Group dynamics and learning in an organisation behaviour virtual learning community: the case of six virtual peer-learning teams

This paper explores the impact of non-defensive group dynamics, as a precondition for experiential group learning, in the group space of an online Organisation Behaviour 'class as virtual learning organisation' in RMIT's strategic flagship Bachelor of Commerce. It comprises detailed analysis of archives of the interactions, via threaded discussion and virtual chat, of six self-directed virtual peer learning teams acting as case studies. Findings suggest that anxiety, particularly about the reflective part of Kolb's experiential cycle, can lead to defensive behaviours and shallow or single loop learning. This is despite the part the teacher, as designer and online facilitator, can play in anxiety containment. Those groups mature enough however, to remain more motivated than anxious about reflection on process issues, can learn deeply. Here the teacher and the skills in virtual group organisation and communication, provided by students with management experience, can assist groups to develop as effective teams