Learning from action: a description and evaluation of an experiential learning programme

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the learning from action (LfA) workshop held in Italy in October 2014 and to evaluate how well the workshop achieved its aims. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher joined the workshop as a member, and data were collected through participant observation. Evaluation was carried out using relevant audit standards and a follow-up questionnaire. Findings – The evaluation found that an authentic transient therapeutic community was created, which provided an effective learning experience for participants. Research limitations/implications – The description is a single study based on the findings of a single researcher, as is usual with ethnographic work of this kind. Only a few participants completed the questionnaire. Originality/value – This is the first detailed research description of the LfA programme for training mental health practitioners who work in therapeutic communities. It provides a description of events, comments on how some of these impacted on the researcher-participant and an evaluation of the workshop.