Fine-Tuning vs. Big Picture Thinking

Processes matter, and you have a whole toolkit to play with.

Schools and systems find themselves at a unique junctures across the rhythms of a school year or even a term— time for reflection, evaluation, met with planning for the future. The choice between zooming in and zooming out can make all the difference to what we can achieve (with the energy we have!).

At the heart of this decision there are a few questions: What do we need? What are we trying to achieve? Are we looking to refine specific processes, or are we wanting to do the aspirational thinking?

Design Thinking Help to Fine-Tune Processes

At certain times of the year, there's a need for refining or optimising existing processes; a bit like a declutter or 'spring clean' of how we do things. By identifying and tackling specific challenges we can deliver immediate results - and this does wonders for building cohesion in teams and showing what's possible when it comes to some longer burn strategy. This is especially great when we are a bit tired, overwhelmed or need a slingshot of confidence. When we’re tired, we need tangible. It’s that simple. This is where design thinking takes the spotlight.

When we’re tired, we need tangible. It’s that simple. This is where design thinking takes the spotlight.

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that focuses on understanding user needs, ideating creative solutions, and rapidly prototyping and testing ideas. It's a hands-on, action-oriented method that thrives on empathy, collaboration, and iterative improvement.

For schools, this means identifying specific pain points, whether it's streamlining administrative tasks, or designing programs. Design thinking encourages teams and individuals to:

• Define the Challenge: Identify the precise issues that need attention, such as improving communication between teachers and students, streamlining assessment processes, or enhancing the canteen lunchtime line up experience (some broad examples, but you get where I am going here).
• Empathise and Ideate: Step into the shoes of students, teachers, and staff to gain a deep understanding of their perspectives. Brainstorm innovative solutions that address these needs effectively.
• Prototype and Test: Create models or examples of proposed changes, whether it's a new reflection tool, an updated policy, or a redesigned classroom layout. Test these prototypes to gather real-world feedback.
• Iterate and Implement: Based on feedback, refine and improve the solutions until they get you to where you need to be (or at least close enough). Put in place what you think will work and commit to keep making tweaks until it works.

Where this falls down is if it's just a flurry of pretty post it notes without any processing or action. I love a little paper square more than most; but beware, they are a means to an end, not the end game.

Systems Thinking Supports Planning for Big Picture Stuff in the New Year

As a new year kicks off, schools, organisations and systems often set their sights on broader, more holistic objectives that encompass the entire (education) ecosystem. This is where systems thinking comes into play, and the timing for this is right with a bit of sand between our ears; thinking big after we have had some time to disconnect and recharge. 

Systems thinking takes a step back to view the bigger picture. It's about understanding the interconnectedness of various elements within an organisation and identifying opportunities for big, wholistic, ambitious systemic change.

Systems thinking takes a step back to view the bigger picture

Systems thinking involves people who...

• Analyse the Whole System: Instead of focusing on isolated problems, systems thinkers assess the entire situation or landscape. This includes strategy, curriculum, assessment methods, teacher-student relationships, workforce networking… the chunky stuff.
• Identify Feedback Loops: Recognise the cause-and-effect relationships within the system; or think of it as levers. How do changes in one area impact others? Identify reinforcing loops that amplify change and balancing loops that regulate it.
• Define Long-Term Ambitions: Set overarching goals or ambitions that guide systemic improvements. Goals are too targeted in my view and blinker us into some binary direction. Ambitions gives as flex; but that doesn’t mean they should be flakey. Ambitions should align with the school’s (organisation’s, system’s…) mission and vision, such as fostering a culture of continuous learning or activating students as partners in improvement (always happy too chat about that too!).
• Collaborate and Monitor: Engage everyone, from teachers and students to parents and leadership, in the process of systemic change. Continuously monitor progress and adapt strategies as needed (which is easier said than done, but there are some pretty nifty ways to do this alongside BAU!)

Whether it's a zoom in with design thinking for fine-tuning processes or a zoom out with systems thinking for bold alignment or transformation, both approaches have their place in our schools and systems. The key is to choose the right methods, tools and aspirations  based on your objectives and timing and mindsets (energy) of your team.

The key is to choose the right methods, tools and aspirations  based on your objectives and timing and mindsets (energy) of your team.

The right approach at the right time can be the catalyst for transformation and can activate your team even when people are new, a bit overwhelmed (or underwhelmed!) ...or super energised - these processes focus and align. The right approach at the right time can be the catalyst for transformation; it's all about doing great work with great people. Processes, protocols and tools help us to do this.

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Here are a few examples of great people and great work; here's what transformation looks like, zooming in and zooming out. 

• The NT Youth Voice Peak Group's impactful work: Video
• Summer Howarth & John Cleary discuss the Learning Commission: Video
• South Australian Department for Education's student forum consultation process: Video

Always happy to have a chat | summer@eventfullearning.co