Shared Action Learning

Shared Action Learning

Shared Action Learning (SAL) is a method used in preparing for and executing the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP).  IQP is focused on humanity at a crossroads with science and technology. The principles of SAL are to connect, plan, act, observe, and report.  Shared Action Learning is all about having an open mind to develop feasible sustainable solutions to societal, , environmental, institutional, and economic issues.  Instead of getting trapped into pre-conceived notions or solutions to a problem, exploring other options and remaining flexible is crucial.  There will be many challenges when on-site.  With a lot of planning, the team will be better prepared to adapt to any shifts in the project.  Planning will also make for effective analyzing and reporting.  SAL will provide the connections, perspective, and empathy needed to make a positive and long-lasting effect on the Langrug community.

The premise of Shared Action Learning is that education is a two-way street, a learning and rewarding experience for everyone.  While the WaSH team plans to make a difference in the community, the community will also contribute to the team’s learning process. Communication is one of the key components to the learning process.  It is important to connect with the liaison, municipalities, non-profit organizations, and the community.  Interacting with the Langrug community can provide an understanding of not only the communal WaSH needs but the community’s dynamic.  Understanding the community will facilitate the incorporation of the WaSH system upgrading into a vital hub of the community.  Making connections within the community will also ignite support for the IQP group’s actions and will encourage the continuation of the group’s efforts.  Another major component will be observing the community’s reactions to the efforts.  The IQP group may have specific goals for the project before arriving to the informal settlement but there is currently a lot of uncertainty in the project.  Allowing the project to develop into what the community and sponsors want will be a challenge that Shared Action Learning is designed to support (SAL, 2013).

Mutual trust and respect are critical to the success of our project and we planned many activities and systems so we could become more familiar with the community and share ideas together. One of the methods we will use is a group of co-researchers. Co-researchers are two to four community members that will meet with us every day we are onsite to aid us in the work we complete and offer community input. One way to gain this community input is through drawings, whether that be using pictographs or collaborating on a potential layout of a future WaSH facility. The community of Langrug is a Xhosa speaking community, and a way to potentially operate around the language barrier is to use drawings as a way to discuss things. We hope to make improvements to the Mandela Park facility about what is and isn’t being successful, and rather than rely on the written English word, we can use drawings to express ourselves.