Part A: Results you want to achieve and how you will measure them:
My innovation plan is to create a blended learning environment with a flex model approach that uses a LMS, like Schoology, project based learning, and guided instruction. “Learning how to motivate and enable others to change their actions may be the most important skill you’ll ever acquire” (Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield, McMillan, & Switzler, 2013). Seeing how I have a few goals that I would like to achieve, my overall plan is to influence the behaviors needed to reach these outcomes. As we use this plan to implement change in the educational field, there are various results from this influencer strategy that we will strive to accomplish, such as, increasing student engagement, improving self-directed learning, having higher achievements with learning goals, and gaining positive teacher and student feedback.
One goal is to have increased student engaement where students can actively complete online and in-person activities, by managing their time, and working through their lessons. This can be measured by using Schoology to see each student’s login data, to show their level of engagement, as well as, how often they are completing tasks.
A second goal is to improve self-directed learning where students can make decisions on their own, to take charge of their learning, and feel good about setting their own pace. A good way to measure this is by seeing if students complete projects on time with little or no reminding to do so. Also, students can complete self reflections and surveys to express their level of confidence or how independent they feel they are.
Another goal is to develop the ability to complete project based assignments that allow students to have a deeper understanding and develop skills of core subjects. As a measurement tool, we can check to see if students applied what they have learned to real world situations, and look at their project scores, test results, and overall grades.
A final goal is to gain positive teacher and student feedback, and to see how the blended learning environment is beneficial, and how it has been manageable to them. Feedback can be gathered through surveys and discussions to understand what their experience was like with this new implementation, as well as, ways to make improvements, or change it for better ways to help or support learning.
All of these methods that are mentioned here like, engagement, independence, results, and feedback, are some ways to track if the flex model blended learning environment is successful or not, and how to make improvements as experience is gained through the implementation of this innovation plan. “What qualifies people to be called “leaders” is their capacity to influence others to change their behavior in order to achieve important results” (Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield, McMillan, & Switzler, 2013). In summary, these routines are clear, and consistent ways to measure the effort made by the students, and will hold them accountable for their own learning journey.
Vital behavior(s) you are trying to change:
“In order to create profound change, you don’t have to change 50 behaviors” (Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield, McMillan, & Switzler, 2013). The idea is to only change a couple of them. Therefore, with this innovation plan, the vital behaviors that I would like to see change are student ownership of their learning, active student participation, being able to adapt to new ways of learning, and consistently using technology in the learning environment. For instance, students can follow through with given tasks in Schoology, learn to set their own goals, and manage their own time to show ownership of their learning journey. Also, when students are regularly logging into Schoology to complete their assignments, or actively contributing to project based group work, they are showing student engagement and participation in online activities, and with hands-on projects. Implementing project based learning, and guided instruction are new ways of learning that turn away from traditional classroom environments, and teaching styles. Schoology can be used effectively by both students and teachers as the main platform for assignments, resources, and communication. ”Change vital behaviors, and soon you’ll achieve the results you’ve wanted all along” (Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield, McMillan, & Switzler, 2013).
Who are your organizational influencers?
The organizational influencers for this change initiative are administration, teachers, parents, and students. Administration that support the change can set clear expectations, encourage a positive attitude, and provide relatable resources for this new learning model. Teachers can model using the flex model approach to show other teachers how to use it in the classroom. Parents can support blended learning environments because they see the benefits for their children. Students can stay motivated, and inspire their peers on ways to be successful using a flex model approach. Basically, anyone who is comfortable using a LMS, like Schoology, to learn how to use the platform and help transition into a blended learning environment with a flex model approach. By involving these influencers, the shift can be supported by a network of people that want to successfully implement this initiative.
Part B: Explain how the six sources of influence will shape the desired/vital behaviors you are trying to change:
The Six Sources of Influence is a table matrix to format the breakdown of different factors to support behavior change or project success (Grenny, Patterson, Maxfield, McMillan, & Switzler, 2013). I will focus on the vital behaviors since they are very important to making change towards my initiative. “Vital behaviours are repeatable high-leverage actions performed at crucial moments that will lead to the results you want” (Harapnuik, 2016).
Six Sources of Influence
| Motivation | Ability | |
| Personal | I’ll help students see the benefits of taking ownership of their learning, so that they can get involved and actively participate along their journey. This will help them have a better learning experience, and keep them engaged and interested in what they are learning.This will help them feel self-motivated and help them feel the purpose or meaning behind it, and show them how their mindset and behavior can lead to their successes and achievements through their life long journey. | I will provide students with the training and ability to practice using a LMS, like Schoology, to complete lessons, and activities. I will also allow them to work on projects in new ways and build their confidence in using new digital tools that will enhance their learning experience. They will develop and gain new strategies, and technical skills to improve their critical thinking abilities that relate to their real life and future education. |
| Social | I will create opportunities for students to work together and support each other through group activities. I will be sure to share stories to motivate my students, and inspire them to collaborate as a team. I will emphasize the importance of supporting each other, and intentionally think of ways to keep the positive energy flowing throughout partners, groups, or teams that are working together. And, allow students to share their own stories and personal experiences with each other. I will provide feedback, and reinforce behavior that is supported. | I will set up a buddy system, or peer support so that students can help each other learn to use various technologies, and learn new skills to complete their work, or group projects. It is important that all involved know that they have support, and can go to someone if they need further assistance, or mentorship. Students will not only go to their teacher, but can also ask each other questions, and guide one another through the learning process so that they can learn from each other. |
| Structural | I will create a reward system to recognize students that are participating and trying out these new learning methods. For instance, those that are learning how to use Schoology to complete daily work. This can be through recognition, praise, or rewards. Students will feel noticed and appreciated, plus continue to feel motivated and work hard toward their personal learning goals. | I will make sure that Schoology is accessible and easy to use. Students will become familiar with it, so that they can access their daily lessons and work, so that they can use it along with their project based learning assignments as an organized, digital resource to enhance blended learning in the classroom. They will be provided with the right tools to help make learning smooth and attainable. |
By using the Six Sources of Influence for the vital behaviors in my influence strategy, I will shape self-directed learning, student involvement, resilience to a flexible approach, and a technically driven learning environment which will make blended learning a success in the classroom as promoted in my innovation plan.
References
Grenny, J., Patterson, K., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Influencer: The new science of leading change. McGraw-Hill Education.
Harapnuik, D. (2016, January). 4 Effective Ways to Find and Test Vital Behaviors. https://www.harapnuik.org/?p=6253
Jackie Bittner M.Ed. 