Criteria for "Learning Organization" LO29670

From: D_P_Dash%XIMB@nts2.ximb.ac.in
Date: 12/07/02


Replying to LO29654 --

On my proposal,

>>I would like to
>>suggest two alternative pathways for building this capacity.
>>Rick and others can tell me if either of these two appear
>>to be close to what they think as 'learning':
>>
>>Pathway 1: We notice that a variety of problems we have
>>noticed earlier can indeed be subsumed under recurring
>>'problem-classes' [or 'problem archetypes']...

>>Pathway 2: We notice that there are some problems that
>>defy our persistent attempt to classify them under
>>problem-classes...

-- 

At de Lange <amdelange@postino.up.ac.za> asked:

>Is Pathway 2 not also a problem-class in the sense that each problem in >it has a unique solution?

>Perhaps the following is a criterium for a learning organisation. > A LO solves its problems without creating new > problems with those solutions.

>However, i have another problem for you to solve. I agree with you that >problem-solving is an important learning activity. However, is it the >only activity sustaining learning? --

MY ANSWERS:

1. Yes, Pathway 2 also refers to a class (i.e., the class of problems not yet classified). It does not mean that all the members of this class must have unique solutions. We may discover (or construct) a new class to include some of them!

2. The above criterion for LO might function as an ideal--perhaps indicating a null set. That may be all right as a limiting concept (somewhat like zero). But, I would be more curious with a slightly altered criterion: "An LO solves its problems with responsibility for the new problems those solutions create."

3. One possible answer could be: No, problem solving is not the only activity sustaining learning. The other activities are: living, appreciating the fine balances involved in living, appreciating also the disturbances that occasionally arise, developing means for restoring the balance, observing and minimising the side effects of such restoration, exploring new forms of balancing and restoring that living can accommodate, finally living more fully so as to feel less tired and more exuberant! (From a certain perspective, this may be what 'problem solving' is all about! But, I am aware that much narrower notions prevail.)

Love.

DP --

D_P_Dash%XIMB@nts2.ximb.ac.in

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