In this chapter, we present a three-stage model of professional learning. It is based on practical experiences with professionals in a master program on the management of learning and development, consultancy practice, and research. We are motivated by our desire to gain an insight into the complexity and richness of learning of professionals. We expect that it will broaden our views on both learning and professionalism, and will help professionals and their organisations to accelerate their development. First, we will define professionals and learning professionals. Next, we will consider the three ways of learning one by one: elaboration, expansion, and externalisation. We will then look briefly into the emotional motives behind and the consequences of the forms of professional learning. Finally, we will extend these ideas about individual learning towards collective forms of learning. Our ideas on collective learning have been described more fully elsewhere (Simons & Ruijters, 2001). At several places in the chapter, we will present hypotheses about these ways of learning and their interrelations.

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