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Teachers are powerful people and keepers of the future. Help your students dream big!
copyright Leslie Owen Wilson
Professional Links
Wilson's Curriculum Pages -
Steps toward change
More curriculum links:
Expressive activities that lead to expressive outcomes
Other links to information about this topic:
Steps toward change - devising an action plan
Change is frightening, and yet if we as a species are to keep pace or move forward it is often necessary. The following technique can be used in conjunction with the concept of ecological assessment in order to facilitate personal or professional change.
You will need at least two different colored markers, a pen or pencil, different colored post-its, blank sheets of paper (it might help if they were colored).
First, consider an issue that involves change. Now, list the pros and cons of moving toward that change. Which list is longer? Which answers are more powerful?
Second, list personal behaviors ( yours, peers', administrators' ) that have to take place in order for the change to occur.
Third, list institutional things that must take place in order for that change to occur -- identify barriers to change.
Fourth, list existing strengths of either the individual(s), or of the institution, in the context of the proposed change(s). Identify current assets.
Fifth, list only essential support which might be needed to facilitate the change.
Last, list possible outcomes.
Steps: Often change seems insurmountable because we look at the whole and not the steps that create the whole. The following is a process of sifting and sorting -- defining smaller steps, and concentrating on small actions that can lead to larger changes, and plotting a course of action for the arising possibilities.
Categorically spread your answers out.
Code imperative components, essentials and strengths with one colored marker, lesser considerations with another colored marker.
Dispose of the lesser components.
Next sort the existing components into two categories "things I can directly affect" and, "things that are controlled or can be helped by others."
From this list glean out and list only those things you can do by yourself or with a little help.
From this list, sort things you are willing to do now and things which you might do in the future.
Concentrate on the things you can do now. From this list define some immediate plan of action -- write it down.
Project the results from your action -- what might occur. List the possibilities.
From this define the next step. After you have done your part, what needs to be done next.
Again, project possible actions and outcomes.
Revisit the problem and consider your options.
Define a plan for personal action.
Concentrate on the end goal and the original change. Would you be any closer if you instituted your small part(s)?
Go for it!!!!
copyright Leslie Owen Wilson, 1997, 2001, 2003. 2005
