Activity 7.2 - Review of Dealtry & the "savvy" learner

Source

Dealtry, Richard (2004) ‘Emerald: Professional Practice - The savvy learner’, Journal of Workplace Learning, 16(1/2), pp. 101-109, [online] Available from: http://www.emeraldinsight.com.libezproxy.open.ac.uk/Insight/viewPDF.jsp?Filename=html/Output/Published/EmeraldFullTextArticle/Pdf/0860160110.pdf (Accessed 3 December 2008).

Ogilvie, Karen (2008) ‘Re: Activity 7.2 - Jim's thoughts on Dealtry reading’, H808 - aeb324 Unit 7, [online] Available from: fcp://@oufcnt1.open.ac.uk,%231004824/H808%20aeb324%20Unit%207%20/H808%20aeb324%20Prof%20learning/%23162362990 (Accessed 6 December 2008).

My take on Dealtry reading?
A tremendous focus on empowering each one of us to "learn how to learn" and in the process, realize a form of self actualization that is termed "gradualism" to realize becoming a "savvy" (knowledgeable) learner . Rather than asking the question "what shall I learn?" and waiting for others to answer it... its being suggested that we may be in the best position to answer the question ourselves if we reflect on where we have been, understand / recognize what we have learned, contemplate where we are now .. to then make the next "best" move .. perhaps even contemplating integrating that learning into other aspects of our life - not just for the benefit of ourselves or our organization but beyond to include family, friends and the community in general.

This is more than simply learning through doing.. but integrating our learning with past experiences to make it more meaningful, and purposeful. Sounds almost like a form of meditation.

Karen made a good point when I posted this on the FCC. She noted how much this sounded like the experiential loop that Kolb speaks of.

sounds like something that's been around for quite a while (Kolb 1984 I think) - experiential learning, with a bit if added flair.... sorry, i think I;m turning into a cynical 'Grumpy Old Woman' (BBC TV) but there's so little around that's new - just regurgitated with a bit of glitter on,,,,

don't get me wrong though - meditation is good!

- Karen Ogilvie