5 Principles of Lean Thinking in Education

Consider:
1. What is the value of each learning experience for our learners?
2. How does the learning experience fit into the wider value stream, where every step of the learning process adds value to the learning process?
3. Have you allowed the learning to flow, without interruptions?
4. Do our learners tgain value from us as educators?
5. Do we pursue excellence?

Lean education and lean thinking looks at lean processes for learning rather than mass production through learning tasks and intentions designed for large groups of students to achieve in a set period of time.

In a lean approach the learner pulls what they need from the system when they need it (learner agency); rather than the traditional push approach where educational content is pushed toward the learner over a set period of time.

Adapted from Womak and Jones (2005)

Growth Mindset - It's not what you are born with that matters; it's your mindset that matters

"A mindset is a mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations." (Dweck, 2006).
Growth Mindset is the view that we do not have a fixed intelligence that can be measured by an IQ test, but rather that the brain can develop and work better as you learn and challenge yourself. "Over time you can get smarter," (Dweck, 2010).

Carol Dweck is a professor at Stanford University and is a leading develop of the growth mindset philosophy and research on why people succeed and how to foster success.

Read: 'Mindset:The New Psychology of Success' (2006) by Carol Dweck for further information or visit her website.

Genius Hour Workshops

If you want to find out more about Genius Hour - work through these free online modules from A.J.Juliani.

Module 1: Why Students Need Choice

• 3 Videos on the need for 20% time and Genius Hour
• 4 articles on the research behind inquiry-based learning
• A guide to explaining 20% time and Genius Hour to teachers and parents

Module 2: How to Get Started with Genius Hour

• 2 Videos on the step-by-step process for starting the project
• 5 articles on how to begin and move your class forward
• 3 resources and handouts for your class

Module 3: Navigating the Project’s Ups and Downs

• 3 Videos on Motivation and Facilitating Successful Projects
• 3 Articles on passion, purpose, and what to do when Genius Hour Fails…
• 3 Resources on conducting research, the CRAAP test, and giving feedback

Module 4: Final Presentations, Grading, and Reflections

• 3 Videos on final presentation possibilities and assessing these projects
• 2 Articles on reflections at the end of the project
• 3 Resources for continuing the learning and grading