I would like to involve the LO list in this topic, to some extent in the
moment during the next two days, but also in extending the dialogue on
this topic as long as desired.
The aim of the conference is "exploring and framing a research program
into assessment of organizational learning... Broadly speaking the project
grew out of the recognized need to better understand and document the
linkages between organizational learning and business results. ... Our
aim should be to better understand...the business consequences of learning
initiatives -- consequences for economic performance; for workplace
conditions; for relationships with customers; for communities, and other
key stakeholders; for the sustainability of the natural environment.."
-- (from conference invitation)
I'll start by asking, "What are the grand questions that frame this area?"
Here are a couple for starters, from tonights opening discussion:
- What do we want in this area? What do we mean when we talk about
assessment of learning?
- Who's asking? That is, who is seeking assessment (broader concept) and
are they really talking about measurement (a narrower notion). Is it for
justification of investments in learning?
- What's possible? We're talking about the chain
Learning Investments --> Learning --> Results
What can we measure or assess in this chain? There would be danger in
using weak surrogates that might mislead.
Your thoughts? What are the important questions about assessment?
-- Rick
--
Richard Karash ("Rick") | <http://world.std.com/~rkarash>
Speaker, Facilitator, Trainer | email: rkarash@karash.com
"Towards learning organizations" | Host for Learning-Org Mailing List
(617)227-0106, fax (617)523-3839 | <http://www.learning-org.com>
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