 Embrace Change
By Ria Mastromatteo, Educational Technology Consultant ()
"Personal change, growth, development, identity formation these tasks that once were thought to belong to childhood and adolescence alone now are recognized as part of adult life as well." Lillian Breslow Rubin, Psychologist
Teachers can certainly verify the validity of the above statement. We've been asked to change everything from what we teach to how we teach it. We've been told to adhere to standards, use a constructivist approach, embrace new technologies and on and on and on! We might as well accept that change is really the only constant.
The use of technology has been one of the major changes in education. I see three basic groups of teachers (and lots of space between the categories). Think about your classroom your school. Where are you on the change continuum below?
Innovators These teachers are constantly looking for new and improved ways to help their students. They are eager to help other teachers with technology, but sometimes leave others behind. Sometimes, because they try new things, they are intimidating to others.
Basic Basic teachers plan ahead, work hard but take their time in deciding what they should do with new ideas. They're willing to change only after something has been proven to "work."
Stationary Stationary teachers are basically just standing still. They say trends come and go, so why change? Basically they block anything that makes them uncomfortable or requires extra work.
Proponents and opponents of change are often at odds. Some ways to alleviate the disparity between the groups include these strategies:
- Have a building plan that incorporates technology.
- Create an open collaborative environment where all viewpoints are heard.
- Set priorities within the school.
- Encourage "Tech Buddies." Have a friend that can help you or at least listen to technology problems you might be having. Research has shown that this approach works very well.
- Make sure each person's role is clear so that everyone knows what they should be doing.
- Build incentives into the process. Everything from sincere words to time to do additional things to supplemental pay will increase a teacher's desire to make change.
|
