At
the beginning of this course I was oblivious to the amount of research and data
that is involved in the everyday workings of being an administrator. As a teacher sometimes to me it seemed like
the administrators came up with their ideas and plans out of thin air. Now I can see the pain staking actions it
takes in order to have plans that support a common goal in order do what is
best for the entire student body and faculty.
The
readings were very informative. I was
introduced to some new techniques and theories behind what works best. Some things that I read weren’t new to me but
it was helpful to be reassured that the measures I was taking had validity in
their practice. Sometimes it is nice to
step back and map out your thoughts on a matter, in these readings you get to
see a collection of thought processes that have already been mapped out for
you. It’s good to know that I don’t have
to reinvent the wheel. I loved learning
about (Mind Tools) Kurt Lewin’s steps for
conducting a “Force Field Analysis” they are as follows: 1) Describe the
current situation 2) Describe the proposed change 3) Identify what will happen
if no change occurs 4) Identify the forces driving the proposed change 5)
Identify the forces resisting the change 6) Determined whether the change is
viable 7) If the change is viable, what is needed for implementation. That is a
method that I took note of and will use often.
The situations that we read about in the week 2 assignment that showed
how three different leaders handled three different problems was enlightening
as well. It helps leaders when they see
the trial and error of others that have proceeding him. If we can learn from others then we are doomed
for failure.
I
have always been good at researching subject matters and situations on the
internet. In this class I found a lot of
ways that I could fine tune my searchers in order to find a more precise
answer. The digital world can be filled
with information that is unreliable.
This class showed me a better way that I can recognize the quality
information. In some instances time is
valuable so the ability to find the right answer quicker is paramount.
I
thought the assignments and activities were excellent in their order. Each assignment and reading built upon the
previous. At no time did I fill
overwhelmed or unaware of what was expected.
I feel I learned more from these assignments because I got to use this
as a way to collaborate with my Principal and peek into what his day to day is
all about. Hands on experience like that are priceless. The assignment for week 3 where we used a
table to lay out and design a plan was genius.
I love finding better ways for organization and allowing me a simple way
of presenting my plan to stakeholders.
The
discussion board was interesting; it allowed me to see what was important to
other teachers at other districts at a variety of grade levels. I still found however those problems that
affect their schools also affect mine.
Some other individuals on the message boards seem to focus on situations
at their school that I find easy to remedy.
Not because their problem is easy or unnecessary, but because my
experiences in education has prepared me for certain situations. As I am sure that some of the other students
felt about my research. It is always
good to collaborate with minds of different backgrounds.
In
the past I have never been much of a blogger.
I barely even read them. Having
to participate in making one gave me the chance to find that it is a valuable
tool. Blogs can effectively allow me to
reach more stakeholders with in the district.
I can see myself use it as a tool for instruction and to get grasp on
the feelings that others have pertaining to a localized situation. Blogs could also help spread the word on the
progress of different types of research that are being done in order to make
the district more effective.
Mind Tools. Force Field Analysis. 2010.
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