So this is a summation and reflection on how my group participated in Case Study 3.

When I received an email from Liz letting us know that our groups were live, I logged into Interact2 and as it was only early afternoon for me (Riyadh time), I took the lead, introducing myself and leaving the floor open for others to respond. When some had responded, I suggested we read through the case study and type some notes (I thought doing this in Draw.io would be a good idea – I needed the practice).

I typed up my notes and submitted it to the Draw.io. Nobody else submitted until we received an email from Liz. I realised my error and copied my notes from Draw.io onto the group wiki page. This was updated throughout the rest of the week by the group.

Upon reflection, as I had assumed the leadership role, I should have clarified what was expected and by when. I did not do this, which led to the group sharing thoughts in a very ‘last minute fashion’. One group member unfortunately did complete the required work, however they submitted it 2 days after the Case Study was due.

My mistake was I assumed everyone was on the same page. Everyone (I thought) knew when the Case Study was due, and as the turnaround was 1 week, when I said Thursday, it would mean Thursday this week, not in a months time. Furthermore I didn’t assign specific roles. This however wasn’t a major issue, as group members contributed to wherever they wanted.

To summarise, I took the lead, but failed in my communication with my team.

My approach to managing conflict differs in settings. In the home setting, unfortunately I force my opinion. Watching Campbell and Clarke’s TEDx talk Conflict – Use it, don’t defuse it has definitely been a lightbulb moment. I don’t want my sons to grow up afraid of conflict because of my poor reactions.

In the work scenario I tend to yield, I think due to a personal conflict of not being good/smart enough. I often feel ambushed and lacking time and space to appropriately think through the scenario.

This module has been interesting, I certainly will be using some of the communication techniques, while STR!VE’s model is overly complicated, the suggestions of vulnerability and curiosity from Campbell & Clarke I feel will suit me best.

References:

Campbell, C.M & Clarke, S. [TEDx Talks]. (2015). Conflict – Use it, don’t defuse it [Video]. YouTube.  https://youtu.be/o97fVGTjE4w
[19.13 mins]

STR!VE. (2013). How to have courageous conversations [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/CoFe_NRRITQ
[9.38 mins]

The past few weeks I have been reading on leadership theories and change management. I have held full-time teaching positions in 4 schools and seen and experienced change with many of them. To be honest, I have not always been so adaptable and flexible to change. Especially in my earlier years of teaching when everything additional to teaching was a burden an additional cause of stress.

As the new school year dawns I am busy planning implementation of an Information Literacy (IL) program. Previously I would have selected a class and approached the homeroom teacher, explaining what I wished to achieve. I can see how this would place undue stress on that teacher particularly as half of the homeroom teachers are new to the school.

Instead I will use Reinsel Soulen’s ‘continuum of care’ approach to welcome new and returning staff to the library. Show them key resources and be sure not to overwhelm them. Build a strong positive relationship with them that will be the foundation of a collaborative teaching practice.

Schools are a place of change. It is inevitable. I’ve come to realise how we as educators adapt and how this change is delivered – both to educators, leaders and students – is essential for the success of this change.

References:

Reinsel Soulen, R. (2020). The continuum of care. Knowledge Quest 48(4). 36-42.