Usually, set rules include speaking one at a time and maintaining absolute confidentiality. Periodically, it may be necessary to schedule a presentation to the set members by a technical expert on some matter of mutual interest during a scheduled set meeting. Also, Revans' belief that the questioning process could not be taught is in doubt. Another criticism is that the process involves more than strictly rational problem solving. Finally, the question of whether action learning actually increases performance has not yet been adequately answered.
Most course evaluations give some indication of participants' personal growth.
However, these evaluations rarely attempt to take an unbiased measure of the impact of the course on the participants' performance. In one case in which an unbiased performance measure was attempted, the conclusion was that the process had made a major impact on some individuals, but little impact on the organization. Applications of Action Learning Action learning has many applications in adult education. It may be used any time learners have a salient, nontechnical problem to solve and the capacity to work in small groups. Have set participants complete a learning style questionnaire prior to the start-up workshop.