highlight from day #2

I find this paragraph fascinating from one of today’s reading called “The Principles of Scientific Management 1910” by Frederick Winslow Taylor –

“Perhaps the most prominent single element in modern scientific management is the task idea. The work of every workman is fully planned out by the management at least one day in advance, and each man receives in most cases complete written instructions, describing in detail the task which he is to accomplish, as well as the means to be used in doing the work. And the work planned in advance in this way constitutes a task which is to be solved, as explained above, not by the workman alone, but in almost all cases by the joint effort of the workman and the management. This task specifies not only what is to be done but how it is to be done and the exact time allowed for doing it. And whenever the workman succeeds in doing his task right, and within the time limit specified, he receives an addition of from 30 per cent. to 100 per cent. to his ordinary wages. These tasks are carefully planned, so that both good and careful work are called for in their performance, but it should be distinctly understood that in no case is the workman called upon to work at a pace which would be injurious to his health. The task is always so regulated that the man who is well suited to his job will thrive while working at this rate during a long term of years and grow happier and more prosperous, instead of being over- worked. Scientific management consists very largely in preparing for and carrying out these tasks. . . . “

This “task idea” is perfectly reflected in our school systems. No wonder our school systems are failing. We are operating our schools on a principle from 1910! I defy you to not read that paragraph and think about a lesson plan! Look at that second sentence – “The work (assignment) of every workman (student) is fully planned out by the management (teacher) at least one day in advance, and each man (student) receives in most cases complete written instructions (directions for the assignment), describing in detail the task which he is to accomplish, as well as the means to be used in doing the work.

Can you say Madaline Hunter? Or outcome based education?

So much for multi-tasking and creative problem solving strategies that so many of our students lack upon graduation!