Digging in to School Issues with Analytical Models
When trying to break down issues in our schools, analytical models can offer a structured, systematic approach to address these challenges. These models aid the problem-solving process and help foster a culture of strategic thinking and continuous improvement across the school. Here’s an quick exploration of how a few of these models can be used to drive positive change in schools.
Why-Why Analysis
The Why-Why Analysis, also known as Root Cause Analysis, is an approach to identify the underlying causes of issues. In a school context, this tool can be invaluable. For instance, if a school is facing a decline in student attendance, the Why-Why Analysis involves asking 'why' repeatedly until the root cause is uncovered. It might start with "Why are students absent?" leading to answers like "Students are not engaged in lessons." Further probing might reveal deeper issues such as "The curriculum does not resonate with students’ interests or real-world applications." This level of insight is crucial for developing targeted strategies that address the core of the problem.
The Why-Why Analysis is effective because it encourages a deeper exploration of issues, moving beyond superficial symptoms to uncover the underlying causes. This method is particularly useful in school settings where problems are often multifaceted and interconnected.
Procedure
Identify the Problem: Begin by clearly stating the issue. For instance, "Students are underperforming in mathematics."
Ask the First 'Why': Why are students underperforming in mathematics? An answer could be "They find the subject difficult."
Continue the Process: Keep asking 'why' for each answer. For example, the next 'why' might reveal "Math concepts are not taught in an engaging way."
Find the Root Cause: Continue until you reach the fundamental cause, which might be "The current curriculum does not incorporate practical, real-life examples."
Develop Solutions: Based on the root cause, devise strategies to address it, like revising the curriculum to include more relatable content.
5 Ws and 2 Hs
The 5 Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) and 2 Hs (How, How Much) method offers a framework for gathering complete information about a situation. In the case of a new initiative, like introducing a new Ed-Tech solution, this model helps to dissect the plan comprehensively:
This model encourages thorough investigation of a situation by considering all aspects, leading to well-rounded decisions. It's particularly beneficial for school-wide initiatives.
Procedure
Define the Project or Problem: Example: Implementing a new digital learning tool.
Answer Each Question:
Who is involved or affected (teachers, students)?
What is the goal (enhance digital literacy)?
When will it be executed (next academic term)?
Where will it take place (in all classrooms)?
Why is it important (to keep up with technological advancements in education)?
How will it be implemented (training sessions for teachers, gradual introduction in classes)?
How Much will it cost (budget for software licenses, training materials)?
Analyse the Answers: Use the responses to create a detailed plan, ensuring all aspects are considered.
Cause and Effect/Fishbone Diagrams
Cause and Effect diagrams, also known as Fishbone or Ishikawa diagrams, are powerful for visualising the causes of a specific problem. In a school, this could be used to understand factors contributing to lower teacher morale for example. The main 'bone' of the fish might represent the problem (low morale), while the 'ribs' could include categories like school policies, student behaviour, workload, and professional development. By brainstorming potential causes within these categories, school leaders can identify specific areas for improvement.
Fishbone diagrams help in visually organising potential causes of a problem, making it easier to identify areas for intervention. This approach is effective in school environments where issues often have multiple contributing factors.
Procedure
State the Problem: Write down the problem at the head of the fishbone (e.g., "Low Parental Involvement").
Identify Major Categories: Determine potential cause categories (e.g., communication, school policies, parent schedules).
Brainstorm Causes: For each category, identify possible causes contributing to the problem.
Analyse the Diagram: Look for patterns or areas with the most causes.
Develop Action Plans: Based on the analysis, create strategies to address the significant causes.
Mindmaps
Mindmaps are excellent for brainstorming and organising thoughts in a visually appealing way. They can be particularly useful in strategic planning or curriculum design. For example, when developing a new student well-being program, a mindmap can help organise ideas around central themes such as mental health, physical fitness, social skills, and academic support. This visual representation encourages creative thinking and ensures a holistic approach to program design.
Mindmaps allow for a free-flowing, creative exploration of ideas, making them ideal for brainstorming and strategic planning in schools. They help in visualising the relationship between different aspects of a complex issue.
Procedure
Centre the Main Topic: Place the main issue or goal at the centre (e.g., "Enhancing community engagement").
Branch Out with Key Themes: Draw branches for major themes like parent involvement, local partnerships, and student-led initiatives.
Expand with Detailed Actions: Add sub-branches with specific strategies or ideas.
Utilise for Planning: Use the mindmap to formulate a comprehensive action plan.
These analytical models provide school leaders with powerful tools to address broad issues affecting whole schools or departments. By using methods like the Why-Why Analysis, the 5 Ws and 2 Hs, Fishbone Diagrams, and Mindmaps, leaders can gain a deeper understanding of challenges, explore creative solutions, and implement effective strategies. Let me know if these are useful for you.
About This Series
As Shane progresses through his Organisational Development Coaching Certification, this blog series serves as both a record of his educational journey and a practical guide for leaders in international schools. Each article simplifies complex OD principles into actionable insights, specifically tailored for schools.
