I have looked at many possibilities for Appreciative Inquiry (AI) in the region and one of the more interesting is the chance to make lasting change happen in schools.  I was first exposed to Appreciative Inquiry as an MBA student at the Weatherhead School, where I did work with my advisor, David Cooperrider.  David founded Appreciative Inquiry and has since been lauded for his efforts with the Uniited Nations, the U.S. Navy, the EPA, and Roadway/Yellow - among others.

 Appreciative Inquiry is a methodology for change that focuses on the positive aspects of a situation and the focus of 'strengths in such a way that weaknesses become irrelevant' (the late, great Peter Drucker).  The premise is that change begins the moment we ask the question - and that question needs to be carefully crafted to elicit information (energy) from as many diverse stakeholders within the system as possible, and to be as positively worded as possible.

 One application I see for Appreciative Inquiry in schools is using it to engage community stakeholders like parents and students with school board officals. teachers and staff to all dialogue and question one another regarding outcomes everyone would like to see for their school.  Included in this discussion would be potential positive changes for school cirriculum, or procedures, or services. AI Change efforts could also be geared toward greater collaboration and information sharing between different schools and districts.

    AI is very powerful because it generates a great deal of shared vision and passion as participants move along the 4D cycle of discovery, design, dream, and destiny.  It also allows participants to identify and build upon the positive core of the organization - the best of that which gives life to the system and gives it strength.  Problems are approached in a new way that is positive rather than deficit-oriented.  The problems are still resolved and actionable outcomes are still generated, but these take place without the negative downward spirals that can ensue from problem-focus.  I'd be happy to go into more detail with anyone that cares to hear or learn more, or might want to participate in efforts to use this methodology in their own sphere of influence.

 

Sudhir, This approach has a lot of promise. Have you connected with Peter Whitehouse at Case? He works with David Cooperrider and has is also the founder of the Intergenerational School. Also, MaryBeth Mathews writes a valuable blog on teaching in the Cleveland Schools. See her blog here. MaryBeth is focused on helping kids understand the opportunities in manufacturing. She is working on a project with Cleveland Next. Learn more. She's an art teacher. At the last Meet the Bloggers meeting, she was telling me about the opportunity to engage her students. She could have some good ideas to pursue.