Learning a Lean Way –

Applying an A3?  

Signe Syrrist, Associate professor, 

Western Norway University of Applied Science

Could students’ learning outcomes be improved by applying a problem-solving A3? Autumn 2017 a class of 29 students in Logistics participated in a pilot to improve own learning outcome in Bergen. It was a pilot, a first step, to gain experience to refine execution of a similar project autumn 2018.

Essential in problem-solving A3s are 1) heightened awareness 2) structuring the problem solving process and 3) visual management. Results from the pilot showed many possible enhancements in the pilot, both on my part and on the students’. Students reported a heightened awareness of own learning, but were very unfamiliar with thinking learning goals and improvements in metrics. Root-cause analysis, they perceived strange, as well as redirecting focus from teacher/teaching to own efforts. They were reluctant to process-commitment and visually sharing information with fellow students. Thinking back, however, many appreciated participating in the pilot.  

Moving from pilot to a more elaborated project, planned improvements are: break up further both lectures, course and assignments focusing main learning objectives. Implementing many other Lean essentials: Flow, Respect for people, Andon chord etc., and conduct a more stringent follow-up on process. Improving process - improved results!   

Being a teacher most of my working I am still searching for improvements and would appreciate any suggestions. Not being consultants, but teachers, we have a double responsibility in teaching and learning. I will invite to discussions on transferability of Lean Principles to Learning, bridging teaching and learning.