On Schools as Learning Organizations: A Conversation with Peter Senge.

Abstract

In an interview with the cheif editor of E.L., Senge states quite emphatically that schools (at least as of 1995) are NOT learning organizations and that there are many blocks to prevent this, including: - feelings of "oppression" by teachers trying to conform to things that they don't agree with - fragmentation both in the theory of knowledge and how it is taught as well as isolation of individual teachers in individual classrooms (but think back to open areas!!!) - innovation has to happen at all levels (classroom, school, district, community) - a feeling of powerlessness amongst people working at these different levels however, senge says that "the education field has a huge asset...a gold mine". this is the professional commitment of teachers who have become cynics. This commitment (staying deep down) is a resource to be tapped.