4.0 out of 5 stars
Amy Nicol's Review, March 8, 2006
This review is from: Working Wisdom: Timeless Skills and Vanguard Strategies for Learning Organizations (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series) (Hardcover)
The subject of adult learning as it relates to a job situation or employer situation is a very important subject to dissect. Aubrey and Cohen in their book, "Working Wisdom" have conducted an excellent analysis of adult education and its impact on an organization.
Their analysis began with helping readers to understand how learning has changed over time for adults. Findings of the initial analysis determined that individuals got involved in educational opportunities for three reasons: survival in the workplace, developing wisdom to pass on to others, and finally, using the career as a means for personal development. Learning for survival, the renewal of wisdom, and the reinvention of careers are three facets of a revolution sweeping the workplace. Yet in most organizations, even as the need for learning grows, valuable learning resources are left fallow. (Aubrey and Cohen, p. 34)
Secondly, the analysis focused on how organizations could impart wisdom on and provide learning opportunities for employees through the use of: accompanying, sowing, catalyzing, showing and harvesting. Finally Aubrey and Cohen focused their attention on implementing their theories in learning organizations through: leadership, managers, networks, technology, policy and partnerships.
Some learning theories contain concepts which are difficult to understand. In Aubrey and Cohen's book the authors spent much time in developing their thoughts, sharing them logically with readers and based much of their thought on the work of other theorists and researchers in adult learning. Many business and organizations involved with adult learning were documented and created credibility with the theories and practices introduced. When theories are put into practice, unquestionable evidence is created for the readers and users of the practices included in the book.
The most valuable portion of the book was the second portion of the analysis of how organizations impart wisdom on and provide learning opportunities for employees through the use of: accompanying, sowing, catalyzing, showing and harvesting. The value comes from the ability of the reader to ingest the information and use it right away in a learning organization or place of employment. The concepts introduced are easy to read, easy to follow and easy to implement. Readers are not bogged down with unnecessary information or too much theory and not enough practicality. The use of recognizable company names such as Swissotel, Motorola and Xerox enable readers to gain more credibility as opposed to the learning practices being used in "no name" companies all around the world. The more readers can relate to the application of the practice, the more likely they will be to adopt the practices suggested.
Another positive spin of this book is the fact that the authors used straight-forward wording and no nonsense application of practices and theories introduced. As mentioned before, readers can easily implement the suggestions of the authors. The book is a quick read as the language selected suits the straight-forward thinking of the authors. It does not contain large amounts of theoretical "in the clouds" wording or ideas of which readers can not see the practical application.
Logically, Working Wisdom can be incorporated step by step into any learning organization or place of employment. The authors's step by step approach for implementation makes sense to the reader and places an emphasis on logical, well organized material.
The largest weakness of Working Wisdom is the fact that it is very generalized with regard to audience age level. Of course, the beginning of the book is clear that the audience with which to use these theories is adult based. However, how adults learn at different stages of adulthood is not addressed. Therefore, the practices, however useful in learning organizations or places of employment, may be skewed toward favoring one stage of adulthood over another. In fact, only two stages of adulthood are given attention. At the risk of oversimplification, the authors focus on two stages of learning development: apprenticeship, where one first engages in new learning, and championship, where one begins to master the work at hand. (Aubrey and Cohen, p. 33)
Special attention should not only have been given to stages of learning, but also to how those stages should be taken into account when planning programs for adults. The Interactive Model addresses this issue. This model differs, however, in four primary ways: by design, it is interactive and comprehensive; people and place are acknowledged as important in the planning process; differences among cultures are taken into account in the planning process; and practitioners find the model useful and therefore a practical tool. (Caffarella, p.20) Not only are phases of learning important for learning organizations to focus on, but also life transitions and major life events, which are taken into account in the Interactive Model.
Theoretically though, the book is very accurate by basing learning theories on many different sources of research, especially those of Knowles, Kouzes and Posner, Senge and many others. Using the research and theories of others and building upon those theories and research can only increase the credibility of the authors and adoptability of new theories and practices by readers.
Solid literary works are sometimes difficult to access. Working Wisdom is a quick and easy read for those adults who need some focus and direction in terms of adult learning theory and practice. A good mix of theory and practicality make this book a credible resource for any adult learning situation.
The authors state that Working Wisdom is intended for a wide spectrum of readers...corporate leaders, adult educators, human resources specialists, and mangers responsible for developing others. Still other readers will be more interested in how to develop their own potential and take responsibility for their careers. The book is also recommended for students embarking on their careers, employees preparing for a career change, and a growing mass of individuals who are self-managing their work as a long term enterprise. (Aubrey and Cohen, p. xvi) The straight-forward theories and suggested practices presented are easy for the aforementioned audiences to implement into their own situation, whether it is for personal benefit or the benefit of those around them. The relevance of the material presented can be used in many situations making this book very adaptable to many situations. Working Wisdom is heavy in practical application based on solid theory. Adults in many situations can benefit from such a resource in their personal and professional library.
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