Learning is the Spark of Transformation

Editors: Jan Reed, Lena Holmberg and Marianne Tracy

Focus of the Issue:

Learning is the spark of transformation, enabling us to see the world differently. That requires new experiences, new reflections, learning and change. This edition of AI Practitioner is full of wonderful examples of the individual and organizational transformation that starts with learning.

Examples include:

• Rethinking individual purpose in a maximum security prison

• Virtual SOARing in a School of Nursing to re-align organizational strengths and clinical practice

• Re-engaging 15 year olds in a Singapore school

Conceptual pieces include:

• Integrating psychological concepts and learning theory to form an innovative approach to creating appreciative learning environments.

• The Seven Habits of Highly Effective AI Practitioners

Academics such as Edgar Schein, formerly of MIT, and David Coghlan, currently at Trinity College in Dublin, theorize and utilize action research as reflection in action and on action that leads to actionable knowledge: the foundation of Appreciative Inquiry. So it is easy to see how learning is the spark of transformation and how AI and its many practices are able to have such influence and impact in growing and changing organizations and individuals, and to see as well our impact in the world community.

Editors:

Jan Reed Ph.D. B.A, RN has been involved in research for many years. She has a nursing qualification, and teaches and supervises healthcare students at Northumbria University. She is well known for her ground-breaking book, Appreciative Inquiry: Research for Change Contact jreedhexham@gmail.com

Lena Holmberg has a Ph.D. in Educational Research, worked as a consultant and manager in an IT company and started the AI consulting company Apprino. With Jan Reed, she was guest editor of the November 2007 issue of AI Practitioner which focused on AI and research. Contact: lmholmberg@gmail.com lenamholmberg.blogspot.com

Marianne Tracy's roots are in the utilization of leading practices to facilitate executive and team development and organizational effectiveness. She is a PhD candidate in Organization Development at Benedictine, with a MSc in Organization Development with Pepperdine University. A Tavistock Leadership Coach, she writes with a learning and development focus. Contact tracymarianne@gmail.com