Book Review ~ Action learning: Images and pathways. Author: Robert L. Dilworth and Verna J. Willis

Action learning, as defined in this book, is “a process of reflecting on one’s work and beliefs in the supportive/ confrontational environment of one’s peers for the purpose of gaining new insights and resolving real business and community problems in real time” (p. 11). The claims made for action learning are impressive. Action learning: * Allows participants (who work in groups called sets) to answer the question, “What is an honest man, and what do I need to do to become one?” (p. viii). * Is more than learning by doing, action learning “has the potential for putting control of lifelong learning directly in the hands of learners, in ways that alter their perceptions, amplify self-efficacy, and re-connect these individuals to spontaneous curiosity and confidence in the exercise of their own good judgment” (p. xi). * Is a “sleeping giant in the catalogue of individual and organizational change strategies” (p. xi). * Is believed to address the five most important needs facing organizations today: 1) problem-solving; 2) organizational learning; 3) leadership development; 4) professional growth; and 5) career development (p. xiii).