Accrediting Work‐based Learning: Action Learning – A Model for Empowerment

Defines “action research” and “action learning” as forms of emancipatory and democratic learning, and describes their use as a model of professional development which empowers the individual as both learner and critically reflective social researcher. Some of the issues in developing an accreditation programme for action research at master′s level are discussed and a number of areas are identified for further research based around an action research Master of Arts degree in human resource strategy. Suggests that the notion of continuing professional development and professional fellowship can be delivered and accredited within the higher education system, using practitioner‐centred and problem‐solving approaches and the idea is promoted that the methodological use of action research in professional development is a means by which the divide between academia and industry‐based practitioner experience can be bridged.