Learning, Environment and Configuration Schools

Learning, Environment and Configuration Schools

The Learning, Environment, and Configuration of Schools

The environmental approach is described as a reactive process because it focuses on what has already taken place (or is taking place) in the current environment and uses that to determine what should be done next. Plans cannot be made in advance, because the environment has to be taken into account when those plans are put into use (Mintzberg, 2005). Because that is the case, it is not possible to set up a proactive way to plan out a particular issue. It is possible to come up with several different plans and choose one to put into practice based on what would be best in a particular environment, but that is not the same as having the right plan based on a proactive assessment (Bass & Avolio, 1994; Kotlyar & Karakowsky, 2006). One can consider the environment, but environments are not static. They are always changing, and as they change and adapt those who are in them must also change and adapt (Harrison, 2010). Of course, it is also possible to take an approach that is not environmental in an effort to avoid the reactive process issue.

Some choose to take other approaches, but there are not always other approaches to take. The environmental approach to schooling is used because all children are different. When a group of them are placed into a classroom together, the dynamics of that classroom are also different. Coming up with strategic plans and being a good leader can be challenging with students in a classroom setting, but in order to do well in that endeavor a person must consider the environment carefully. As the environment changes, the teacher must adjust the strategic plan in order to provide the proper plan for the students going forward. When this is done correctly everyone benefits, but when it is not done correctly the students may lose out on the information they need and the teacher may become frustrated and aggravated because he or she feels that the students are not focused on learning.

Transformational leadership is a great way to operate a business, but it has to be handled correctly (Mintzberg, 2005). In other words, those who are interested in being (or becoming) transformational leaders must focus on successful integration into the environment in such a way as to contribute to a strategy that is successful. Transforming an organization takes time, as well, and with a school there is a great deal of work to be done. One of the best ways to start that transformation is to use a SWOT analysis to see the real issues that have to be addressed in strategic planning (Bass & Avolio, 1994). That can make a strong foundation that can be used for creating a business plan. With a SWOT analysis, a leader can focus on the issues that have to be corrected for the business to succeed. Until a leader is interested in working in a transformational manner, though, determining the issues will not be enough to get the problems corrected (Bass & Avolio, 1994).