then help the presenter to clarify the issue and to develop ways of addressing it. This one-at-a-time focus on the presenter's issue helps them to identify actions; these will be implemented, and the process and its consequences are then discussed at the next meeting.
In addition to helping the issue-holder to address their issue, the process also gives the other programme members valuable insights into other people's situations, and the opportunity to develop their own skills in clarifying, reflecting and questioning. Programme members are not uncritical supporters of the presenter, their role is to challenge assumptions, to help the presenter check out reality, etc. Thus the skills of being an effective programme member overlap with those of the counsellor…and those of the manager, and the colleague, and the critical friend...
As a member of an Action Learning Programme your responsibilities will include:
- Making a commitment to attend all meetings and keeping to time
- Observing strict confidentiality of the meetings/discussions
- Being willing to present a current issue with openness
- Using active listening and questioning techniques
- Enabling colleagues to work things out without advising
- Respecting feelings and demonstrating empathy
- Ending each session by committing to action; starting by reporting on action.
The Role of the Facilitator
Each Action Learning group will be facilitated by an experienced staff developer who has been trained in action learning techniques. Their responsibilities will include:
- Explaining and modelling the core skills of action learning
- Developing group trust and confidentiality
- Ensuring that all members are actively involved
- Encouraging participants to challenge and experiment with the process
- Suggesting further learning opportunities
- Making the whole process a productive one
Outcomes
The Action Learning Programme for PIs will provide:
- A way for Principal Investigators to learn from one another;
- A challenging environment for personal and professional development;
- Structured networking;
- Peer mentoring; and
- The opportunity to address real problems and implement solutions;
Programme Dates
Two PI Action Learning Programmes are available, each with a maximum of 6 places. The first meeting for Programme 1 will be held at Loughborough University and the first meeting for Progamme 2 at the University of Leicester. Locations for the subsequent meetings will then be decided by the group.
|
Programme 1 |
|
|
Programme 2 |
Facilitator |
Andrew Wilson |
|
Facilitator |
John Doidge |
Location |
Loughborough University |
|
Location |
University of Leicester |
Meeting 1 |
Wednesday 19th March |
|
Meeting 1 |
Thursday 3rd April |
Meeting 2 |
Wednesday 23rd April |
|
Meeting 2 |
Thursday 8 May |
Meeting 3 |
Wednesday 14 May |
|
Meeting 3 |
Thursday 12 June |
Meeting 4 |
To be arranged at first meeting |
|
Meeting 4 |
To be arranged at first meeting |
Cost
The Action Learning Programmes for PIs are being funded as a pilot initiative as part of a HEFCE Leadership Governance and Management Project ‘Meeting the Leadership and Development Needs of Principal Investigators’ (www.le.ac.uk/researchleader). There will be no charge for PIs from the lead and partner institutions in the East Midlands (Leicester, Loughborough, and Nottingham Trent). Participants are expected to cover their travel costs.
About the Facilitators
Dr Andrew Wilson
Andy is Director of Professional Development at Loughborough University. He has run staff development workshops across the world and has been involved with numerous externally-funded projects, including several on the development of the skills of researchers and PIs. He has facilitated strategic development away-days and action learning sets for a range of organisations.
John Doidge
John is a Professional Development Consultant with some 20 years experience in higher education. He was formerly Director of the Staff Development Centre, University of Leicester (now retired) and Head of function at two other Midland universities. John has considerable experience of leadership and management development and has led a number of national and international programmes for leaders in higher education He also has considerable experience of facilitating action learning programmes.
Andy and John were founder members of the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education-funded East Midlands Action Learning initiative, now in its 5th year.
For further information about the programmes or to reserve a place
Please contact:
Dr Jane Wellens
Email: jw27@le.ac.uk Tel: 0116 252 3846
Staff Development Centre
University of Leicester
Leicester LE1 7RH
Date Updated: 22-Feb-2008
Return > Home page
