Supporting Teachers as They Enact Change
Tonight I was reading chapter two of Eric Sheninger’s (2019) book, “Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times.” In this chapter, Sheninger highlights the intense change our social system has undergone since the industrial revolution, but emphasizes how little our education system has changed. He asks the important question, “Are schools preparing learners for their future or for a world that no longer exists?” (2019, p. 22). He also recognizes the vicious cycle of “TTWWADI - That’s the way we’ve always done it,” (2019, p. 21).
As our society continues to move toward one of fast innovation, collaboration and technology, what must we teachers do to prepare our learners for it? Students need to be given the opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and use creative problem solving techniques in order to constantly adapt to our changing society. Project based learning is being constantly referred to as a step in the right pedagogical direction. Interestingly, Sheninger mentions that the necessary changes fall on the shoulders of teachers. Teachers can decide if our learners are getting what they need to be prepared for tomorrow instead of yesterday, (2019, p. 27).
The question remains - who is there supporting our teachers? We are put in this ever changing landscape of education, but are not given the resources and tools we need to make necessary changes. How can we break out of our “TTWWADI,” when there are no time, space or resources given to make it happen?
While I do not have an answer to that question, I do believe that adults are not much different than our students. If we expect teachers to provide learners autonomy and agency to solve problems and make change, we should provide those same opportunities for our teachers. We need to transform our professional development from one of slide decks and worksheets to ones that invite collaboration and problem based learning that can support their professional growth. Sheninger says that we must begin with “their own questions, curiosity, and interests as learners,” (2019, p. 31). We are all lifelong learners and should be treated as such!
Reference:
Sheninger, E. C., & Mitra, S. (2019). Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times. Corwin.
Resource on supporting teacher growth and learning:
https://www.monash.edu/education/teachspace/articles/how-school-leaders-can-support-out-of-field-teachers
Thank you for providing such reflective questions. I find myself working with others who are in the TTWWADI mindset. Recently, I decided to make a move from 1st grade to 3rd grade for the very opposite reason - I needed a change from what I've always done. I believe that the only way to better yourself is to push yourself outside of your comfort zone - so that's what I did!
ReplyDeleteI joined the team as the new team leader, which has also had many challenges, and the phrase I keep hearing over and over again is "Well, that's what we do in 3rd grade". I can't explain how much that irritates me, as it seems as if they are accepting the TTWWADI mindset. It is something I am supporting others with breaking away from.