Individual Competencies
1. " If you picture an ice-berg in your mind, the portion that can be usefully applied to the job and the skills demonstrated in the performance of the job. These "above-the-waterline" elements can be strengthened by training and development and are reasonably easy to change. The portion of the iceberg that's below the waterline represents elements or characteristics that are more difficult to change and less responsive to training and development. These elements are more inherent qualities that include, for example, self-image (attitudes, values, and identity, traits( general dispositions to behave in a certain way), and motives (thoughts and impulses to behave in a certain way."
The focus was finding the important core values that a person would/could posses that would make that individual a successful teacher. I thought this was a great metaphor presented in the chapter. Are these individual competencies going to create the successful teacher? 
2. Praise
" When you use it correctly, praise builds trust between you and your faculty and staff. However, if you bestow praise inconsistently, you confuse and demotivate people."
Some praise that is most effective: "consistent in praising good performance whenever you see it; proportionate in the quality of your praise; specific in your praise and focus on the praiseworthy behavior or results, not the recipient; and bestow the praise as close to the event as possible."
This chapter's focus was from a Principal's perspective however I thought this was great for a teacher to use these guidelines for students as well. Praise is such an important part of the classroom success. The picture I chose relates more to praise responses to use with students.
"make your goals and the pathway to them visible to your faculty and staff. You need to identify and communicate your expectations for their performance and the results of that performance in the most specific terms possible."
Again, this quote focused from the Principal's perspective. I have two pictures that I found for this word. The first picture reminded of what can happen when management isn't in place properly and the second image, I think more appropriately shows what management should look like.
Essence Extractor
Communicating and managing performance in a constructive way is essential.
Melissa-
ReplyDeleteI read the metaphor of the iceberg in the beginning of your blog and contemplated about the words, their meanings and my connection to them. It moved me even more having the visual to see how much there really is under the water. These underwater qualities must be in our minds when developing programs for our students. I also thought about it as a parent. Very thought provoking. Thanks.
Andrea Koppen
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteGood work all around. I like the last 2 passages you used, even though they are intended for faculty and staff, the same holds true for teachers looking at their students. Good visuals! Humor is a wonderful thing... Nice job with the essence also, that's precisely what BOTH chapters were all about...
Brendan
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteIm glad you talked about the iceberg metaphor. This was one of my favorite parts of the chapter, It really cleared up somethings for me and made me look at things in a different light. I also think your 'essence extractor' quote is perfect for the chapters that we read and for education as well. Communication and managing performance are very important in education. Great job.
-Stephanie