Dr. Deming
How to Start Setting Operational Definitions: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 13)
Now that we understand Operational Definitions (see Part 12), it’s time to figure out how to use them to get the improvements and results you want. Andrew and David talk about examples of useful Operational Definitions and how they can impact all aspects of education (and beyond!).
Read MoreThe Importance of Operational Definitions: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 12)
Operational definitions are clearly defined words, phrases, and concepts that everyone working together agrees to use in the same way. Making assumptions about words like “tardy” or “good” is a fast track to confusion and disengagement. In this episode, Andrew and David talk about operational definitions in education – for students, faculty, and administrators.
Read MoreDeadly Disease of Employee of the Month: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 11)
Dr. Deming listed 7 Deadly Diseases of Management in Out of the Crisis, and one of the more surprising is #3: Evaluation of performance, merit rating, or annual review. In this episode, David and Andrew discuss the harmful practice of awarding “teacher of the year,” “student of the month,” or other traditional recognition practices. David also offers practical suggestions for alternatives.
Read MoreWeaponizing Special Causes: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 10)
In this episode, David and Andrew talk about Common Cause Variation vs Special Cause Variation, and the problem of confusing the two. Using the example of transgender students, David describes how a system’s capability should be expanded rather than using that special cause situation as a weapon to destroy the entire system.
Read MoreThe Taguchi Loss Function: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 9)
What is the Taguchi Loss Function and how does it apply to education? In this episode, Andrew and David talk about statistician Genichi Taguchi’s idea that the further you move from a measurable quality target, the more quality is lost, even if the item still “meets specifications.” David shows how you can apply this to education.
Read MoreThe Problem with Standardized Tests: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 8)
In this episode, David and Andrew discuss the dreaded standardized tests, including how they evolved, how they’re used (and not used) now, and what Deming said about them. David also offers practical tips for educators who want to move away from standardized tests in their classrooms.
Read MoreOptimization of a System: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 7)
In this episode, David and Andrew discuss going beyond solving problems in schools to preventing them from happening. David also shares a tool for finding the area where optimization of the system would have the greatest impact.
Read MoreQuality is the Answer: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 6)
With nearly 2 million students not returning to schools and educational institutions after COVID, David and Andrew explore the question “how do we create quality education systems so students are excited to come to school – and stay there?
Read MoreContinuous vs Continual Improvement: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 5)
In this episode of our special Deming in Education series, David and Andrew talk about the difference between “continuous” and “continual” improvement – and how that applies in classrooms.
Read MoreBy What Method: Deming in Education with David P. Langford (Part 4)
David and Andrew’s discussion of how using Deming in the classroom not only inspires achievement it also creates collaboration among excited students.
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