The book Schools That Learn by Peter Senge aims to capture the challenges of education. Education has become a concern in the United States. Schools are trying to fix these concerns by using strategies which may not be working. For example standardized testing, changing curriculum and classifying more students as Learning Disabled. These strategies don’t seem to be working over time. There needs to be a better way and better understanding of what children, schools and communities need to succeed. This book discussed a systematic change, better models and practices using
five learning disciplines of personal mastery, shared vision, mental models, team learning and systems thinking.
One of the disciplines I related to in Schools that Learn is Personal Mastery. I feel I am always trying to seek self improvement in all areas of my life. For example joining T.E.A.M. was to broaden my horizons as a teacher. It is important to set goals and try to reach them. Isn’t that what education is all about?
Shared Vision may be the most important of Senge's five disciplines It is bonding with people with a shared purpose and goal. Team learning encourages cooperation and interaction. It encourages sharing thoughts and their perspectives. I find it very rewarding and productive when I have brainstorming sessions with my peers. During these sessions are when my most creative ideas come out.
Senge feels that using technology during these sessions is not as valuable as meeting in person. Even though I find communicating through technology beneficial and convenient I agree with him. For myself, I find it more productive and easier to communicate in person. However, videoconferences or classroom to classroom conferencing is a valuable learning tool. Collaborative projects with classes from other schools, state, countries can be a wonderful experience for students and teachers.
After reading Schools That Learn I understand education is a multifaceted system of learning. It is not just the classroom but and intricate web of systems which facilitates the whole learning experience. Senge believes in order to be effective, solutions must be developed in each school and not by “specialists” who are out of touch with the individual school and outside of the classroom. I agree with that and feel communities should be involved in what is needed in their schools, their community. The school I am teaching in would benefit greatly if parents and community members were more involved. If we could get the school as a the heart of the community I feel there would be vast improvement in academics, camaraderie, and positive socialization.
Finally, Senge, quoting Stephen Brookfield, suggests when doing their own reflection, teachers (should) view their practice through four different lenses: their own, their students' eyes, their colleagues . . . and theoretical literature."
