Preceptorship

Action learning involves a process of shared learning and reflection. The focus of action learning is real-life issues. Participants of action learning sets work together to explore and find solutions to real issues and challenges encountered within their practice setting. Group members meet regularly to share experiences and to critically reflect on real-life issues brought to the group by group members (Walia and Marks-Maran, 2014).Action learning sets have been reported to be a useful strategy to support new staff (Richardson et al, 2008).

Furthermore, members of action learning sets are said have an element of control and ownership over their learning and development (Bell et al, 2007). This leads to learning and development being very relevant to practice and to the action learning set participants.

The sessions are facilitated to aid deeper reflection and create opportunities for self-reflection and action planning.Action learning set meetings are structured over an agreed timeframe, normally every 6-8 weeks.

Within the preceptorship process, preceptees are expected to reflect on a practice or development issue related to the theme chosen by the action learning set members. Group members are also expected to present and discuss the issue during the learning set meeting. At the end of the action learning set meeting, preceptees will form a set of actions or further learning to be completed prior to and be reviewed at the next meeting.

Action learning sets are valuable within the preceptorship process as they facilitate preceptees to deal with complex issues in a supportive environment. In addition, they allow participants to engage in shared learning, develop peer networks and support, and to develop their confidence.