“Most workplace learning and leadership development occurs outside of formal classroom settings and over an extended period of time. While informal learning in organizations is pervasive and powerful, it is more difficult to strategically manage compared to other learning and development techniques. We introduce all of our students to the benefits and challenges of informal learning design through MSLOC Foundations. As a result, our students appreciate firsthand the opportunities and difficulties associated with informal learning techniques and can approach a variety of workplace learning challenges using a broader set of strategies.” – Kimberly Scott, Director, MSLOC
Coursework and Action Learning Project
MSLOC Foundations (MSLOC 410) is a unique course offered only to students in the MSLOC program. Created to integrate, accelerate and anchor learning, this course introduces students to key concepts that are vital to the development of leadership expertise in facilitating organizational effectiveness initiatives.
Through interactive class meetings and an action learning project that extends through three quarters (beginning in the fall and concluding at the end of spring quarter), students begin to apply their learning to the practice of organizational transformation and personal leadership development.
Foundations Course Objectives
- Build foundational knowledge of key concepts in learning and organizational change to accelerate learning from our core courses
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills, as well as a plan for continued professional development
- Model a “best practice” program for leadership development that would be used to develop high potential managers in a workplace that values talent
- Experience action learning as a technique to advance learning and development
- Build and strengthen your network of MSLOC practitioners through an action learning cohort that lasts throughout the year
Action learning is a group learning and problem solving process that relies on reflection, commitment to action, and commitment to individual, group and organizational learning. Beginning with our MSLOC Retreat and continuing with weekly seminars and lectures, Foundations class sessions feature group discussions, compelling readings and reflection activities designed to help students focus on their own leadership development. A team of experienced instructors with diverse professional backgrounds offers multiple perspectives on facilitation, coaching, leadership development and the role of action learning in accelerating the growth of high potential talent.
Action learning teams of six to nine students are formed to tackle a real organizational challenge. Each team is supported by an action learning coach who serves as an advisor for individual development and the team’s project work. Each team develops ideas, designs a proposed initiative, and actually implements their design for an organizational change initiative. Students practice leadership, teamwork, critical thinking and consulting skills through this nine-month-long action learning project.
Course Topics
Learn Differently: Introduces business and social trends in learning and organizational change, individual learning plan design, reflection and metacognition.
Think Differently: Presents an introduction to cognition and models for thinking differently.
Consult Differently: Explores active listening, effective contracting techniques, and the use of consulting skills across a variety of leadership roles.
Lead Differently: Offers definitions and models of leadership, considering the long history of leadership studies, along with alternative ways of approaching the task of leadership development in organizations.
Assessment Workshops: Addresses the purpose and effectiveness of leadership assessments and the types of instruments available. MSLOC students complete a personal self-assessment using a selection of instruments; individual results are reviewed during the Assessment Workshop.
Introduction to Action Learning: Clarifies the relevance and best uses of action learning as a tool for organizational and individual development.
Student Comments
“Excellent introduction to the MSLOC program, from the retreat on. Integrating self-assessments with academic materials and an individual learning plan is an effective way to integrate theory, practice, and application in our own lives and personal interests.”
“Great food for thought. Very interesting approaches were explored to apply leading differently. Really appreciated the quality of the content and the thinking stimulated.”
“This course provided an excellent introduction to MSLOC concepts and methodology. Course content is reinforced by other fall quarter courses and provides a good framework for learning.”
“This course is a good overview of MSLOC concepts, and allows reflection and development of a plan for individuals, internal actions for MSLOC, and external career and personal development so students can plan out their objectives and milestones in the MSLOC program.”
