| Session Title: Nurturing a Learning Culture: Two Key Tensions |
| Think Tank Session 592 to be held in San Simeon A on Friday, Nov 4, 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM |
| Sponsored by the Collaborative, Participatory & Empowerment Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| David Scheie, Touchstone Center for Collaborative Inquiry, dscheie@touchstone-center.com |
| Discussant(s): |
| Scott Hebert, Sustained Impact, shebert@sustainedimpact.com |
| Jessica Shao, James Irvine Foundation, jshaosan80@yahoo.com |
| Ross Velure Roholt, University of Minnesota, rossvr@umn.edu |
| Abstract: This session explores barriers to learning within projects and organizations, and strategies to enlarge space for learning. It will probe the tension between meticulous data collection and reporting, on the one hand, and thoughtful meaning-making, on the other; and that between painful "learning experiences" and the possibility that learning can be delightful and satisfying. Facilitators will draw on experiences particularly with youth development and community change projects, to sketch these two tensions and identify ways to foster a learning climate amid these challenges. Small groups will engage in dialogue using these prompts: How can we integrate reflective practice with solid data collection? How can we use available data to maximize learning - even when the data aren't pristine? What are the barriers to a learning culture, and how can they be lowered? How can a safe environment for learning from mistakes be established? What does a lively learning culture look like? |