Education concepts and applications

Education

Over the last several years, a wide variety of strategies have been introduced that are designed to improve the total amounts of learning comprehension inside the classroom. For the most part, these ideas have failed because they did not focus on specific areas that will improve individual learning comprehension. To address these challenges, many educators have been turning to differentiated instruction. This is when they will focus on using a variety of tools in order to reach out to a larger demographic of students. To fully understand how these concepts can be implemented in conjunction with Library and Media personnel requires examining a number of areas. This will be accomplished by focusing on: the use, framework, experiences, changes, questions, leadership, morale, the current changes, analyzing these events and identifying the need for differentiated instruction. Once this takes place, is when we can show how these ideas will improve the total amounts of learning comprehension inside the classroom. (Gregory, 2007, pp. 1 -- 8)

Task 1: Critically reflect on your work thus far. What have you learned about the uses of differentiated instruction in both the classroom and in professional development? How will you use what you have learned to benefit your organization or an organization that you will work for in the future?

What was learned about differentiated instruction is that it can be utilized in a variety of educational settings. This is because it is focused on applying flexibility to individual learning styles when presenting a host of concepts. During the process of teaching students is when the various strategies and techniques will reach out to the individual (in a format that is most appropriate for them). Moreover, the repeated exposure and hands on training will help everyone to see how they will need to apply these ideas in the future. (Roberts, 2007, pp. 147 -- 151)

In the case of professional development, these concepts can be used to improve motivation and the team atmosphere inside a school. This occurs by having educators work together to increase quality by using these techniques in conjunction with one another. For example, an educator that is teaching select aspects of Biology could work with the Library and Media staff to use technology to improve learning comprehension. This will help all staff members to work with each other in utilizing this strategy on a consistent basis. Once this occurs, is when there will be a positive transformation inside an educational environment. (Roberts, 2007, pp. 147 -- 151)

These ideas can be used to create new standards inside the school. The way that this will take place, is through working with staff members and students to provide them with the tools they need. For example, understanding differentiated instruction will help personnel (in the Library and Media center) to anticipate these needs. This is the point that they can discuss using a host of technology solutions to address these challenges. Over the course of time, this will improve communication and collaboration in lesson planning. (Roberts, 2007, pp. 147 -- 151)

Task 2: What is a successful lesson framework composed of? How would this framework differ between two different content areas? Why is it important to consider the background of the students and possible assessments used when designing a lesson? How does this lead to student achievement? Reflect on the strategies you have learned thus far for differentiated instruction. Choose three of these strategies. Compare/contrast each strategy noting the differences and similarities in student achievement. Could any of these strategies be combined and if so, how will this impact student achievement.

A successful framework is composed of ideas that are designed to reach out to each person's individual learning style. This is accomplished through creating a lesson plan that will focus on specific attributes that are most dominant in the class. Then, the educator must create a strategy that is focused on reaching out to other learning styles. This approach will establish a basic foundation in creating an atmosphere that is conducive of learning. (Gregory, 2003, pp. 79 -- 100)

The way that framework will vary between different content areas is through the way these techniques are applied. For example, in more complicated topics this approach will be augmented with the use of technology and other teaching methods. The basic idea is that this will assist in reaching out to students by addressing their various strengths. At the same time, the repeated exposure to these ideas will give them a background on the subject. Once this occurs, is when they will be able to retain and apply these ideas in the future. (Gregory, 2003, pp. 79 -- 100)

The cultural practices of the student will identify: their educational experience, traditions and areas that will influence how they see the world around them. For educators, these factors will affect the way the student is able to learn a host of concepts. A possible strategy that can be used to understand these issues is to focus on several different variables during the planning stage. The most notable include: being able to draw easy comparisons, using specific tools that can overcome select difficulties and improving the discussion among various students.

The way that this will have an impact on the individual is to give them a background of the concepts that are being presented. Then, the educator begins using tools that the student can relate to based on: their cultural and educational experiences. This is achieved through using different techniques in conjunction with new technology. Once this occurs, is when there should be some kind of change in the total amounts of learning comprehension. This is the point that grade point averages and achievement scores will rise. (Gregory, 2003, pp. 79 -- 100)

Three strategies that have been learned as a part of differentiated instruction include: cooperative group learning, jigsaw and role playing. Cooperative groups learning is when everyone is working together (in the form of a group) to learn about the various ideas. This is providing a more intellectual discussion by having everybody talk about the concepts that are being presented. Jigsaw learning is when you have students work in groups of four to understand a host of ideas. This is different from cooperative learning by having a smaller group that is focused on more intense topics. Role playing is where students are learning about new ideas by reenacting particular parts of the project. This is different from the other strategies, through having the individual act out specific areas to improve learning comprehension. (Gregory, 2003, pp. 79 -- 100)

All of these strategies could be combined with each other. The way that this would impact student achievement is to improve the total amounts of learning comprehension. This is because each theory is building off of the ideas that were established previously. Once this takes place, is when the individual will have another format for looking at and examining the various concepts. This is when the total amounts of learning comprehension will increase by having different avenues that are reaching out to the student. (Gregory, 2003, pp. 79 -- 100)

Task 3: Review Figure 80 in your reading. Describe a situation in your past experience where you implemented change or could have implemented change. How could you use this chart to increase the effects of this change? Was this change process a success? Based on your readings, how could you have increased the likelihood of success in this situation? Describe a situation that you have encountered where a supportive response may have increased your adaptability to change.

The way that change could have been implemented is through taking the lead by showing alternative strategies for dealing with a host of challenges. This would have given staff members a greater sense of empowerment when dealing with these issue. The way that this chart could have increased effectiveness, is to introduce key strategies for inviting these transformations (by serving as blue print). Inside the school environment, these tools could be used to help push for alternative changes in teaching methods and the kinds of tools that are utilized by staff members. (Gregory, 2003, pp. 100-109)

Yes and no. The change was a success in that staff members agreed about transformations needing to occur. Yet, this was also ineffective by failing to create any kind of lasting shifts in attitudes among staff members. The way that the chances of success could have increased was to have more effective communication among stakeholders. This would improve collaboration and establish a common set of goals. (Gregory, 2003, pp. 100-109)

For example, in the Library and Media center, these ideas will change the way that educators see personnel. This will occur through them taking the views that these individuals are key allies (who will play a vital role in improving education). When they see the library staff in this light, teachers are more willing to work with others in improving the effectiveness of their lesson planning (by incorporating more tools and techniques). (Gregory, 2003, pp. 100-109)

Task 4: Change can be difficult for some. Think about a change you would like to see in your educational or work environment. How would you implement this change? Consider and discuss the possible resistance that you may encounter from your professional community. How would you support them throughout the change process? How would you overcome any resistance to the change?

A change that can be implemented inside an educational environment is to unify the approach educators are using in reaching out to students. What normally happens is most teachers have different theories and practices they are following. This can be problematic as some of the most experience educators may be reluctant to alter their techniques. Instead, they will often focus on formats (such as: the traditional lecture setting) to present news ideas to students. This is problematic, as the class will quickly become bored with the dry approach that is being utilized. To deal with these issues educators have to see the urgency of utilizing different tools and tactics in conjunction with each other.

The way that this kind of change can be implemented is to invite a discussion about these challenges. In an era of declining budgets and more demands for accountability, this is something that is on everyone's mind. During this process there needs to be some kind of transparency and openness. This will ensure that everybody's ideas are heard and respected. (Hopkins, 1985, pp. 195 -- 212)

Once this takes place, is when educators can also begin showing how alternative strategies (i.e. differentiated instruction) could be used in conjunction with traditional philosophies. This will address the concerns of experienced educators by introducing them to slight changes that will improve learning comprehension. (Hopkins, 1985, pp. 195 -- 212)

The biggest resistance issues that will be encountered are a reluctance to use or embrace these tactics consistently. This is troubling, as all educators must be able to see the need and want to embrace these changes. The way that they could be supported and overcame is to form a series of allies (inside the different levels of the school). These are administrators, staff, parents and members of the community who want to see an improvement in the quality of education. (Hopkins, 1985, pp. 195 -- 212) (Reynolds, 2002, pp. 93 -- 114)

To achieve these objectives, a committee could be established that is focused on implementing solutions that will improve student achievement. At the same time, there an anonymous survey that could be used to understand what challenges is impacting the school and possible solutions. Some of these ideas could become a part of the strategy that the committee will recommend. Once this occurs, is when these tools will transform the kinds of tactics that are utilized by all educators. (Hopkins, 1985, pp. 195 -- 212) (Demmitt, 2007, pp. 137 -- 138) (Reynolds, 2002, pp. 93 -- 114)

This will take place with colleagues having casual discussions about these challenges and how to everyone should be embracing them. While the individual will see that their ideas are being taken into consideration as part of the new policies. This creates a sense of respect and willingness for the new attitude in working with students. (Hopkins, 1985, pp. 195 -- 212) (Reynolds, 2002, pp. 93 -- 114)

Over the course of time, these kinds of positive beliefs will lead to educators continually using these tools. Moreover, they are willing to do more to help students. It is at this point that there will be an improvement in achievement scores and grade point averages. (Hopkins, 1985, pp. 195 -- 212) (Demmitt, 2007, pp. 137 -- 138) (Reynolds, 2002, pp. 93 -- 114)

Task 5: Read the required article Asking the Right Questions (Reason, C. & Reason, L, 2007). Reflect on what you have learned about teacher leadership. How can you implement change within an organization? How do you manage this change outside of a designated leadership position?

Reflecting upon leadership, it is important for all educators to be setting the example. This means showing that they are willing to do what they are advocating of others. When this happens, an individual is creating a sense of respect for their ideas (by demonstrating concern and support). This will create a change in how this person is interacting with other colleagues and stakeholders. (Reason, 2007, pp. 36 -- 40)

The way that any kind of change can be implemented is through: forging different alliances and continually communicating with everyone. This will take place, by having a series of conversations about what strategies are most effective. Once this happens, is the point that an educator can begin working with administrators to create polices that are supportive of these views. This will create a transformation in the school environment and how everyone is interacting with each other. (Reason, 2007, pp. 36 -- 40)

The way that this change can be managed is to have different stakeholders serving on a committee. This is where a number of viewpoints will be taken into account to create a workable strategy (which can address current and future challenges). Once these transformations have been implemented is when a survey can be conducted that will determines the effectiveness of these polices and how they can be adapted. This will ensure that any kind of strategy is capable of adjust with new challenges that are continually emerging. (Reason, 2007, pp. 36 -- 40)

Task 6: What is a teacher leader? How can you lead your organization through your individual capabilities? What leadership principles would you draw on? What type of change will you implement in your organization or in a future organization? How will your research on teacher/school leadership help you to do this? Discuss the implementation of change as a teacher or educational leader. How is this different from managing change?

A teacher leader is an educator who will do more than what is necessary to improve the quality of education. This is achieved by effectively working with different stakeholders and setting the example for change. The way that an organization can be led is through the person constantly embracing these attributes. This means that no matter what is happening they will be an advocate of supporting the best approaches that will create win -- win situations for different stakeholders. As a result, the main focus will be transformational leadership. This is when there is a focus on understanding and working with everyone to achieve the overall objectives together. (Stewart, 2001, pp. 1 -- 26)

The kind of change that will be implemented in my school is to improve student performance. The research will help to achieve these objectives by: showing specific tools and tactics that can increase my ability to reach out to stakeholders. Once this takes place, is when there will be transformation in the educational environment. (Stewart, 2001, pp. 1 -- 26)

The way that this will occur as an educational leader is through discussing new ideas with different parties. Then, have a series of conversations with administrators about how these kinds of improvements can be enacted inside the school. This will open up a channel of communication and it will form a series of alliances among various stakeholders. (Stewart, 2001, pp. 1 -- 26)

The difference of this strategy (for managing change) is through thinking proactively. What normally happens is managers will follow various policies and procedures. When it comes to creating new ideas, they are lagging in this area. The main reason is they do not think about innovative solutions. Instead, they are interested in maintaining the status quo at all costs. In many ways, one could argue that this kind of approach is what has created the current problems within the field of education. (Stewart, 2001, pp. 1 -- 26)

Task 7: How does your work setting sustain morale and time commitments from employees in times of change? Is the current support in your workplace for change successful? What strategies for supporting change in your work environment would you provide to your administrators? Why did you select these strategies?

The work setting sustains morale and time commitments through a team approach. This is when everyone is supposed to be working together in addressing these issues. However, the current support is not successful. The reason why is because a basic strategy is provided by administrators. but, there is little to no effective communication and collaboration on a host of issues. This means that any kind of gains is effectively negated. (Stewart, 2001, pp. 45 -- 56)

The basic strategies that would be used to support change, is to improve communication by: having everyone work together on a host of issues. This could be accomplished through discussing how these issues are dealt with via a committee (who can focus on and address these challenges). The reason why this strategy was selected is because it can be able to improve collaboration and effectively pool the school's resources together (in order to deal with its most pressing issues). (Stewart, 2001, pp. 45 -- 56)

Evidence of this can be seen with observations from Stewart (2001), who found that there are two different philosophies in the field of education (i.e. The business and family approaches). The business strategy is focused on improving the economic viability of the school (by looking at education as a business). While the family approach; is concentrating on meeting the needs of all students (through seeing everyone as part of a big extend family). These conflicting views can often lead to a host of disputes inside the school. To avoid these kinds of challenges, the ideas of various stakeholders must be taken into account. This will prevent the school from being overly influenced by one philosophy over the others. These areas are illustrating how a philosophy of working with different parties will provide the greatest long-term benefits to the school. (Stewart, 2001, pp. 45 -- 56)

Task 8: Identify a change currently occurring in your organization, providing a background for your classmates of the rationale behind this change. If you were assigned to support and manage this change, how would you do this? What would you do differently in managing and supporting this change?

A change that is currently taking place is less of an emphasis on testing from the No Child Left Behind. Instead, educators have greater amounts of flexibility in the content and material they will cover. The way that this can be supported is to have a series of meetings with educators. During this process is when you want to listen to different ideas and how these transformations can be dealt with. (Gabriel, 2005, pp. 1- 22)

Next, there must be some kind of approach that will forge alliances and work with stakeholders. This will occur by implementing these ideas as a part of the policies and procedures for the school. When this happens, educators will feel as if their opinions are heard and taken into account. (Gabriel, 2005, pp. 1- 22)

The way that the status quo would be managed differently is through a philosophy of openness. This is where educators are seeking to address these issues by looking at a host of ideas. The problem with the current educational environment is many of these kinds of decisions are made by a limited number of individuals. Evidence of this can be seen with observations from Gabriel (2005) who found that effective communication and openness is the key for any successful educational environment. This is illustrating how these ideas can deal with the weaknesses of the current policies. (Gabriel, 2005, pp. 1- 22)

Task 9: Reflect on your study of differentiated instruction, professional learning communities, and teacher leadership. What steps and leadership principles would you use to implement, manage, and support the development of a professional learning community in your organization? What possible challenges would you face during this process? How would you address these challenges to achieve the desired result?

The best way to support the development of professional learning is through having some kind of recognition and rewards program. This can be achieved with the school honoring these individuals in front of their colleagues and students. This will show that the school is rewarding those individuals who are continually striving to improve themselves and everyone they are working with. (Dryer, 2007, pp. 3 -- 91)

Like what was stated previously, the approach that will be used to manage this change is transformation leadership. The committee that is established will have the ability to make any kind of sweeping changes to the school the basic steps that would be utilized include: openly discussing new ideas with everyone, forging alliances, creating a committee that can introduce these change, enacting new polices and continually evaluating these adjustments. Some possible challenges that will be faced during the process include: resistance from stakeholders, the possibility of combining strategies into one and the internal / external environment. (Dryer, 2007, pp. 117 -- 193)

The best way to address these kinds of challenges is to form alliances with various stakeholders. When this happens, there will be a focus on working together to address the different problems. To achieve these objectives requires having a series of discussions with stakeholders about possible challenges and how they can be addressed. This when a committee can be formed that will focus on dealing with these issues. During the process, the different ideas will be implemented into the new policy. Moreover, the strong alliances will address any kind of issues such as resistance on the individual level. This is where supporters can help everyone to see the necessity for implementing these kinds of changes over the long-term. Once this takes place, is when there will be a transformation inside the school environment. (Dryer, 2007, pp. 217 -- 223)

Task 10: Using the task 6 and the reflective questions as the foundation for this paper, identify an area of need for professional development for differentiated instruction at your worksite.

The biggest areas for professional development inside the worksite are with the overall approach and methodology that teachers are using. What is happening, everyone has their own philosophy and will often follow those ideas that work best for them. The only major requirement is that they must be able to remain within state guidelines. This can create uneven results among the students. As they will have select classes that they like the most and others which are of no interest to them. The reason why is because the material is presented to them in a dry and boring format. When this happens, most students will become less interested in learning. This is the point that grades and achievement scores will decline. (Maltzman, 2009, pp. 139 -- 144)

The current approach is focused on the traditional teaching method (with select amounts of technology). In general, the overall levels of coordination are limited. This is because everyone is used to the traditions of following their own practices. The problem is that achievement scores have remained stagnant. To improve the ability to connect with students a new approach must be focused on using differentiated instruction. (Maltzman, 2009, pp. 139 -- 144)

To implement this kind strategy means that a transformational leadership style must be embraced. This is when leaders will set the example by showing how they are willing to do what they are asking of others. At the same time, it is making everyone feel as if they are a part of a larger team. This will create a change in the school environment where an authoritarian approach is used between the administration and staff members. Once this takes place, is the point that this will improve the teaching styles and techniques. (Harris, 2002, pp. 15 -- 26)

Like what was stated previously, effective communication and collaboration will be the main focus. This will occur by forging various alliances and helping everyone to understand why changes need to take place. The way that this will be accomplished is to create a committee that will be focused on these areas. This will be composed with a host of different stakeholders to include: parents, teachers, students, community leaders, administrators, school board officials and select members of various nonprofits. These individuals will be able to take a more balanced approach in creating specific tools to: improve the learning environment and overall quality of education. (Adams, 2006, pp. 15 -- 34) (Bender, 2009, pp. 29 -- 55)

The choice of differential instructions techniques will be through the use of: bloom charts, Venn diagrams and Think-Tac-Toe. These areas will create a unique way of presenting the material to the student in comparison with the traditional method. Moreover, a host of different tools can be used during the process to improve the overall amounts of learning comprehension. When this occurs, students will be able to effectively interact with educators. (Adams, 2006, pp. 15 -- 34) (Bender, 2009, pp. 29 -- 55)

The way that this will be implemented inside the classroom is educators can begin using select elements right away in correlation with other methods (such as: the traditional lecture). This will help to increase student involvement by making the activity interesting. The way that technology can be utilized is to provide further explanation and give students some real world experience. When this happens, they will see how they can use these skills in the future. This is the point that they will remember what they learned and will apply it. The below diagram is illustrating how the process will work. (Adams, 2006, pp. 15 -- 34) (Bender, 2009, pp. 29 -- 55)

Strategy for Improving Teaching Methods

Communicating with Stakeholders

Transformational Leadership

Working with Stakeholders

Committee and New Policy Decisions

If this kind of approach is used during the process, it will improve the total amounts of collaboration and communication. This is when all of the different stakeholders can work more effectively with each other.

Evidence of this can be seen with observations from George (2005). He found that after examining a number of sources on the subject, that these kinds of techniques are helping to reach out to students. The reason why is because it is using different tools in conjunction with each other (through focusing on flexibility). This means that any kind of material is presented in a way that will take into account each student's unique learning style. Once this takes place, is when they are more excited and involved in the discussion. (George, 2005, pp. 185 -- 193)

Moreover, a study was conducted by Scruggs (2006), what he found is that differentiated instruction will have an impact on student achievement. This is because it is changing the atmosphere and the focus of the learning environment. To prove this he conducted a study on 213 middle school science students. What they determined is that everyone remembered more of the key ideas and enjoyed going to class. (Scruggs, 2006, pp. 130 -- 137)

A good example of this can be seen with observations from Scruggs with him saying, "The results indicate that collaborative hands-on activities statistically facilitate learning of middle school science content on posttests and on state high-stakes tests for all students and that students enjoyed using the activities. Implications for practice indicate use of supplemental peer mediated hands-on activities may provide necessary review and practice for students with disabilities." This is showing how the differentiated approach can be able to take a subject that is considered to be very dry and make it exciting. Once this occurs, is when everyone is willing to do more to help improve the overall quality of education that students are receiving. (Scruggs, 2006, pp. 130 -- 137)

These areas are illustrating how differentiated instruction will address the current challenges inside the school. This is because the basic approach that is being used is concentrating on transformational leadership to reach out to stakeholders. When this happens, everyone will feel as if they are an important part of the process. This will improve their ability to implement any kind of transformations by showing how and why they must occur. (Werthiem, 2002, pp. 110 -- 119)

Moreover, the implementation of their ideas and having different stakeholders serving on a committee (which are focusing on these areas) will create a positive shift in attitudes. During the process of lesson planning and working with others, is when differential instructional techniques will become an invaluable resource. This will lead to more active student involvement in the discussions. At the same time, the use of technology will improve learning comprehension (as the student will see the need for these skills in the future). Once this takes place, is when they are motivated about education with: grade point averages and achievement scores rising. (McTighe, 2005, pp. 234 -- 244)

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