Peak Learning Experiences: A Group-Based Phenomenological Investigation and Description

ABSTRACT

This paper explores peak learning (PL) experiences through a semi-longitudinal approach across the life space of multiple groups of learners. Appreciative inquiry (AI) was used to gather data through interviews that resulted in unique examples of PL experiences. Once collected, a novel application of phenomenology was employed to identify the structural elements of participants’ experiences. Finally, thematic analysis was applied to the aggregated structural elements of each group to identify those common to all who participated in the AI. The final synthesis description was written in alignment with the structural themes and could be applied as a qualitative assessment to determine the presence of peak learning in learning environments. The description also serves as a foundation of the idea that may be extended through future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Qualitative research methods
• learning theories
• peak learning
• phenomenology
• appreciative inquiry

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Thomas A. Conklin

Thomas A. Conklin is an associate professor in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University. His research interests are in leadership, appreciative inquiry, phenomenology, pedagogy, and callings. He has published articles in Journal of Management Inquiry, Advances in Developing Human Resources, Organization Management Journal, Journal of Managerial Development, and Journal of Management Education. He holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Case Western Reserve University, an MBA in Finance and an MS in Counselor Education from Illinois State University, and a BA in Psychology from Eastern Illinois University.