The Knowing-Doing Gap Literature & Language Essay Paper (Essay Sample)

The Knowing-Doing Gap
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The Knowing-Doing Gap
Data can assist in the creation of an efficient blueprint that has measurable outcomes that will continuously improve learning institutions, and ensure that decisions are not made under incomplete and biased information. This paper looks at how data can be used in accelerating school improvement in which it will specifically address effective decision making models. The paper will also relate how the decision making models are applicable in my own setting of education with the aim of improving the school performance as well as reforming the school.
The first principle put across by Pfeffer and Sutton (1999) is that knowledge is acquired by the actual act of doing the task rather than learning how to do the job. Data to improve schools can be acquired through scores achieved from tests, accuracy of coursework, attendance rates, promotion rates, graduation rates, and the number of individuals taking part in co-curricular activities. For instance, accuracy of course work data can be used in determining the school’s shortcomings and areas which require improvement. This kind of information can be used in the implementation of other policies in school to enhance performance rather than spending a lot of time in planning from raw data. Analysis of data shows which student groups need more improvement, helping school leadership to address the needs of students. Schools should also stop reacting to a single test score when data is being interpreted. The longitudinal collection of data that is from year to year is crucial if the measure of change, progress, and growth are to be done appropriately (Pfeffer & Sutton, 1999).