Values Added

Learning together to practise Christ-like, whole person medicine

How the programme works

The programme is based on members of the small group working together as an ‘Action Learning Set’ - a method of collaborative learning where a small group of learners (the ‘set’) meet regularly to reflect on real work issues. Its basic philosophy is that the most effective learning takes place when we are faced with a real problem to solve. Action learning enhances the way in which people learn, drawing on actual practice and using the experience of supportive members working together to bring new ideas to each member’s role. Its effectiveness can be measured through the changes made to their work and working environment, and the practical results that will be the outcomes of learning. Set members also report learning about how they learn: they can consider and experiment with alternative styles of learning, giving and receiving feedback and new ideas from others, thus increasing their capacity to respond to new situations. Members can also learn how things are done elsewhere and can develop new ideas to incorporate into current good practice.

Action learning involves responding to questions around the group to which there may not be one right answer. The questions may be: 

Pure inquiry - to help clarify the situation, the options, the way forward.

Challenging questions - to help achieve insight.

Catalytic questions - to trigger new ideas.

Cathartic questions - on those few occasions when it may help to release the emotions associated with the problem.  So:

Learning (L) = Programmed Knowledge (P) + Insightful Questioning (Q

Programmed knowledge is the content of the course material and our own acquired personal knowledge. Both of these need to be questioned!

Questioning asks what aspect of that knowledge is useful and relevant, here and now. It is also a way of saying, 'I do not know’.

Learning results from the combination of  P & Q.

'Lasting behavioural change is more likely to follow the reinterpretation of past experience than the acquisition of fresh knowledge.’ (Reg Evans, founder of the Action Learning Sets Concept)

The course aims to produce lasting behavioural change that makes us all more like Jesus in our lives and practice, and increases our impact in bringing God’s Kingdom to come ‘on earth as it is in heaven’ in our healthcare practice.

The overriding aim of Values Added is to provide fellowship and learning for growth.

All teaching materials are provided, along with notes for facilitators and an individual study guide.