Senge Text Is the Concept

¶ … Senge text is the concept of a learning organization. Define the term learning organization as it applies to the Senge text in your own words.

Within any organization, individuals tend to see themselves as cogs in the wheel, not really making much of a difference to the success or failure of the organization as a whole. Senge suggests that it is really at the micro level that change (learning, evolution, etc.) takes place. The enemy is not external, it is falling into an internal rut and seeing only the short-term, instead of broadening the picture. Learning is not easy; people, and therefore organizations, are sometimes resistant to movement. However, thinking about one's position within an organization as a critical part of the whole, dedicating oneself to team learning, "suspending assumptions and entering into genuine thinking together" allows not only for more robust personal growth, but the overall health of the organization (Senge, 10).

Defend or refute the following statement: Senge's concept of systems thinking has a relevance to the design of educational curricula. Provide a rationale for the argument.

Systems thinking is Senge's way of synthesizing the universe in a macro and micro manner in order to discipline the organization to build a more unique and shared value. It requires team learning, shared vision, mental paradigms, and the ability to think past the here and now, the individual, and project into what is best overall for the organization. Within the educational setting almost everyone agrees that the principle ethos is providing a high quality educational experience with expected mastery of certain core areas to all children regardless of race, age, diversity, or ability. For that to happen, however, teachers and administrators must work together to balance the curriculum, to find adequate means of instruction for diverse learners, and to remove their own ego from the mix as much as possible in order to establish a template for what is best for the students. Sometimes we forget that teachers are quite human, too, and susceptible to all of the "loose screws," as Senge calls them, different modes of communication, different philosophies of life, and so on. As such, using the methodology of the Fifth Discipline will not only empower greater cooperation, but plant the seeds of innovation and appropriate evolution into the classroom experience.

Choose one or more of the article that synthesized your understanding of curriculum development. Provide a rational for your selection.