RESOURCES

Writing Change

Teaching is by nature variable; each student new to us asks something different of us, which requires us to adjust our teaching practice. No matter how many students we have taught or how much we know (or think we do), this is so. Teaching is also subject to variations in the disciplines —content and method knowledge and skill—over time. Here again, to succeed we are required to change. Yet another area of change is our move from the industrial- age model of schooling to schools right for the twentyfirst century electronic age.

If we decide there is only one way to best transform any aspect of our work, we fall into a “black and white, no gray” trap. Determining how best to change and what to change requires that we use all the helpful tools we can find.

Such a tool (actually an entire shop full of them) is Journals as Frameworks for Change (1998) by Mary Dietz. With many possible applications, it is useful for individuals or groups, beginners or veterans. Student teachers, professional developers and even whole schools can use Dietz’s book. Through discussions of different kinds of journals, it offers scaffoldings for considering change for ourselves or suggesting changes for others to consider. It can help us track and plan change and also think about that planning and tracking.

Clearly written and graphically illustrated, this book has guides, resources and sample schedules, plus a clearly written glossary and a comprehensive bibliography that points us to further study. It can be read in short sections or continuously. This book makes reflection practical while inspiring us to develop professionally. After reading the book you want to write.

Among the many questions Journals as Frameworks for Change by Mary Dietz addresses are:

JOURNAL
• What is a learning community?
• How does a learning community work?
• What is an action research journal?
• What is a professional growth journal?
• What is a professional development journal?
• What is a school portfolio journal?
• What is a study group journal?

Dietz, M. (1998). Journals as Frameworks for Change. Arlington Heights, IL: Skylight.