The undiscussable results never got thoroughly discussed and, as Chris
Argyris would say, that undisussability was undiscussable! (though one
might posit that it at least got "'cussed" a bit...). The outcome sounds
as though the learning was not transfered to the overall group,
unfortunately, and thus the system--students at the "mercy" of instructor
and unable to transform the situation--was perpetuated.
Having been an instructor for some 17 years (pre-school and college) I
have to wonder how many times I did the same thing without realizing it.
Ah yes, the learning takes place _throughout_ life, hopefully.
It sounds as if your experience has already been put to good use,
however, since you are doing what you do now and are aware of what you
are aware of now. I would love to hear more about the model you mentioned
being applied in Holland. Perhaps it would give us all something new to
consider.
As a counselor I applaud your notion of doing "personal" work, and have a
feeling that the learning organization model is an attempt to bring about
similar impact on the interpersonal and organizational levels--that is,
how can we deal with assumptions, expectations, automatic reactions,
projections, fears, embarrassment, threats, trust, delight and success as
funtional groups as well as individuals. What a marvelous and ambitious
journey ahead!
Thanks for the personal example of a "potential" learning organization!
(For those who missed the original posting, it was from Hilda Tiessen
<htiessen@oise.on.ca> Thursday 19 Jan. 1995 17:52:29 with copy to this list)
Tobin Quereau
Austin Community College
quereau@austin.cc.tx.us