Technolandy

Day 23 (of SOL 2025) Summer of Learning… Dear Dr  @chrkennedy systems unthinking

In his annual year end blog, Chris had some good questions… here is question 

23. What messages are our systems and structures sending to students, and how do they align with what we say we value?

It’s why I say I embrace my lived hypocrisy – we keep religion out of school but my December ties are definitely “festive/seasonal” – systemic discrimination hides in plain sight so we have to acknowledge that while we are trying to do better… systems shift slowly…

Our system is still very much – doing what your parents did…but different! Sometimes feels we’ve just changed the lingo to make it seem different… the curriculum is similar but approaches are different (and every generation hates the ways the ones before and after approach equation solving!

We definitely have prizes that perpetuate the “game of school” mindset where scores count and any “wrongs” are hard to overcome. A zero in averages are mean… pun intended… We say learning should be intrinsic but the learning that right answers only gets more smelly stickers is hard to unlearn… and the harsher realization that when it comes to making mistakes and getting things wrong – if you’re getting negative attention, and it’s better than no attention.. why not go big AND go home?!?

When bells control when we can go outside or when changing mindsets needs to happen there is definitely a less desirable part of society we are preparing students for… both prisons and factories have undergone reforms faster than our schools… it’s also why I cast doubts when politicians want to “bring manufacturing jobs back” as the only people making $ are the factory owners and the automotive installation contractors… there aren’t the same entry/lifetime jobs Ford saw (in his admittedly very prejudiced worldview). And we are quick to consequences – I’ve been asked “isn’t it important that the other students see consequences?” My usual reply is that it is better that the others see if they mess up, they will likewise be treated with respect and opportunities to make things better – I have long helped show how mistakes can be corrected – adding (fake) minutes of detention and showing how good and supportive community work can make those disappear. 

We say don’t use AI/copy and yet regularly use other peoples lesson plans and units… 

We say school’s about learning, not rewards… but this sticker does smell like bubblegum. Nobody better be using the real stuff despite it being good for focus…

We say mistakes are okay… unless you make one on a Tuesday, then it’s a lunch detention.

We ban AI… while copy-pasting last year’s lesson plans.

We preach equity… and average in zeroes.

We say we’re not a factory… but the bell tells me when I can pee.

“System’s working great.”