Characteristics of a Learning Organization
GRAND AVENUE © 2010 Steve Breen and Mike Thompson.
Reprinted with permission of UNIVERSAL UCLICK for UFS. All rights reserved.
Although there will inevitably be some differences among schools/systems, the basic characteristics of schools/systems that function as learning organizations are quite similar. They are:
- Student-centered learning
- Active and focused student engagement as the basis for instruction
- Acceptance of multiple intelligences and diversity in learning
- Promotion of instruction that results in critical and creative thinking and problem solving
Leaders in learning organizations, both school district and classroom leaders, focus on questions that are different from those in bureaucratic systems. Discussions in learning organizations focus on the following kinds of questions:
- What is our core business? What are we committed to accomplishing and how will we do it?
- Does our daily practice reflect our core values, vision and mission? How do we know?
- How can we best assist those we serve?
- Are power, authority, and influence shared in pursuit of our mission?
- Does our culture support and pursue continuous improvement and innovation?
- Is our system strongly connected to families, related organizations, and our community?
Learning organizations must have these conversations in order to answer these questions. Addressing these issues is essential, ongoing, and the responsibility of all involved in the task of educating students.
Creating the structures for schools to function as learning organizations is a complex and difficult task. The Schlechty Center has created a comprehensive set of “System Capacity Standards” which illustrate how to develop a structure which will support the work involved in such a transformation. They capture both the conceptual base and the practical applications necessary to move a school system forward on the path to becoming a learning organization.
Summary
Consider the school or school district with which you are most familiar. Compare the organizational foundations and practices, especially within the six basic social systems discussed in this lesson, with the practices in the System Capacity Standards. Identify the similarities and differences and the implications for both student learning and student experience in your schools. Use these insights in your Discussion Forums and Weekly Reflection Blog.