Learning as the construction of a new reality

Abstract

Within a concept of life-long learning, the study here reported is framed within the context of the expanding use of education and training in achieving organisational change. The focus of the research study was on one particular organisational education and training intervention and on how individuals experienced the learning and implementing of part of that intervention, namely group process facilitation. Such experiences may best be understood from the perspective of the learners themselves. There were four important factors reported that impinged on the learning process for the participants and that helped them construct new realities: the novelty of the learning environment; the value of flexibility; the value of openness; and the educational value of difference.