Professional Change Agents and Practice Wisdom: Developing Rich Learning Environments which Promote Capability, Confidence and Commitment

Abstract

The analysis considers social science knowledge, practice wisdom, human motivation and the practice context in order to model both: professional mastery within human-service change agents; and the processes involved in developing the practice wisdom which makes mastery possible. The discussion considers the practice context of the social/personal change agent and considers their contextualized learning needs as potentially-wise early practitioners. It examines contextualized competencies for human service and reflects on the personal characteristics that are required of effective change agents in mastering these competencies. The discussion argues that competence, confidence and commitment are essential to the development of contextualized practice wisdom and that essential processes, such as reflective practice are best understood within this argument. Thus the discussion promotes the development of core graduate capabilities, while recognizing that these should include an active approach to developing contextualized self-efficacy and deep understanding of personal motives which relate to change agency. The discussion concludes that effective professional change agents require a teaching and learning environment which recognizes personal needs for development of not just competences, but of personal confidence (self-efficacy) and a sense of control over personal commitment levels which pertain to chosen aspects of change.