The Learning Accountability Program (LeAP): Description of a Grassroots Continuing Education Program

Abstract

LeAP\narose from my work with the Continuing Education Steering Committee. In 2019, a\nContinuing Education needs assessment of the entire library staff uncovered a\nwide array of knowledge and skills development needs. As part of the Continuing Ed committee, we\nwere committed in trying to find a way to fill those needs gaps. \n\n\n\nAfter analyzing a variety of peer\ncoaching/mentoring program models, we decided to develop a bespoke\noffering tailored to our specific needs. In an\ntime of flat budgets, the goal was to leverage in-house expertise and learning\nresources. The program runs in 8-10\nweek blocks and is composed of small\ngroups (2-3 members) all working on the same project with similar learning\ngoals. Each small group is led by a Coordinator (initially someone from the\nprogram development team). The coordinator need not be an expert in the topic\nof study, but serves as a facilitator, cheerleader, and another layer of\naccountability for group members. \n\n\n\nBefore the start of a program, we\nput out a call for participants on the Lauinger Library email listserv.\nParticipants fill out a form indicating their topic of interest and then we\nmatch the participants into like groups. At a program kickoff event, the group\nmembers come together and design their learning curriculum. They plan out what\nthey hope to accomplish each week, what they will do if they encounter\nobstacles, and how they will communicate with their other group members. After\nthis plan is created, all group members literally sign off on the\ndocument--something we call the Learning Accountability Partner Agreement. You\nwould be surprised that simply signing your name to a piece of paper will spur\npeople to action. We don’t negative use reinforcement mechanisms,\nthis is all about positivity and growth.\n\n\n\nGroups work through the program\ntowards completion of their project. At the end of the session, the groups come\ntogether and present their projects in a kind and open forum. We then gather\nfeedback on what worked, what didn’t work. And use that data to improve the\nnext LeAP\ncycle.