Module 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 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.
Notes:

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

Notes:
Slide 7.1.6 / Notes:
Key Points:
  • In Family Systems Theory:
  • Individuals don't exist in isolation.
  • Children should be understood in the context of their families, communities, schools, etc.
  • Family relationships are part of a greater system and all are interrelated.
  • In Systems Thinking Theory:
  • Systems thinking is part of Learning Organization theory.
  • A system is a group of interacting, interrelated, and interdependent components that form a complex and unified whole.
  • Systems thinking proposes that we look beyond a single answer to the layers of interrelated parts that could be creating the problem.
  • Systems thinking proposes that too often we fix symptoms rather than the disease.

Activity #1: Systems Thinking
Activity Notes:
Slide 7.1.7
/ Notes:
Key Points:
  • Systems thinking applies to child welfare services in the following ways:
  • Asks workers to develop critical thinking skills that move beyond what is obvious.
  • Asks workers to dig deeper when they are developing a FFA ongoing and FFA.
  • Asks workers to truly partner with families because they are a vital part of a broader family system.

Activity #2:Critical Thinking
Activity Notes:

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
Notes:
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:
  • Age
  • Race
  • Ethnicity
  • Education
  • Economic state
  • Structure of family of origin
  • Personal experience with the child welfare system

Activity #1 How Do We See the Family?
Activity Notes:

1