This week, I had the chance to watch the following YouTube videos about behavior.
Like many people would be after watching these videos, I was struck by the Three Myths this week. My biggest challenge right now is separating my “teacher” self from my potential “leader” self. I’m trying very hard to not only think of the things I’m learning in terms of my students, but more importantly, in terms of my organization as a whole.
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I’m fortunate to have the full support of both my principal and my superintendent. They trust my ever-changing vision, and we consistently discuss my vision for the changes I would like to enact. This week’s videos and readings have been so helpful in helping me to better explain my vision and what I would like to do to earn the support of my audience for change: my colleagues.
In thinking about the vital behaviors I would like to change in order to make my initiative a success, my focus has been on critical moments a teacher may face in the classroom when attempting to plan instruction that incorporates technology. As we are a one-to-one district, teachers are using technology daily, but definitely not in meaningful ways. Teachers are also using stations regularly in my building. My focus is then on what is preventing blended learning from occurring. I have also been thinking about what some of my fellow teachers who are blending learning, many of which I’m sure do not realize they are even doing this! I want to know what they are doing differently and what their values look like. I know that these positive deviants are going to be my biggest allies in the change process. As the “Changing Vital Behaviors” video discussed, social norms have a huge effect on our behaviors. By showcasing the work of these teachers, it will inspire others.
While listening to the “Change Behavior, Change the World” video, I found myself completely enamored by the discussion about personal ability. In the clip, it stated “One of the reasons we do what we do is because we lack the skills to do something different. If we want to acquire new habits, we must acquire new skills.” Such simple statements, yet such powerful thoughts. Through our classes, we are learning the skills we need to improve our personal abilities. In order for our initiatives to be successful, we need to share our new skills with our target audiences and help them develop new habits that will influence learning in our organizations. We spend so much time working to improve our students’ skills, and it is time to devote that same energy to ourselves!
Caleigh Heenan 