Capturing the Educational Journey of a Lifelong Learner

Implementing a self-directed blended learning model in our construction classroom.

 

Influence is a powerful tool for enacting change. Without certain supports and strategies, it can be harder to influence others to "buy-in" or support the changes. When I think about enacting my innovation plan to help create a blended style of learning in my classroom, I can already imagine the resistance from my students. Change can come with many hurdles to jump through, and change is not easy for everyone. If I want my innovation plan to be successful, I need ask myself, how can I influence my students to believe in this new system of learning in our community.

 

Since the beginning of this course, I have been learning about the power of influence and how it can be used to initiate change in an organization. In the book, Influencer: The New Science of Leading Change the authors talk about how you need to start with the heart in mind. Before I can deploy classroom strategies, I must connect with the group and develop a relationship.  Once these students know that I am an ally in their educational journey, they will trust the direction and content delivery methods.  My desired result is to have students researching, exploring, and approaching mastery in careers of their choosing within the 46.0000 CIP code by the end of next school year (2023). With my lag measures in mind, I can figure out how I can create lead measures to achieve.  A scoreboard will be developed to keep track of the measured results and the vital behaviors of how we will achieve the desired results will be a key component of our success.

 

This could be a difficult process and I will need to find influencers and support within my classroom that can help enact and adapt to these changes. I looked at 6 different sources of influence, Personal Motivation and Ability, Social Motivation and Ability, and Structural Motivation and Ability. When using all 6 of these influencer strategies, they will help self-directed blended learning in the classroom become a reality. When choosing my influencers, I will look for leaders in the classroom who exhibit growth-mindset traits and are willing to try new things while guiding classmates along the way.