Change?! Who likes change? Maybe change is easier if it is our idea. How do we get those around us to change with us or for us? Hopefully Switch, our latest book selection up for discussion, will help us with these questions. Our teaching experience has been ALL about change for the last number of years as we have ramped up our programs for 21st Century instruction and learning.
See you Thursday, Nov. 4th, for our first discussion (intro.-page 48). If you need help with anything IM me or email me.
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I thought the discussion of bright spots was interesting. The story of going to Vietnam and finding solutions in an unorthodox way makes me think about bean counters in other areas. Data is important but does it show us something we didn't know or does it show us something that we already know and we just wasted time and money on the collection of the data. I think that we are at times enamered with data collection and never arrive at real solutions. The part I liked the most is that the solutions were already there, but if all we do is sit at our computers and never talk to anyone face to face we may never know that. (As I sit here at my computer and type as if I am talking to someone.)
ReplyDeleteAlvin Toffler wrote Future Shock in 1970 and predicted that as mankind became enamored with technology they would stop talking to one another face to face. I agree totally about data collection. By the time the data is collected the politician who authorized it is no longer in office and the new guy/gal in office starts the process all over. Follow through/completion of the process rarely happens. I think we also give up on initiatives too quickly to see beneficial results. Why would you want to see the project the person beat out of office achieve its desired results?? You might have to admit that your opponent was/is right after all! Can't we all work together regardless of party affiliation? We all know the answer to that question.
ReplyDeleteI, too, liked the "bright spots" discussion. Our culture is dominated by so much negativity we all forget there are bright spots. It would be nice to think there are solutions for every problem.
ReplyDeleteI agree Terri. Society seems to focus so much on the negatives. I believe that mentality influences some people in terms of their reluctance to share the positives they encounter. I believe that a glass half-full attitude is contagious and leads to productivity rather than the wallow and despair that comes with the negativity.
ReplyDeleteWe are in our group now. Mrs. Stewie is showing the group how to blog.
ReplyDeleteThis second section of the reading is a lot less appealing to me than the first. I understand the need for setting clear and forward leaning goals but the examples that they give show the problems with this competition model. I wonder, in the mode cutting costs and increasing profits, did BP overlook safety. The investment bankers have proven to be very trustworthy either. I don't think that every broker is crooked but the atmosphere of hypercompetition makes people do things they wouldn't normally do. To me it is similar to the steroids in sports problem, if somebody is doing it then I have to also to stay competitive. The short term gain could come at a long term cost. Gulf of Mexico, Lyle Alzado.
ReplyDeleteChapter 3 says to script the critical moves, in other words, provide clear guidance. When I read this, I thought of our syllabus where we give 4-5 specific rules. If we want our students to behave in a certain way, we must be clear what we expect from them. We can't assume they know.
ReplyDeleteI have always been a list maker. When I have lots to do, it makes me feel good to cross things off the list. About a month ago I came home from school with a list of 14 things that I needed to get done that weekend for school. (correct a set of tests, enter deportment grades, etc.) I came home overwhelmed and wondered when I would get it all done. I started that evening when I got home with the things that would take the shortest amount of time. As I eliminated them one by one, the dread disappeared, and the progress did begin to snowball. My "Elephant" was feeling more confident in moving forward...... Do any of you ever add things to your list that were not originally on it just so you have more to cross off? It makes me feel better!
ReplyDeleteIn Chapter 5, the authors state,"Our brains are positive illusion factories...But positive illusions make it hard for us to orient ourselves-to get a clear picture of where we are and how we're doing." Do we in education facilitate the development of these illusions in students through such practices as lowering grading scales to the point that nearly half of the students in a grade level either achieve the Honor Roll or the Principals List. I wonder, as a result, do these students really get a clear picture of where they are and how they are doing academically?
ReplyDeleteIn continuation of what Doug said.... It is the same as the PSSA test. Parents see that their child is advanced. They assume they are "very smart" and should be in the accelerated math class. They do not realize that is does not take much to be proficient or advanced for the better kids. On the 8th grade 4-sight test, 56% is proficient and 76% is advanced. How would parents react if we told them their student had a 76% instead of advanced? Do you see how even the PSSA scores can be positive illusions? 76% is a C (really a D in other districts)
ReplyDeleteCan I post yet?
ReplyDeleteYaayyy! I can post now! Thanks, Jeff!
ReplyDeleteIn chapter 4, Point to the Destination, I agree that often one of the great weaknesses to change can be the tendency to get lost in the analysis of a particular problem. I believe in any organization -- classroom, school district, boardroom -- the visionary must focus their eye on the end destination. However, this leader must also have a passion about/for that end. Your classroom, school district or boardroom must be able to sense/feel that passion within the leader. Strong beginning -- strong ending --and as stated the middle will take care of itself -- shifting and changing as you move toward the end destination.
ReplyDeleteIn reference to Chapter 7, "Grow Your People": "When a team embarks on a new project, team members are filled with hope and optimism." I made a statement years ago to my husband (I think it's original) that a person is never so optimistic as when one starts a new diet/exercise plan or begins a new game of golf. Educators experience this with every new school year. We are charged up to give it another try to expand the minds of youth. The gritty part of the school year, from day 2 through day 179, we grind it out hoping something sticks to the students' brain. And you know what? We've done a really good job! It's hard to see progress day to day sometimes, but looking at the long view, we have succeeded to educate.
ReplyDeleteChapter 7, Grow your People It is about time --Chip and Dan suggest that we create the expectation of failure - not the mission, but failure en route. Amen!! We all need to be reminded that failure is a part of that success. We will all have a few, "salsa moments" during the process.
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