Learning Systems – Systems Learning

Learning systems and systems learning are distinct and interrelated areas which all good facilitators master. A number of bodies of knowledge can contribute to development of skills in this area. Many of these areas are shown below. The related area of the influence of personality on learning and facilitation (especially the value of tests such as Myers-Briggs) is discussed in a separate page on personality and facilitation.

Understanding how people learn is crucial to facilitating groups. Some of the most successful trainers of facilitators (such as Bawden) contend this is one of the most important bodies of knowledge a facilitator of systems can possess. In any group there will be many different learning and cognitive styles. Being aware of and moving the group from different styles is crucial to maximizing participation and effectiveness.

Kolb illuminates the learning styles very clearly by dividing the experiential learning process into four stages. A different learning style works best at each stage. Some members of every group will be stuck in one or the other of these styles. The good facilitator helps them move around to different styles. Kolb’s stages of the learning process are: concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization an active experimentation. Each of us adopts one of these modes of learning as a habit. More on Kolb’s approach. The main take-home lesson for facilitators: be aware that members of your group with think and learn in different ways and help them to be more flexible. You might look at evoking integration and synthesis for some more hints.

Beyond being attentive to different styles of learning, the most effective organizer/facilitator will be moving his group to higher levels of learning. Rural people, to transform their regions, must move to the highest level of transformative learning (systems learning to Bawden, double loop learning to Argyris). Rural groups must learn, learn about how they learn and then leap beyond the constraints on their learning.

The best summary of the how facilitators can move groups to the highest levels of learning is found in a review of studies of farmer groups by an Australian facilitator.

Learning systems and systems learning

are just one aspect of learning to transform systems. Look into the other areas:

• Motivating Teams
• Conceptual Pluralism
• Communication Beyond Words
• Evoking Integration and innovation
• Holistic Decision-Making

Facilitating groups is a holistic process.
Each of the above “skills” is one view of the process.
If you’re ready, get into the process itself.

The quickest way to develop skills in learning systems and systems learning is to find someone who is successful in helping groups create new systems and learn from them.

Don’t go yet, Look at this great cartoon.