Active learning in learning communities: toward an autonomous and shared learning

Abstract

Starting with our work on organizational redesign in different Colombian organizations, we have advanced in the concepts of Learning Communities, Shared and Permanent Learning, Flexible Organizational Structure, Participative Design, among others ideas. These concepts are a fundamental part of the TESO (Systems Theory in Organizations) approach developed and implemented by Ernesto Lleras in different Participative Organization Redesign processes. From this approach we attempt to tackle organizational issues taking into account the cultural background of domination inherited from our Colombian colonial tradition, which we consider to be detrimental to the effectiveness of Colombian organizations. Through the TESO approach we aim to promote an organizational learning focused on two main elements: the strengthening of people's autonomy and responsibility capabilities, and in this way enable the emergence of autonomous and flexible organizational structures. We consider that the strengthening of both organizational and personal capabilities will enable the emergence of a permanent and shared learning environment that is what we call ‘Learning Community’.