Action learning takes place in learning sets: small groups (normally about 6 people) deliberate on issues or problems brought to the group by its members.

In the learning set, members reflect on the actions they have taken, or could take, in the future. 3 Learning is focussed on individual development with group support - issues and topics brought by everyone to the learning set prompt other members to ask clarifying questions (rather than judge or evaluate). Good questions stimulate reflection by the person who introduced the issue. In combination with Appreciative Inquiry 4 - which focuses on moving through a cycle of discovery and design to support learning - these techniques provide an alternative mode of learning that confronts the complexities of social situations and technical challenges.

In the context of a FairShares Lab , learning sets are useful for working through individual challenges faced by lab members. Whilst action learning is not appropriate for strategic planning, in combination with Appreciative Inquiry it can be. It can also be combined with Open Space, World Cafe and OPERA (see below) to work with larger groups.