Learning as a Way of Being: Strategies for Survival in a World of Permanent White Water

by Peter B. Vaill

Offers a thoughtful critique of the roots of management education and argues that institutions of higher learning must teach managers how to integrate the discipline of learning into their very being. Such learning must be marked by strong self-direction, willingness to take risks, and integration of the learning that life teaches outside the classroom.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 9, 1996

Reviews

[Dr. Chad Newton, PhD-HRD · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peter Vaill's book describes a philosophy about lifelong learning which states that in order to survive in today's constant changes to organizations, people must adopt a sense of self that relies heavily on an active, perpetual pursuit of knowledge. That pursuit keeps them afloat of the strong dynamics stemming from constant change and any stressors involved with personal change. In order to overcome one's resistance to change and increase lifelong learning capacities, Vaill suggested that people learn to do away with institutional methods of education and adopt self-directed education strategies that empower learners to grow at their own paces. He referred to the perpetual phenomenon of change as "permanent white water". Vaill listed seven modes of learning that compose his model of learning-as-a-way-of-being: self-directed, creative, expressive, feeling, on-line, continual, and reflexive.

[Jeff Lampson]

I have long respected Peter Vail in the OD community and looked forward to reading this book. The man is brilliant. I read this book primarily on planes and while traveling and I found Part I to be too heady for me and thought it was a bit laborious.

I loved the section on systems thinking and his descriptions of learning environments and approaches in corporate America was hilarious. I really benefited from the chapter on System learning. I think this is such an important and by and large a LACKING capability. I strongly hold the opinion that to be a truly effective adult, one must be adept at working, living and contributing in complete systems.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book after I finished my PhD in adult learning and before I wrote Getting Messy. I liked his reflections on learning as a messy, creative, venture into the unknown. He's in the business world and the book has that flavor (of being "business-like") but I still liked it.

[Jan Höglund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter B. Vaill introduces seven qualities, or modes, of learning as a way of being, which overlap and interrelate in countless ways:

1. Self-directed learning
2. Creative learning
3. Expressive learning
4. Feeling learning
5. On-line learning
6. Continual learning
7. Reflexive learning

Vaill also discusses institutional learning, and points out how it is the very antithesis of learning as a way of being. It's a thought provoking book!