Knowledge Orbits: Twin Feedback Loops

The twin feedback loops in a continuous learning organization could be diagrammed by highlighting the distinctions in the two force fields of performance, as follows:

First Loop Learning	Second Loop Learning
Student learns	Teacher learns
Feedback loop to individual	Feedback loop to organization
Tactical	Strategic
Course-based	Curriculum-based

The twin loops include the following further distinctions:

First Loop Learning	Second Loop Learning
Feedback: Test scores	Feedback: Curriculum evaluations
Individual context	Group context
Result: Learning	Result: Learning about learning
Impact: Individual performance	Impact: Organizational performance

Whether viewed within the context of machine systems or living systems (for it exists in both), the double-loop learning process connects Loop 1 student learning with Loop 2 teacher learning—through knowledge orbits, information circulating in a performance force field. Figure 7 diagrams this process and highlights the benefits for each side within the continuous learning system.

Figure 7: Knowledge Orbits— Connecting the Force Fields of Performance.