FOCUS: 

This session will introduce staff to the AITSL Middle Leader's Enabling Knowledge and skills, with a focus on: Solving Complex Problems.

OVERVIEW:

Excellent leaders who are strong in the capability of complex problem-solving tend to work collaboratively, systematically and iteratively through the five stages of complex problem solving. Excellence in problem-solving is key to improvement when the school and classroom routines that constitute business-as-usual have not produced the desired outcomes. A systematic approach is particularly important when tackling problems of teaching and learning that have previously proved unsolvable.

Complex problems are problems which cannot be solved by current routines; or have unintended negative consequences from current routines. Problems which are new or have resisted prior attempts to solve them, are complex because there is considerable uncertainty about the path to a solution.

Solving and resolving problems is the process of school improvement. It involves identifying a gap between what is happening now and what is desired, identifying and testing school-based reasons for the gap and then finding solution strategies that match the explanations and are likely to be effective in reducing the gap.

The stages of complex problem solving is a collaborative process because it is typically the job of leaders to lead the problem-solving process rather than complete the work on their own. The combined efforts of many people are required to solve school improvement problems. 

LOCATION:

Middle School library

PRESENTER: 

Dr. Mathilda Joubert