"We do not learn from experience. . .we learn from reflecting on experience." - John Dewey
"If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney
"I believe in a visual language that should be as strong as the written word." -David LaChapelle
Start by taking a giant piece of wonderful paper and sketch your dream when it comes to teaching and learning well. Don't worry about your drawing, instead think deeply about what it is you dream of. Don't be pragmatic and work as if there are no obstacles.
Next, name the parts of your dream with a one or a few words.
"On my team, we prioritize merits over politics." - Ron Barber
After that prioritize all that you dream. Think about how you are prioritizing. What do you hope for most, next, and after that.
Take your number one priority and write a headline about it. Exhibit your drawing and priority headline. Look at it, think about it, and then when you're ready to move on do the following
Take your number one priority and make an idea web. Put your number one priority in the middle and write as many ideas as you can about that priority.
List all the reasons why your priority might not become a reality. Crunch that list up for the time being and throw it to the side. Don't throw it away as you will revisit it later.
Now craft a message about why your idea is very, very important and must become a reality. Find at least 10 reasons why this is true. Seek facts and figures from the Internet to support your claim.
Go back to your big idea and all the details you've listed. Now begin to think systematically about your idea. Start with the end, what will be the result of your big idea. Next work backwards what are the many actions needed to lead up to your big idea. Create a path to your idea's result. It could be a visual path or written list. Do you have another idea for creating this path?
"Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it's really how it works." -Steve Jobs
Focus on the verbs and describe how your idea works. Think about its impact on existing systems. Complete a chart that shows who and what your idea impacts.
You've played a lot with your idea. How else might you play with your idea before you begin to make it a reality. Spend some more time playing with the idea. If your first priority loses steam or energy, go to your next priority.
Now that you've really thought deeply about the idea, it's time to make a plan. Plan how you're going to make your idea a reality. When you're unsure, write a question.
Share your plan with a friend. Find the answers to your questions.
Begin making your idea a reality. Make a timeline. Use the "if, then, or else" process--when you reach one dead end, find another path. Revisit your "Why this idea is important speech." and continue.
There are many, many ways to reflect. Reflection leads to better work. Play with your ideas on paper and via the Internet. Talk about your ideas, and make prototypes. What you imagine can become a reality when you use good process and seek out the help of others. Onward.
Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it's really how it works. Steve Jobs
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