Investigative Learning for Knowledge Transfer

Celia B. SeatonI.D. : 20132032

IntroductionThe following slides are how I will share my challenging but inspiring learning experience.I will take you through the processes of my reflection and my course of action; all reinforced by theories.

Hope my experience inspires you!

How it all began…

Making concrete squares with Mortar Tec in a cookie sheet

Silicone Coating applied to membrane and shingle.

Workspace relocated.Director, trying to cut Zinc sheet with office scissors.

Me, realising epoxy hardens and takes container’s shape. Roller was stuck in epoxy and everything hardened.

How it all began…

I documented my experience, having reflected on it using Gibbs Theory of Reflection.

Pull out Chart I made of Gibbs Reflective Theory.

Notes on Gibbs Theory.

Highlighted the key words from my reflection.

Grouped the keywords and developed a theme.

Gibbs Theory of Reflection

Six Stages

1. Description: What Happened?

2. Feelings: What do you think/ feel about it?

3. Evaluation: What were the positives/ negatives?

4. Analysis: What sense can you make of it?

5. Conclusion: what else could you have done?

6. Action Plan: What will you do next time?

Reflecting

o My experience began in preparation for the upcoming Jamaica Manufacturer’s Association Expo.

o I pitched the idea of making cube shaped product samples to two of three directors at work.

o The idea was discussed , given approval and the necessary resources were made available.

What Happened

ReflectingWhat Happened

I faced much criticism during the process. Persons who weren't interested harshly

criticized while I worked. Others jumped in to make a mess of my task. Products started draining on other faces of

the cube despite taping out and preparation.

ReflectingFeeling

I was very enthusiastic and excited initially and anticipating a successful outcome.

I gained firsthand knowledge of how the products work and react to each other as well as various surfaces.

I felt discouraged by the criticisms and wanted to lock away so I could work in peace.

At times I was frustrated and angry because the process took days; sometimes failed and the criticism continued.

Experiential Taxonomy “a functional vehicle for providing the

complete classification of human activity from the moment the learner is exposed to the possibility of an experience to its highest level of completion” (Steinaker & Bell, 1979:19)

ReflectingEvaluation

My reaction to the initial stages of the task was typical; that of enthusiasm and excitement.

My reaction when things got worse was normal. What was good is that I didn’t externalise my anger

or frustration. I found that I even improvised and adapted as the

task progressed. I started explaining product applications to persons

who had questions and made changes when the samples did not come out as expected.

Experiential TaxonomyEvaluation

“sequence to the learning-teaching act which begins when a learner is first exposed to a learning experience and continues to the point where the learner has internalized it and is disseminating to others”

http://www.qub.ac.uk/elearning/public/mttl/Introduction/ExperientialTaxonomy/

ReflectingEvaluation

I was given freedom to test the products on various surfaces.

Having learned through trial and error in my experiments, I became knowledgeable on how the products worked.

And so I realized I was transferring the knowledge I gained from carrying out my tasks.

ReflectingEvaluation

Exposure

Participation

IdentificationInternalization

Dissemination

I realised I was going through the five stages of Experiential Taxonomy, developed by Norman W. Steinaker and M. Robert Bell in 1979.

I also came to make the connection- Experiential Learning by David Kolb and Experiential Taxonomy are similar and speak to Constructivist processes of learning.

ReflectingAnalysis

Criticism can affect persons positively or negatively.

My experience was positively influenced by the criticism after all. I was able to use this as motivation.

This may be resultant of my strong sense of self and self efficacy. I had a goal and was determined to achieve it.

The fact that I was able to transfer my knowledge meant persons may have been criticizing due to lack of information and were perhaps seeking knowledge.

ReflectingConclusion

This experience was beneficial as I gained firsthand knowledge of how the products we sell, actually work.

I saw my experience benefiting others as well. The work crew, the office staff and those who were just curious, gained from my experiential learning.

I was able to transfer my knowledge. These persons can even further disseminate the information.

Were I to redo this experience, I would invite other staff members to participate so they too can have firsthand knowledge. This would also eliminate the criticisms as we would all learn together.

“Experience is the teacher of all things” – Julius Caesar

ReflectingAction Plan

In the future, the staff can be more involved in the process.

The directors can look into hosting training sessions or workshops to facilitate the process.

Their input can be beneficial. The activity will aid in communication, camaraderie and integration of staff members. It will also help develop already existing experiences and knowledge.

This way there will be greater transfer of knowledge and the learning experience will be more beneficial.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin

ReflectingAction Plan

The above quote by Benjamin Franklin has much truth in it. It is the involvement of the learner in the process that will give rise to learning.

Involvement goes just beyond doing; involvement means engagement. Having a relationship or genuine interest as it relates to a particular situation. Being engrossed in the activity, that one is able to relate to and identify with it.

It is safe to say based on my experience, reinforced by David Kolb and Gibbs’ theories, that experience is a great teacher. Experiential Taxonomy takes this a step further, as the knowledge can now be transferred and or disseminated.

“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” – Benjamin Franklin