We believe that developing stronger problem-solving skills gives students the tools to become more confident and resilient learners. We embed computational thinking learning targets into projects that are clearly identified for learners We will develop strong 21st-century skills into all classes that allow students to transfer learning to any situation
As an instructional coach and a department chair, I see time and again teachers list “problem-solving” as one of their learning targets in a unit or lesson. Unfortunately, in their plans, problem solving it is neither taught nor assessed. It seems logical for me to jump in, point out the flaw, and tell everybody to fix it. In Dr. John Kotter’s video, The Heart of Change, he points out that this is the wrong way to start. Starting with what people need to do and appealing to their mind will only bring about resistance. I have to win over people’s hearts first. If I want teachers to think differently about developing problem-solving skills, then I need to get them to feel differently about it first. But just winning over teachers minds by winning over their hearts is not enough. I also have to create a sense of urgency. The teachers need to feel that it is something they need to do now. Dr. Kotter goes on to explain in the video, Leading Change: Establish a Sense of Urgency, that I also need to facilitate lowering complacency and negative feelings. To accomplish this, I can’t go about making the teachers feel like I am “fixing them”. The truth of the matter is that they are very likely good teachers. In fact, the teachers I am beginning my project with are excellent teachers. They are campus leaders, highly recognized, and consistently bring their students to high levels of learning. I must start with the “why.” The appeal that I need to make is about helping learners be more confident and resilient because of what they’ve learned in the class project. It’s not about content or test scores. It’s about students becoming better learners. Winning over their hearts first will help me gain a foothold in implementing and assessing computational thinking into projects. References Kotter, J. (2011, March 23). The heart of change. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/1NKti9MyAAw Kotter, J. (2013, August 15). Leading change: Establish a sense of urgency. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtu.be/2Yfrj2Y9IlI Sinek, S. (2013, September 29). Start with why: Ted talk. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/sioZd3AxmnE
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
About 5304This is my fifth course in the Lamar University Digital Leading and Learning program. I am now working on how to create the change in my school to facilitate the successful completion and longevity of my project. ArchivesCategories
All
|