Action Learning in Social Work

Christine Abbott is a partner in the Centre for Action Learning Facilitation (C-ALF) with extensive international experience of facilitating action learning in both public and private sectors. Christine writes about, and researches, action learning practice and holds a number of academic posts including the Open University. Through C-ALF she leads the Skills for Care Action Learning Facilitation programme. Christine is a Board Member and Trustee of the ILM and was instrumental in writing the qualification standards for action learning facilitation. Paul Taylor is a Consultant Practitioner, ASYE Manager and Practice Educator for Southend Borough Council and has worked in adult social care for over ten years. Paul is a lecturer at the University of Essex and an associate of the Centre for Action Learning Facilitation (C-ALF) and works with the Skills for Care Action Learning Facilitation programme.

• PART ONE: PRINCIPLESAction learning: an introductionAction learning and social workAction learning and critically reflective practicePART TWO: CONTEXTSocial and emotional intelligenceAnti-discriminatory practice and anti-oppressive practiceInvolving other professions: multi-agency practiceCase studies: action learning sets in actionPART THREE: PRACTICEBeing an action learnerFacilitating action learning

The book is co-authored by Christine Abbott and Paul Taylor, both of whom have extensive knowledge and experience of working with action learning sets and their passion for this approach to learning is evident throughout the book...Overall, there is much to be gained from the ideas within this book and there are some interesting ideas about how social workers can be active within their own learning and problem solving activities within the context of an action learning set. There are some useful pedagogical features throughout the book that encourage engagement with a critically reflective process and underpin the key principles of action learning as an approach to questioning and problem solving.