Assignment Task 1:
Purpose:
This assignment is intended to help you learn to identify stakeholders involved in students' workplace problems and discuss it with peers.
Action Items:
After reading this module's assigned material, apply the Effective Solution formula (Es = Q x A) to your workplace problem. In about another 1-2 paragraphs, identify and list the stakeholders related to your problem, and then make some initial assessments regarding the level of quality (high-medium-low) you are seeking in the solution.
Assignment Task 2:
Purpose:
This assignment is intended to help you learn to examine critical thinking skills and self-reflect.
Initial Post
1. Watch and listen to the TED Talks linked below:
a. TED Talk: Why We Make Bad Decisions
b. TED Talk: Why You Think You're Right-Even If You're Wrong.
2. React/respond in a 2- to 3-paragraph post.
3. To help form your response, here are some additional things to consider:
a. Explore some truisms (beliefs/assumptions) that turned out to be incorrect.
b. How can critical thinking help you (or others) make better decisions?
c. If you were trying to make a bad decision, what would you do?
Case Study #1
Purpose:
Case Studies provide students with real-world scenarios to analyze and apply theoretical knowledge gained in the course. Students will develop critical thinking skills, enhance problem-solving abilities, and gain practical insights into educational contexts through these assignments.
Action Items:
1. Read the assigned texts for the module.
2. Review the course Discussion Guidelines.
3. Read this Leadership Challenge:
- As the principal of Maplewood Elementary School, located in a predominantly middle- to upper-middle-class suburban neighborhood, you oversee a student body that primarily consists of white children. In January, the dynamics of your school community shift with the arrival of a new student, Maya, the daughter of an African American professor who recently relocated to the area for a position at the nearby college.
Maya's integration into the school poses unforeseen challenges. Within a few weeks of her enrollment, concerns arise as one of the third-grade teachers, Mrs. Johnson, brings forth troubling observations. Mrs. Johnson notices that Maya seems to be struggling to find her place within the student body. During library sessions, Maya often sits alone, engrossed in books, while her classmates form small groups for collaborative activities. Similarly, during recess, Maya appears isolated, playing by herself while other children engage in games and social interactions.
The situation takes a distressing turn when Mrs. Johnson overhears a conversation between two high-achieving girls, Emma and Olivia, discussing their exclusive "White Girls Club." They make remarks about how they only want to play with other white girls and express discomfort about including Maya in their activities because of her race.
Shocked and deeply concerned about the implications of such exclusionary behavior, Mrs. Johnson turns to you, the principal, for guidance and support in addressing the issue. She fears the potential impact on Maya's well-being and academic performance, as well as the broader implications for fostering a culture of inclusivity and acceptance within the school.
As the principal, you recognize the gravity of the situation and the urgent need to intervene. You schedule a meeting with Mrs. Johnson to gather more information and devise a plan of action. It becomes clear that addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that involves not only addressing the immediate concerns regarding Maya's inclusion but also fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the school community.
4. Think about the following questions:
A. Would you investigate to learn more about this "club"? How?
B. What advice do you give this teacher?
C. Should you formulate a plan of action? What should you do? What should the teacher do?
D. If you find that the students have created a club that excludes nonwhite students, what would you do?
E. Do you need a school policy on this matter? If so, what should the policy be? If not, why not?