This presentation will display a simple method of using points of reference as learning prompts in order to give meaning and value to the mission.  While implementation of this method allows leaders to get all constituents on the same page, so to speak, it is also in line with methods that can be implemented in the classroom to more fully engage students in the why of learning.  Audience members will participate in the development of learning prompts associated with varied reference points (predominantly hand and face points) that will be assigned meaning and value.  These learning prompts will be associated with the mission of a university, academic department, or classroom.  The following leadership take-a-ways will be included:

• Incorporation of learning prompts in teaching to more fully engage students
• Incorporation of learning prompts in leadership to more fully engage constituents
• Ideas for improving mission planning
• Development of a stump speech for why the mission is the mission.

Ambiguity is a common problem in American education today.  It seems that we are not sure who we really are, what business we are truly in, and we are certainly not always in unison on where we want to go, why we need to go there, nor what our plans are to get there. Leaders of educational organizations (universities, colleges, departments, and faculty) often know the answers to these questions (the mission); however, leaders often fail to convey the mission with continuity and understanding to all of their constituents.  Additionally, teachers often find it difficult to convey why students need to value education (whether it is about core processes or about one particular lesson).  This breakdown in communication leads to ambiguity, and ambiguity is a reason that organizations and learning fail.  Having a true north -- a unified understanding of our mission -- is imperative for success.  Assigning meaning and value to learning prompts can help leaders bring clarity of mission (desired outcome) back into focus.

This presentation will display a simple method of using points of reference as learning prompts in order to give meaning and value to the mission.  While implementation of this method allows leaders to get all constituents on the same page, so to speak, it is also in line with methods that can be implemented in the classroom to more fully engage students in the why of learning.  Audience members will participate in the development of learning prompts associated with varied reference points (predominantly hand and face points) that will be assigned meaning and value.  These learning prompts will be associated with the mission of a university, academic department, or classroom.  The following leadership take-a-ways will be included:

• Incorporation of learning prompts in teaching to more fully engage students
• Incorporation of learning prompts in leadership to more fully engage constituents
• Development of a stump speech for why the mission is the mission. Will now include a quick example and handout of ideas for developing a 30-second elevator speech for a student-focused mission which incorporates transformative learning.

The presentation is rooted in organizational leadership ideas presented in Bolman & Deal’s Reframing Organizations, in which research has shown highly successfully organizations to be in alignment with their missions.

Berger, W. (2014). A more beautiful question: The power of inquiry to spark breakthrough ideas. New York, NY: Bloomsbury USA.

Bolman, L., Deal, T. (2013). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (5^th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Burka, P. (2012, Oct.). Storming the ivory tower. Texas Monthly.

Gardner, J. W. (2007). The nature of leadership. The Jossey-Bass Reader on educational leadership (2nd ed., pp. 17-26). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass/John Wiley & Sons.

Scott, S. (2002). Fierce conversations: Achieving success at work & in life, one conversation at a time. New York, NY: The Berkley Publishing Group.

Sinek, S. (2011). Starting with why: How great leaders inspire everyone to take action. New York, NY: Penguin Group.

50-Minute Interactive Session

Communicating Transformative Learning