Action learning set

An action learning set (ALS) is a group reflection activity.

There are various ways to run an action learning set but the basic format is as follows.

• One member of the group presents an experience that they wish to reflect on or a problem they wish to address.

• The other members of the group then spend an agreed amount of time asking the presenter questions to help them reflect on the issue. 

It is important to ensure that group members don't offer advice or solutions — just ask questions. The whole point is to support and stimulate the presenter to think for themselves.

If the participants are less experienced, it may be helpful to structure the questioning during ALS using various frameworks, such as:

• ReCoCa analysis 

• Socratic questioning 

• de Bono's six thinking hats