Chapter 6 – Integrator
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Example:
You find that an increasing number of international students are coming to you to
complain that they are having difficulty in their practical assignments. The action
learning cycle, applied to this situation, might look like this:
Diagnosis:
- Collect comparative data on completion and pass/fail rates for the practical
assignments that students are concerned about. - Meet with groups of students and then with academic staff who work with them to
discuss what they think is causing this situation. - Collect details of the practical assignments causing most difficulty.
Analysis:
- Bring together a small group to analyse the data collected.
- The group might consist of language and learning specialists, academic staff and
student representatives. - Issues identified and possible actions to address these formulated.
- A method of evaluating the effectiveness of any actions taken is developed.
Feedback:
- Results of analysis phase discussed with wider staff and student group.
Action:
- The actions and interventions to address the issue are formulated in more detail.
- An implementation plan is developed and implemented.
Evaluation:
- The effect of the actions taken is evaluated.
- The group discusses the effectiveness of the actions taken.
Diagnosis:
- Unresolved issues are identified.
- Further data is collected as necessary.
The cycle continues until the issue is resolved.