Module 7 · Web viewModule 7: The Learning Organization Time: 3 hour, 20 minutes Slide 7.0.1 Slide 7.0.2 Slide 7.0.3 Module Purpose: The purose of this module is to provide participants

Module 7: The Learning OrganizationTime: 3 hour, 20 minutes

Slide 7.0.1 Slide 7.0.2 Slide 7.0.3

Module Purpose: The purose of this module is to provide participants with critical thinking and problem solving skills using the Learning Organization approach.

Learning Objectives:1. Describe the fundamentals of systems thinking.2. Apply systems thinking to organizational problems and cases.3. Define mental models.4. Explain how mental models impact assessment and decision-making in child welfare.5. Assess families and their mental models.

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Unit 7.1: Systems Thinking

Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes

Unit Overview: The purpose of Unit 1 is to provide participants with an understanding of system thinking and how it helps workers better assess family dynamics and safety.

Learning Objectives:1. Describe the fundamentals of systems thinking.2. Apply systems thinking to organizational problems and cases.

Slide 7.1.4 Slide 7.1.5

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Slide 7.1.6 Notes:

Key Points: In Family Systems Theory:

o Individuals don't exist in isolation.o Children should be understood in the context of their families, communities,

schools, etc.o Family relationships are part of a greater system and all are interrelated.

In Systems Thinking Theory:o Systems thinking is part of Learning Organization theory.o A system is a group of interacting, interrelated, and interdependent components

that form a complex and unified whole.o Systems thinking proposes that we look beyond a single answer to the layers of

interrelated parts that could be creating the problem.o Systems thinking proposes that too often we fix symptoms rather than the disease.

Activity #1: Systems Thinking

Activity Notes:

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Slide 7.1.7 Notes:

Key Points: Systems thinking applies to child welfare services in the following ways:

o Asks workers to develop critical thinking skills that move beyond what is obvious. o Asks workers to dig deeper when they are developing a FFA ongoing and FFA.o Asks workers to truly partner with families because they are a vital part of a

broader family system.

Activity #2: Critical Thinking

Activity Notes:

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Unit 7.2: Mental Models

Time: 2 hours

Unit Overview: The purpose of Unit 2 is to provide participants with increased skills, knowledge, and application of mental models.

Learning Objectives:1. Define mental models.2. Explain how mental models impact assessment and decision-making in child welfare.3. Assess families and their mental models.

Slide 7.2.8 Slide 7.2.9

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Slide 7.2.10 Notes:

Key Points: Mental models may impact child welfare professionals’ assessment of children and

families.

Slide 7.2.11 Notes:

Key Points: Some possible mental models include:

o Age o Raceo Ethnicity o Educationo Economic stateo Structure of family of origino Personal experience with the child welfare system

Activity #1 How Do We See the Family?

Activity Notes:

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