[Host's Note: Don is replying to a msg which I chose not to distribute due
to it's sarcastic tone. That msg said, in essence, "Why are we wasting our
time talking about schools as learning organizations... What else would
they be?" And, by the way, no offense to the author of the un-distributed
msg... I slip across that line into sarcasm myself often enough; I just
thought the msg would not be productive here on the list. ...Rick]
Dear friend?
Thanks for your note. I make no apologies for suggesting our school
should move to becoming a learning organization. I also have a very hard
nosed reason for wanting to transform our school into an LO. Firstly, it
isn't one. Secondly, I know of very few schools that can remotely
describe themselves as being learning organizations. I believe most
schools are locked into a culture which is the antithesis of a learning
approach.
Most schools that I have studied/visited or worked in were 'teaching'
organizations. That is where teaching was seen to be a didactic and
mechanistic process. The teachers presented the information and the
pupils regurgitated the information for examinations. This 'teaching'
culture extended to the management and professional practice within the
school. Teachers were/are not required to critically reflect upon their
practice. Once they find something which works for them continue to
repeat it from year to year regardless of the fact that there might be a
better or more effective approach. The management of schools adopts an
essentially conservative and hierarchical approach towards staff and
although some schools might claim to be collaborative, they rarely are in
practice.
Finally, I believe most schools are failing. I do not believe that
children are being encouraged to develop a true desire to learn. For most
children school is enjoyable only on the social front and academic classes
are a necessary chore. How can we turn more chilren onto education for
its own sake? How can we create a buzz in school for pupils and staff? I
want to work in a school where things are happening, where people feel
they can take risks and challenge themselves and others. I also realise
that examination success is a vital component (although no the only one)
in measuring the success of a school, which is why we have set a target of
improving our overall school results by 50% over a three year period.
If this is a woolly/fluffy target which needs to be subjected to a nice
dip in the 'pool of reality' then I really am losing the place. Schools
need to change! For the sake of children and staff we have to promote a
school culture which encourages a more reflective and entrepreneurial
approach towards education. The only constant is change yet schools spend
most of their time bemoaning that fact instead of turning it to our
advantage.
What we need is support from those outwith education, who can see that
change is necessary and who will support honest and sincere attempts to
make schools more accountable, effective and enjoyable places in which to
work and learn. Thanks for your encouragement!
All the best
Don Ledingham
DLedingham@aol.com
--Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>