ERRR #087. Arran Hamilton and Dylan Wiliam on Making Room for Impact (De-implementation)
Feb 3, 2024
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Exploring de-implementation in education, Arran Hamilton and Dylan Wiliam emphasize giving up old practices for new ones. They discuss challenges in reallocating resources, proposing high-level strategies, and the significance of AI in education. The conversation also touches on effective altruism, efficiency in daily tasks, and promoting a weekly newsletter for educators.
Staff input is vital in assessing the risks of removing practices.
Balancing viewpoints on buying can enhance de-implementation strategies.
Exploring rationale behind current practices aids in de-implementation decisions.
Recognizing teacher beliefs is crucial in transitioning away from ineffective practices.
Understanding rational bases for practices allows for tailored alternatives.
Focus on mechanisms over solutions for effective problem-solving.
Deep dives
Identifying key areas for de-implementation
To begin the de-implementation process, schools can utilize methods like playing Jenga with school activities, conducting audits, time studies, and analyzing local regulations to identify low hanging fruit. Staff voice through surveys and discussions is essential to gauge acceptability and potential risks associated with removing, reducing, re-engineering, or replacing certain practices.
Exploring the importance of buying in the de-implementation process
The concept of buying in schools can be viewed from two perspectives. One school of thought emphasizes building consensus and support before making changes, while another questions the significance of buying, suggesting that tangible evidence of change can lead to belief modification. Balancing these viewpoints is crucial to effectively navigate the de-implementation process.
Delving into postulation and understanding the reasons behind practices
Postulation involves exploring the beliefs, history, structures, consequences, and incentives that underlie current practices within a school. By inductively engaging with staff to gather insights or deductively analyzing regulations and organizational motives, schools can uncover the rationale behind entrenched practices and evaluate them for potential de-implementation strategies.
Challenges in rationalizing practices for de-implementation
In some cases, deeply ingrained practices may have rational bases, such as using a zero score for missing work to ensure student compliance. Addressing such practices requires a nuanced approach, recognizing the underlying reasons and providing alternative strategies to maintain desired outcomes while transitioning away from inefficient or ineffective practices.
Navigating belief systems in de-implementation decisions
When contemplating de-implementation decisions like changing grading systems, schools must navigate teachers' beliefs and the rationality behind current practices. Recognizing the role of beliefs in shaping behaviors allows for a more informed and tailored approach to introducing changes that enhance effectiveness while respecting teachers' perspectives.
Balancing rationality and change in de-implementation
Understanding the rational basis behind existing practices enables schools to address challenges like students' work penalties with thoughtful alternatives. By balancing rational beliefs with the need for change, educators can foster a more effective and sustainable transition towards improved practices in the school environment.
Importance of Mechanisms in Finding Solutions
Emphasizing the significance of mechanisms in problem-solving, the podcast discusses the concept of disproportionate penalties for missing work. Instead of solely focusing on solutions, the emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanisms at play and the functions they serve. By shifting the perspective to identifying the problem rather than fixating on the solution, the podcast highlights the importance of motivation and leveraging alternative approaches.
Challenges of Implementing Change
Exploring the complexities of implementing change, the podcast delves into scenarios where deep-rooted practices hinder progress. It presents three possible directions when faced with resistance to change: acknowledging entrenched regulations, navigating beliefs and cultural barriers, or seizing low-hanging opportunities. The discussion underscores the necessity of strategic decision-making to address obstacles and avoid ineffective incremental changes.
Stress Testing and Setting Kill Parameters
Addressing the critical need for evaluation and adaptation, the podcast emphasizes stress testing and setting 'kill parameters' to assess the success of initiatives. Stress testing methods like pre-mortem analysis and variant analysis are highlighted for anticipating failure points and exploring diverse scenarios. Concrete examples include establishing deadlines or conditions for discontinuing initiatives, promoting a systematic approach to decision-making and ensuring accountability for outcomes.
Tracking Time and Resources for Better Decision Making
Tracking time spent on different activities allows for quantifying changes and identifying surplus hours, leading to empowered decision-making. Examining resource allocation and cost-effectiveness helps in budget management and assessing program impacts. Monitoring student outcomes, sentiment changes, and attendance provides valuable insights, guiding effective initiatives. Utilizing saved hours for impactful endeavors ensures efficiency and strategic use of resources.
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Educational Transformation
Exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in education emphasizes the need for teachers to adapt and innovate. Allocating time for teachers to explore AI possibilities and integrate them into the classroom can enhance learning experiences. AI's capabilities, from generating learning materials to personalized assessments, offer novel approaches to teaching and learning, requiring educators to embrace change and adapt to a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
