In Their Own Words

Goal Setting is Often an Act of Desperation: Part 5

9 snips
Jun 11, 2024
John Dues, an educator passionate about applying Deming's theories in schools, joins Andrew Stotz to discuss practical approaches to classroom improvement. They dive into the importance of baseline data for understanding variation, showcasing real examples from a fourth-grade science class. John explains how to differentiate between stable and unstable systems and how student-led solutions can foster engagement. They emphasize avoiding desperate, arbitrary goals by first assessing system capabilities, ensuring a joyful learning environment.
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INSIGHT

Baseline Needs Multiple Points

  • Plotting multiple data points gives a clearer baseline than single before/after comparisons.
  • Even five to six values improve understanding compared with just one or two data points.
ADVICE

Turn Run Charts Into Process Charts

  • Convert run charts to process behavior charts once you have ~17–24 data points.
  • Use calculated upper and lower natural process limits to detect special causes versus normal variation.
INSIGHT

Stable Versus Special Cause Variation

  • Stability means predictable variation bounded by natural process limits.
  • Special cause patterns (outliers, runs, or clustering) indicate nonroutine events to investigate.
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