Assumptions

ASSUMPTIONS
Link to PLP Ning Discussion
 * What do you see is the role of assumptions? What is the relationships between our assumptions and our long and short term outcomes?**

Let's think about how we define, the assumption and the intent of the task. If we define an assumption as: //An assumption is something we take for granted or presuppose. Usually it is something we previously learned and do not question. It is part of our system of beliefs. We assume our beliefs to be true and use them to interpret the world about us. If we believe that it is dangerous to walk late at night in big cities and we are staying in Chicago, we will infer that it is dangerous to go for a walk late at night. We take for granted our belief that it is dangerous to walk late at night in big cities. If our belief is a sound one, our assumption is sound. If our belief is not sound, our assumption is not sound. Beliefs, and hence assumptions, can be unjustified or justified, depending upon whether we do or do not have good reasons for them. Consider this example: “I heard a scratch at the door. I got up to let the cat in.” My inference was based on the assumption (my prior belief) that only the cat makes that noise, and that he makes it only when he wants to be let in. We humans naturally and regularly use our beliefs as assumptions and make inferences based on those assumptions. We must do so to make sense of where we are, what we are about, and what is happening. Assumptions and inferences permeate our lives precisely because we cannot act without them. We make judgments, form interpretations, and come to conclusions based on the beliefs we have formed.// //posted on-http://www.criticalthinking.org/articles/ct-distinguishing-inferenc...//


 * So, let's reflect and respond to the statement related to transparent learning. Do we believe that people share practices and ideas in a transparent way in order to learn?**

Please allow us to define the assumptions as we see them. If our focus is off please comment and provide feedback. //**OUR ASSUMPTIONS...**//
 * Levels of systems** : The depth of this project is multi-leveled. It should involve members of district level administrators, school level administrators, and teachers. It should cross all levels of the district, and have the potential to grow.


 * Sustainability:** ongoing, essential skills for teaching in 21st century classroom, implemented in phases, usable in practice, evolving in innovations, no expiration date, will be scalable over substantial period of time.


 * Evolving Processes:** This model will continue to change over time. As technology changes adaptations to relevant uses will continue to develop. Innovation as revised by its users is influential in reshaping teaching and learning.


 * Collaborative** : People share practices and ideas in a transparent way. Learn from each other not in isolation. The assumption is there needs to be a location for collaboration. Through this medium participants will share, work toward a common goal, communicate, use as an extension of current work, modify, adapt, and lead.

//I believe that we learn best through sharing best practices. I've come to believe that this whole idea of "transparency" in learning is valid. By sharing the process we go through in our own learning, we allow and invite the safe, non-judgmental exchange of ideas. The veils and lifted and we can all see more clearly (a bad quote paraphrase from Twain). -- Cynthia Basanni// // I believe we share our experiences, our stories of success, failures in order to learn through comparisons of events/ experiences we've been through. Commonalities between individuals, comparisons to like experiences is a way to analyze what has been done and what differences exist between events.
 * Reflections and responsions:**

Those that don't share similar experiences can learn from and use as they so choose. In education.. those teaching skills or innovations that haven't been explored.

The assumption is that people have always shared practices, but old ways of sharing don't fit into our present day schedule, so we have resorted to fragmented sharing based on our limitations. New ways of sharing is a variation that may be selected for in the evolution of collaboration in the district. (sorry for the bio reference) // // -- Steve Blatinica  //