Action Learning is a non-traditional approach to teaching and learning where we focus on solving problems that represent a real-world challenge and simultaneously develop students' leadership skills as they think critically and work collaboratively.
St. Lawrence College is proud to partner with the World Institute for Action Learning (WIAL). WIAL is the global leading certifying body for Action Learning, providing various training and certification programs internationally. It is a rapidly growing international not-for-profit organization supported by more than 22 WIAL Affiliates around the world.
St. Lawrence College is proud to be the first Canadian College partner with WIAL. When students choose SLC, they choose not only to learn but also to learn by doing.
Could your organization benefit from an infusion of fresh ideas and student support? In a highly competitive, rapidly changing environment, organizations must continually learn and improve. Action Learning projects encourage creativity in challenging assumptions leading to breakthrough problem-solving.
Being a community partner and working with our students on an Action Learning project could help your organization improve capabilities, boost business performance, and achieve a substantial return on investment (ROI).
Click the button below and apply to be an Action Learning Partner today!
Frequently Asked Questions
The SLC Action Learning Model includes the following elements:
- A relevant real world challenge;
- Teams of students working with a "faculty as coach" to address the challenge presented by a real world client;
- Uses a problem-solving framework based on asking questions and listening reflectively where the faculty listens, coaches and teaches as the students explore solutions;
- Intentionally reinforces essential employability skills like critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity; and
- Ideally is interdisciplinary (meaning more than one SLC program works together).
The primary expectation is your availability to brief students, provide timely responses and constructive feedback. Milestones around reporting and presentations will be shared at the onset of the project.
There is no cost to being an industry/community partner and receiving valuable solutions from student teams. However, if there are costs associated with delivering work, (ie: printing or other materials) the client would cover these costs, as negotiated in advance.
Projects happen variously during the academic semesters, fall, spring and summer. You can apply any time, being aware that several months’ lead time may be required.
No, however St. Lawrence College is proud to be the first Canadian College to partner with the World Institute for Action Learning (WIAL). WIAL is the global leading certifying body for Action Learning, providing various training and certification programs internationally.
More about Action Learning
Action Learning is about using a proven problem-solving methodology that when applied to real-world industry problems, both industry partners and students benefit.
There are many examples of Action Learning projects, and they range from students creating eCommerce websites and developing social media content to solving community organization client management challenges.