Knowledge development and translation through action learning and action research: a 'learning conference' experience

Abstract

[Extract] This chapter tells a ‘learning conference’ story about the establishment of a local action learning and action research (ALAR) Conversation Group in a regional city in Australia, which occurred between the Action Learning and Action Research Association (ALARA) conferences of 2008 and 2011. We describe our 2008 conference experience, 2008 post-conference reflection and actions, a 2011 conference workshop, and our post-conference reflections. We report the content of discussion facilitated during the 2011 ALARA conference workshop. We conclude the chapter by considering possible future action: stay as we are; change the geographic focus from local to a local/national nexus; undertake a joint ALAR project; or share our reflections with the local ALAR group in order to move from discussion to action. In so doing we highlight the value of engaging the ‘learning conference’ approach for future conferences.