Now What?: Learning and Learners in the 21st Century



       

 

Dr. Peggy Patterson was one of the keynote speakers for SFU's Summer Institute for 2012, and posed some interesting questions:  What? So What? Now What?  These are questions every educator should be asking themselves.  She brings learning back to our own practices, and what the implications are for our own learning and our leadership of the learning of others.  She spoke of the 3-dimensional framework of the learner, and about how the learner, learning and leaders all enhance the learning experience. 

When she spoke of the qualities admired in a leader (honesty, forward looking, competent, and inspiring), I reflected on the teachers/educators and co-workers that have been very inspirational in my educational and career pathway.  I feel that the leadership qualities she listed existed in each and every one of them.

While I was listening to Dr. Patterson, and thinking about my work within the health authority, I thought about how leaders build excellence. Excellence is “being all you can be” within the bounds of doing what is right for the organization, and to reach excellence, we must first be a leader of good character (honesty, forward looking, competent, and inspiring).  Excellence starts with leaders of good and strong character who engage in the entire process of leadership.  Once we are leaders, and start practicing the five practices of effective leaders (model the way; inspire a shared vision; challenge the process; enable others to act; encourage the heart), we are in a role to influence and educate others. 

Using Dr. Patterson’s words…How do leaders connect learners with learning?  In my leadership role, I will ensure I focus on the learner, and ensure I am part of the process that will connect the learning to the learner. 

 Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. - John F. Kennedy