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Donald Peurach
Practicing Collaborative, Continuous Improvement supports local change agents in developing foundational capabilities for iterative analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation. Learn to address local needs, opportunities, and problems, with a focus on improvement science as a specific approach to collaborative, continuous improvement that is useful in classrooms, communities, schools, and systems. Under the guidance of leading researchers, learners develop capabilities to map systems that underlie persistent educational problems; identify a shared theory of (and ideas for) improvement; iteratively implement, measure, and refine potential solutions using plan-do-study-act cycles; and sustain and spread improvement within and beyond their local contexts. Learners also compare such work as enacted in improvement science and other approaches to collaborative, continuous improvement. Learners then develop a detailed plan for initiating a local improvement project to advance new ambitions for educational access, quality, and equity in their local contexts.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/cabsgi/practicing
What's inside
Syllabus
Course Kickoff
Thank you for joining us in Practicing Collaborative, Continuous Improvement!
1. Building Foundations
Welcome to Lesson 1: Building the Foundation! Please continue to "1. Introduction" to begin this lesson.
Read more
Syllabus
Course Kickoff
Thank you for joining us in Practicing Collaborative, Continuous Improvement!
1. Building Foundations
Welcome to Lesson 1: Building the Foundation! Please continue to "1. Introduction" to begin this lesson.
Read more
2. Mapping Challenges
Welcome to Lesson 2: Mapping the Challenge Space! Please continue to "1. Introduction" to begin this lesson.
3. Developing Theories
Welcome to Lesson 3: Developing a Theory of (and Ideas for) Improvement! Please continue to "1. Introduction" to begin this lesson.
4. Iterating & Measuring
Welcome to Lesson 4: Iterating and Measuring! Please continue to "1. Introduction" to begin this lesson.
5. Spreading & Sustaining
Welcome to Lesson 5: Spreading and Sustaining Improvement! Please continue to "1. Introduction" to begin this lesson.
6. Organizing & Iterating
Welcome to Lesson 6: Beginning Again! Please continue to "1. Introduction" to begin this lesson.
Course Wrap-Up
Welcome to our Course Wrap-Up!
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Teaches collaborative, continuous improvement, which is standard in education
Provides guidance from leading researchers, which adds credibility
Each module focuses on a specific aspect of collaborative, continuous improvement
Develops practical skills for mapping systems and analysis
Examines approaches to collaborative, continuous improvement
Taught by Donald Peurach, instructor for leading courses
Save this course
Save Practicing Collaborative, Continuous Improvement to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Practicing Collaborative, Continuous Improvement with these
activities:
Brush up on improvement science frameworks
Show steps
Improves understanding of foundational concepts in improvement science, making it easier to apply concepts in the course.
Browse courses on
Improvement Science
Show steps
-
Review key concepts of improvement science, such as plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles and the Toyota Production System.
-
Consider past experiences or projects where you've applied improvement science principles and reflect on what worked well and what could be improved.
Review the basics of statistics
Show steps
Review the basics of statistics to strengthen your ability to analyze data and measure the impact of your improvement efforts.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
-
Find a statistics textbook or online resource.
-
Review the basic concepts of statistics, such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
-
Practice solving statistics problems.
Compile resources and tools related to improvement science
Show steps
Organize and synthesize materials to enhance your understanding of improvement science and its application.
Show steps
-
Gather articles, videos, and other resources on improvement science
-
Create a digital or physical folder to organize your materials
-
Review and categorize the materials based on topics or themes
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Review mapping techniques to better diagram complex systems
Show steps
Improve your ability to identify, analyze, and map complex systems with this activity. This will aid your participation in the Mapping Challenges section of the course.
Browse courses on
System Mapping
Show steps
-
Read at least two chapters in a book on mapping techniques
-
Watch a video demonstrating the mapping process
-
Complete an exercise by mapping out several systems
Watch a video tutorial on how to use improvement science to improve a school
Show steps
Learn about the basics of improvement science and how it can be used to improve schools.
Browse courses on
Improvement Science
Show steps
-
Find a video tutorial on improvement science.
-
Watch the video tutorial.
-
Take notes on the key concepts of improvement science.
Follow a workshop on data collection and analysis techniques in educational settings
Show steps
Enhance your research skills to collect and analyze data by attending this workshop. It will support your work quantifying improvement effects and tracking progress during your own improvement projects.
Browse courses on
Data Collection
Show steps
-
Find an appropriate workshop on data collection and analysis
-
Register for the workshop
-
Attend the workshop and participate actively
-
Apply what you learned in your own work
Discuss improvement science with a colleague or classmate
Show steps
Share your understanding of improvement science with someone else and get their feedback.
Browse courses on
Improvement Science
Show steps
-
Find a colleague or classmate who is also interested in improvement science.
-
Schedule a time to meet to discuss improvement science.
-
Come prepared to discuss your understanding of improvement science and any questions you have.
Practice mapping techniques
Show steps
Practice applying specific mapping techniques to better identify problems, opportunities, and solutions.
Show steps
-
Identify a problem or opportunity you're interested in addressing
-
Choose a mapping technique to apply
-
Collect data and evidence related to the problem or opportunity
-
Create a map or visual representation using the technique you selected
Explore case studies of successful improvement initiatives
Show steps
Analyze real-world examples of effective improvement projects to gain insights and strategies.
Show steps
-
Identify case studies of successful improvement initiatives
-
Review the materials and identify key factors contributing to their success
-
Discuss your observations and insights with classmates or colleagues
Participate in peer review sessions for improvement plans
Show steps
Engage in peer review with classmates to refine your improvement plans and gain diverse perspectives.
Show steps
-
Submit your improvement plan for peer review
-
Review and provide feedback on the plans of your classmates
-
Incorporate suggestions and feedback to improve your own plan
Create a learning improvement plan for a specific classroom or educational setting
Show steps
Apply what you've learned in the "Developing Theories" module by creating your own learning improvement plan. This will help you solidify your understanding of improvement science.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific classroom or educational setting
-
Conduct a needs assessment to identify areas for improvement
-
Develop goals and objectives for the plan
-
Create a timeline for implementing the plan
-
Monitor and evaluate the plan's progress
Create an improvement plan for a specific local problem
Show steps
Practice your plan-do-study-act cycle to improve a real-world problem in your school or community.
Browse courses on
Improvement Science
Show steps
-
Identify a specific local problem that you want to improve.
-
Develop a theory of change for how you think the problem can be improved.
-
Create a plan for how you will implement your improvement plan.
-
Implement your plan and collect data on its impact.
-
Analyze your data and make adjustments to your plan as needed.
Develop a plan for implementing an improvement initiative
Show steps
Apply your learning to create a comprehensive plan that outlines your approach for implementing an improvement initiative in a real-world setting.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific problem or opportunity you want to address
-
Gather data and conduct an analysis to support your plan
-
Develop a detailed plan that includes goals, strategies, and timelines
-
Present your plan to classmates or colleagues for feedback
Attend local or virtual hackathons or innovation challenges
Show steps
Challenge yourself and collaborate with others to develop creative solutions for improvement initiatives.
Show steps
-
Identify hackathons or innovation challenges related to improvement science
-
Form a team or collaborate with others to develop a solution
-
Participate in the event and present your solution to a panel of experts
Develop a case study of a successful educational intervention
Show steps
Write a case study to showcase the power of educational improvement. This activity will help you demonstrate your ability to apply course concepts.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
-
Choose an educational intervention to study
-
Gather data on the intervention's implementation and outcomes
-
Write up your findings in a case study format
-
Share your case study with others
Brush up on improvement science frameworks
Show steps
Improves understanding of foundational concepts in improvement science, making it easier to apply concepts in the course.
Browse courses on
Improvement Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key concepts of improvement science, such as plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles and the Toyota Production System.
- Consider past experiences or projects where you've applied improvement science principles and reflect on what worked well and what could be improved.
Review the basics of statistics
Show steps
Review the basics of statistics to strengthen your ability to analyze data and measure the impact of your improvement efforts.
Browse courses on
Statistics
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a statistics textbook or online resource.
- Review the basic concepts of statistics, such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
- Practice solving statistics problems.
Compile resources and tools related to improvement science
Show steps
Organize and synthesize materials to enhance your understanding of improvement science and its application.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather articles, videos, and other resources on improvement science
- Create a digital or physical folder to organize your materials
- Review and categorize the materials based on topics or themes
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Review mapping techniques to better diagram complex systems
Show steps
Improve your ability to identify, analyze, and map complex systems with this activity. This will aid your participation in the Mapping Challenges section of the course.
Browse courses on
System Mapping
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read at least two chapters in a book on mapping techniques
- Watch a video demonstrating the mapping process
- Complete an exercise by mapping out several systems
Watch a video tutorial on how to use improvement science to improve a school
Show steps
Learn about the basics of improvement science and how it can be used to improve schools.
Browse courses on
Improvement Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a video tutorial on improvement science.
- Watch the video tutorial.
- Take notes on the key concepts of improvement science.
Follow a workshop on data collection and analysis techniques in educational settings
Show steps
Enhance your research skills to collect and analyze data by attending this workshop. It will support your work quantifying improvement effects and tracking progress during your own improvement projects.
Browse courses on
Data Collection
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find an appropriate workshop on data collection and analysis
- Register for the workshop
- Attend the workshop and participate actively
- Apply what you learned in your own work
Discuss improvement science with a colleague or classmate
Show steps
Share your understanding of improvement science with someone else and get their feedback.
Browse courses on
Improvement Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a colleague or classmate who is also interested in improvement science.
- Schedule a time to meet to discuss improvement science.
- Come prepared to discuss your understanding of improvement science and any questions you have.
Practice mapping techniques
Show steps
Practice applying specific mapping techniques to better identify problems, opportunities, and solutions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a problem or opportunity you're interested in addressing
- Choose a mapping technique to apply
- Collect data and evidence related to the problem or opportunity
- Create a map or visual representation using the technique you selected
Explore case studies of successful improvement initiatives
Show steps
Analyze real-world examples of effective improvement projects to gain insights and strategies.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify case studies of successful improvement initiatives
- Review the materials and identify key factors contributing to their success
- Discuss your observations and insights with classmates or colleagues
Participate in peer review sessions for improvement plans
Show steps
Engage in peer review with classmates to refine your improvement plans and gain diverse perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Submit your improvement plan for peer review
- Review and provide feedback on the plans of your classmates
- Incorporate suggestions and feedback to improve your own plan
Create a learning improvement plan for a specific classroom or educational setting
Show steps
Apply what you've learned in the "Developing Theories" module by creating your own learning improvement plan. This will help you solidify your understanding of improvement science.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific classroom or educational setting
- Conduct a needs assessment to identify areas for improvement
- Develop goals and objectives for the plan
- Create a timeline for implementing the plan
- Monitor and evaluate the plan's progress
Create an improvement plan for a specific local problem
Show steps
Practice your plan-do-study-act cycle to improve a real-world problem in your school or community.
Browse courses on
Improvement Science
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific local problem that you want to improve.
- Develop a theory of change for how you think the problem can be improved.
- Create a plan for how you will implement your improvement plan.
- Implement your plan and collect data on its impact.
- Analyze your data and make adjustments to your plan as needed.
Develop a plan for implementing an improvement initiative
Show steps
Apply your learning to create a comprehensive plan that outlines your approach for implementing an improvement initiative in a real-world setting.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific problem or opportunity you want to address
- Gather data and conduct an analysis to support your plan
- Develop a detailed plan that includes goals, strategies, and timelines
- Present your plan to classmates or colleagues for feedback
Attend local or virtual hackathons or innovation challenges
Show steps
Challenge yourself and collaborate with others to develop creative solutions for improvement initiatives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify hackathons or innovation challenges related to improvement science
- Form a team or collaborate with others to develop a solution
- Participate in the event and present your solution to a panel of experts
Develop a case study of a successful educational intervention
Show steps
Write a case study to showcase the power of educational improvement. This activity will help you demonstrate your ability to apply course concepts.
Browse courses on
Case study
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an educational intervention to study
- Gather data on the intervention's implementation and outcomes
- Write up your findings in a case study format
- Share your case study with others
Career center
Learners who complete Practicing Collaborative, Continuous Improvement will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Instructional Designer
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates and develops educational materials and programs. This course is highly relevant to this career, as it provides a foundation in collaborative, continuous improvement. Learners will develop skills in iterative analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation, which are essential for success in this role. The course also covers topics such as developing theories of improvement and measuring and refining potential solutions, which are valuable skills for Instructional Designers.
School Administrator
School Administrator
A School Administrator oversees the operation of a school or school district. This course is highly relevant to this career, as it provides a framework for leading and managing schools and districts. Learners will develop skills in strategic planning, budgeting, human resources management, and curriculum development. The course also covers topics such as data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, which are essential for School Administrators.
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coach
Instructional Coaches support teachers in improving their teaching practices and student outcomes. A course in practicing collaborative, continuous improvement aligns well with this role, as it provides a framework for working with teachers to identify areas for improvement, develop and implement solutions, and measure the impact of those solutions. The course also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and continuous improvement, which are key principles of instructional coaching.
Education Consultant
Education Consultant
An Education Consultant provides advice and support to schools and districts on a variety of educational issues. This course is highly relevant to this career, as it provides a framework for working with schools and districts to improve student outcomes. Learners will develop skills in needs assessment, strategic planning, and evaluation. The course also covers topics such as data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, which are essential for Education Consultants.
Higher Education Administrator
Higher Education Administrator
A Higher Education Administrator oversees the operation of a college or university. This course is highly relevant to this career, as it provides a framework for leading and managing colleges and universities. Learners will develop skills in strategic planning, budgeting, human resources management, and curriculum development. The course also covers topics such as data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement, which are essential for Higher Education Administrators.
Curriculum Developer
Curriculum Developer
A Curriculum Developer designs, develops, and implements educational programs and curricula. This course is relevant to this role as it helps develop foundational capabilities for iterative analysis, design, implementation, and evaluation in educational settings. Learners will develop an understanding of improvement science and how it can be applied to address local needs, opportunities, and problems. The course also provides guidance on how to map systems, identify theories of improvement, and iteratively implement, measure, and refine potential solutions.
Project Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. This course is relevant to this role, as it focuses on collaborative, continuous improvement. Learners will develop skills in project planning, execution, and evaluation, which are essential for success in this role. The course also covers topics such as risk management and stakeholder management, which are important for Project Managers.
Training and Development Manager
Training and Development Manager
A Training and Development Manager develops and delivers training programs for employees. This course is relevant to this role, as it provides a foundation in collaborative, continuous improvement. Learners will develop skills in training needs assessment, instructional design, and evaluation, which are essential for success in this role. The course also covers topics such as blended learning and technology-enhanced learning, which are important for Training and Development Managers.
Community Development Specialist
Community Development Specialist
A Community Development Specialist leads grassroots efforts to improve communities by implementing collaborative improvement strategies. One might work alongside local change agents to develop and implement a plan to improve access to quality education. The course Practicing Collaborative, Continuous Improvement helps build a foundation in improvement science that is useful for mapping systems, identifying theories of improvement, and iteratively implementing, measuring, and refining solutions.
Program Evaluator
Program Evaluator
A Program Evaluator assesses the effectiveness of programs and interventions. By taking a course in practicing collaborative, continuous improvement, one may gain valuable skills in designing and conducting evaluations, collecting and analyzing data, and reporting findings. The course also covers topics such as improvement science and iterative design, which are important for evaluating the effectiveness of programs and interventions. This course may be particularly useful for those interested in evaluating educational programs.
Adult Education Instructor
Adult Education Instructor
An Adult Education Instructor provides instruction to adults in a variety of settings. This course may be useful for someone seeking this role as it provides a foundation in improvement science and collaborative continuous improvement. The course may be particularly helpful for instructors who are interested in developing new teaching methods or improving student outcomes through collaborative, continuous improvement.
Teacher
Teacher
A Teacher provides instruction to students in a classroom setting. This course may be useful for someone seeking this role as it helps build a foundation in improvement science and collaborative continuous improvement. The course may be particularly helpful for teachers who are interested in implementing new teaching methods or improving student outcomes through collaborative, continuous improvement.
Quality Assurance Analyst
Quality Assurance Analyst
A Quality Assurance Analyst ensures the quality of products and services. One might work alongside local change agents to implement a plan to improve the quality of education. This course may be useful for someone seeking this role as it helps build a foundation in improvement science and collaborative continuous improvement.
Research Associate
Research Associate
A Research Associate conducts research studies and analyzes data. This course may be useful for someone seeking this role as it helps build a foundation in improvement science and collaborative continuous improvement. One might work alongside local change agents to implement a plan to improve research methods.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
A Policy Analyst develops and analyzes public policies. This course may be useful for someone seeking this role as it provides a foundation in improvement science and collaborative continuous improvement. One might work alongside local change agents to implement a plan to improve policies.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cabsgi/practicing
Reading list
We've selected seven books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Practicing Collaborative, Continuous Improvement.
Save
Offers a clear and concise introduction to the principles and practices of continuous improvement. Provides practical tips and tools for implementing continuous improvement initiatives in any organization.
Provides a theoretical framework for understanding collaboration and learning. Discusses the benefits and challenges of collaborative learning and offers practical strategies for designing and implementing collaborative learning environments.
Provides a step-by-step guide to using design thinking principles to develop innovative solutions to business challenges. Emphasizes the importance of empathy, experimentation, and collaboration.
Examines the challenges that established companies face when disruptive technologies emerge. Offers insights into how to avoid being blindsided by innovation and maintain competitiveness in rapidly changing markets.
Offers a practical and accessible guide to research methods in education. Covers a wide range of research methods, including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods.
Develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Provides frameworks for analyzing complex situations, making decisions under uncertainty, and developing effective strategies for achieving goals.
Save
Explores the science of habit formation and provides insights into how to create and change habits. Offers practical strategies for applying habit science to improve personal and organizational performance.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/cabsgi/practicing
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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Donald Peurach
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Transforming Education in an Interconnected World. It's comprised of four courses:
- Envisioning Educational Transformation
- Series Orientation: Transforming Education
- Reimagining Educational Innovation
- Practicing Collaborative, Continuous Improvement (viewing)
Good to know
Teaches collaborative, continuous improvement, which is standard in education
Provides guidance from leading researchers, which adds credibility
Each module focuses on a specific aspect of collaborative, continuous improvement
Develops practical skills for mapping systems and analysis
Examines approaches to collaborative, continuous improvement
Taught by Donald Peurach, instructor for leading courses
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