Week 5 CEDO 565

This week we culminated our simulated attempt to create a systemic change. Thankfully my group found much more success (even with me still having random disconnections from Blackboard). This not to say that we did not find frustration, but we did find a better insight into what some of our administrators might have faced in the past and how those who continually have to find a way to improve student achievement over the resistance of some of the staff. We also found that a sense of comaraderie while attempting to deal with the frustrations of attempting to get the buy in to be successful in implementing change. In the reading, I was reminded that I am not the only one who has high expectations of challenging students. I know that I need to start with the basics of what I want my students to do later on and then build them to the level where they should be or beyond. I am reminded that most of my students want to learn. In some instances, it only takes minimal success to get them to be highly motivated students. But I need to be able to provide them with a education that allows them to find that success while still challenging them. The line might be fine, but the majority of students are able to meet my expectations. I actively invite others to observe my teaching in order to get constructive criticism as well as thoughts about what I do well. I often attempt to see how other teachers run their classes for ideas that I would be able to use in my own class. Most of my colleagues are open to people observing their classes, but usually are less resistant since I am looking to use ideas that would help my teaching. If I am asked for ideas for the teacher I visited, I attempt to first stress the positive before suggesting any changes. I also make sure that I know the outcomes I would expect from any changes I would suggest. So far, this has been the most illuminating chapter of the book for me since it has been showing me that even though I am not perfect, I am doing the right things in my goal to improve myself as an educator.

Week 4 CEDO 565 Systems Improvement

This week we had one of the most frustrating experiences that I have had in this Masters of Education - Instructional Technology program. We attempted to emulate a school/district improvement plan. The main problem that we felt utterly flummoxed when every decision ended up with a non-positive result or no movement towards our goals. We were either blocked by administration or by "co-workers" who were not willing to attempt to change anything in order to progress towards a better more effectual teaching and learning environment. The chapter that we read in the book was regarding climate and morale in the work area and how these variables can effect the teaching and learning that can happen in a school. With a positive climate and environment administrators are a positive resource for the classroom teachers, classroom teachers are more willing to try new things and students are more comfortable asking for help and trusting their teachers and the other adults in the building. If there is a negative climate or morale, staff is less willing to help each other, students can not trust their teachers, and administrators are seen as the opponent of both students and teachers. When friction builds up, the workplace does not function well. A school that has a negative climate and morale is exemplified by the picture below.

Week 3 CEDO 565

This week we looked at several things.  One of the things we looked at is being able to approach the problems that we face as part of the ever changing dynamics of being a teacher.  Being reminded to not dwell on the past and "how it used to be" instead of dealing with the realities that we have can be best seen in the presentation "Who moved my cheese?"
Who Move My Cheese {Time To Escape The Rat Race} by ewonwhynes

This presentation really shows that in many cases, people don't do well with change, but those who are the most successful do not dwell on the past and attempt to find the next way to be successful.

The next thing that we looked at was a short video that explained that when leading, you need to think of the organization (or organism) as a whole while thinking of the solution to a problem.  Even the most elegant solution is worthless if it diminishes the organizations ability to function (or organism).  Below is this video embedded.