Schools That Learn

In Schools That Learn,, Peter Senge offers the five disciplines designed to “involve everyone in the system in expressing their aspirations, building awareness, and developing their capabilities together.” The book focuses on the five skills or disciplines that he says shape learning orientation: developing personal mastery, creating shared mental models, establishing a shared vision, engaging in team learning, and thinking systemically. If those involved in educating students use these disciplines effectively, then Senge believes learning will happen by all involved on many levels.

Senge says schools can be recreated and revitalized when everyone works together to meet a particular schools needs. One of the problems I feel in my school is that teachers, parents and community members complain about what is wrong with the school system but never offer ideas. Also I find teachers complain about the system to each other but never to an ear which could implement change because of the fear of repercussions. One thing Senge suggests is a Graffiti wall. This is a wall which anyone could write ideas down anonymously. The purpose of this is good ideas could come from anyone not just leaders. I feel implementing a Graffiti wall in my school could be a positive thing. This would encourage people to get involved anonymously and help with relationship building and empowerment since everyone has a voice.

I feel engaging in team learning is extremely productive and prepares students for the real world. Student center project provoke more motivated student and higher quality products. Schools That Learn gives many examples of this and motivated me to try it in my own classroom. I just completed a project where students work together to pick a topic, pick roles, write a script and storyboard, film and edit a Health project. I was amazed to see how the student’s level of motivated and quality of their projects exceeded all of my expectations. Even though, just like in the real world they came across challenges and disagreements it was good life practice in communicating effectively. At one point another teacher came into the classroom and commented on how well the students were working together and how much fun they were having. When this teacher actually took a look at the work the students were doing they were pleasantly surprised at how on task they were. Imagine if all learning was like this.
Videos will be posted soon as students are still in the editing process.