It is the evening before our second class. I read and read and read a variety of articles, and even strayed from the readings to others. I continued to go back to my own reality of what is happening in my career, my job. As I read I continued playing a video in my head. Our district is under new administration. He knows our district is good but want to make it great. Technology is something he is working towards enhancing; not only for students but for our administrators and teachers. Students adjust and enjoy changes in technology and enhancements to the classroom instruction. It is the administration whom are experiencing the change, through exhibiting controversial conversations without boundaries for constructive criticism. Instead of holding multiple Principal meetings to discuss nuts and bolts, we have moved to the moodle and wiki section on line. Directors place on the moodle, an Administrative Regulation for example, with open feedback and potential changes or suggestions to make. After the suggestions have been made, the Director reviews them and summarizes the changes, then takes it to the meeting for final approval. Additionally, all of the Administrators are asked to utilize a cell phone that allows for immediate calendar access and contact at all times. What is missing in all of this is a level of preparation and direction for the Principals as to how to publically comment constructively, using high quality comments and potential problem solving suggestions, in order to assist in managerial decision-making. Tjosvold & Wedley tested and provided information that may be valuable to this process. My personal opinion is that there are times when we jump in and solve problems as they arise, but there are more times when we should take a few more steps to assist staff with processes which would produce higher quality productive information from them. I like where we are going and becoming more efficient, but there are others who need process, time and more structure. We need to differentiate for these leaders.
Jackie, this issue sounds a lot like something I experienced once with a group of 2nd grade teachers. The teachers agreed to collaborate for PE by organizing all four classes together at the same time. Two teachers would be in charge of an activity while the other teachers worked elsewhere. I happened by as the classes were going out to play kickball. I couldn't think of anything better to do at the moment than helping 2nd graders play kickball, so I went along. The two teachers got the students split into teams, assigned them fields, gave them a ball and said - "Now you go off and start your games."
ReplyDeleteAs I watched, almost all of the second graders went to their respective fields (doing what they were told) and stood around..... they had never played kickball before and didn't know how to play. A teacher went to the field and pointed to where each child should stand, told one to roll the ball, told one to kick the ball. Guess what - they still didn't know how to play the game. The intricacies of kicking, running, throwing, tagging and scoring were never discussed (or taught).
We all need help in learning how "to play new games," especially the new technology games!