Accelerated Action Learning

We remember 10% of what we read,
30% of what we hear, and
90% of what we do.

The learning activities in an AAL process are based on the principles of Acclerated Learning:

1. Learning Involves the Whole Mind and Body.
   Learning is not all merely "head" learning (conscious, rational, "left-brained," and verbal) but involves the whole body.
2. Learning is Creation, Not Consumption.
   Knowledge is not something a learner absorbs, but something a learner creates. Learning happens when a learner integrates new knowledge and skill into his or her existing framework.
   
3. Collaboration Aids Learning.
   All good learning has a social base. We often learn more by interacting with peers than we learn by any other means.
4. Learning Takes Place on Many Levels Simultaneously.
   Learning is not a matter of absorbing one little thing at a time in linear fashion, but absorbing many things at once. Good learning engages people on many levels.
5. Learning Comes From Doing.
   Things learned in isolation are hard to remember and quick to evaporate.  The real and the concrete are far better teachers than the hypothetical and the abstract - provided there is time for feedback, reflection, and re-experience. 
6. Positive Emotions Greatly Improve Learning.
   Feelings determine both the quality and quantity of one's learning. Negative feelings inhibit learning. Positive feelings accelerate it.

Step One: VISION

An clear direction is identified - a problem to solve, a goal to achieve.

Step Two: IDEAS

Alternatives are explored and options discussed.

Step Three: PLANNING

Options are narrowed down and detailed plans generated. Both TASK (what we do) and PROCESS (how we operate together) plans are included.

Step Four: EXECUTION

Action is taken.

Step Five: REFLECTION

To discover the gap between our intentions and our impact we rely on the feedback of others. By learning to receive and check out feedback participants learn to build awareness of the results of their ACTIONS.

Probing question are encouraged to solicit additional feedback in order to deepen understanding. Feedback provide data on the impact of ACTION on others.

By stepping out of the action and reflecting on personal impact and feedback meaning can be created.

Learnings are integrated and new ideas proposed, vision adjusted if necessary and process repeats.