Change from the Radical Center of Education
While the Radical Center political movement has been around for thirty years, this presentation sugests that leaders in educational technology and school library media programs adopt a similar view on hot button topics. While polarized views of reading methodologies, filtering, DRM, Open Source, copyright/copyleft, constructivism, e- books, computer labs, fixed schedules, Mac/PC/Linux, and BYOD all make for entertaining reading and a raised blood pressure, radical stances rarely create educational change or impact educational institutions enough to change kids’ chances of success. This presentation suggests 10 principles to follow from the Radical Center of Education that will actually result in positive change in education.
Using d concrete examples, the presentation will examine the following principles:
1. Adopt an "and" not "or" mindset.
2. Look for truth and value in all beliefs and practices.
3. Respect the perspective of the individual.
4. Recognize one size does not fit all (kids or teachers).
5. Attend to attitudes.
6. Understand that the elephant can only be eaten one bite at a time.
7. Make sure everyone is moving forward, not just the early adopters.
8. Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."
9. Believe measurement is good, but that not everything can be measured.
10. Know and keep your core values.
Interactive technology, humor, and group participation will guarantee a lively conversation.
Support materials:
Johnson, Doug "Change from the Radical Center of Education" Teacher-Librarian, June 2008.
Johnson, Doug A Secret Weapon - Niceness, Head for the Edge, LMC,May 2005