Agile State of Mind

These days everyone seems to be blogging and writing up a storm about Agile methodology in software development. While that maybe, have you ever thought of applying the Agile principles of embracing change, rapidly adapting and learning from it, leaving all communication doors open, being accountable and collaborating closely as a life philosophy to live by? Do your find that unnerving? You shouldn’t, as you will find Agile in life is as applicable as in software development, since ‘Agile’ is not a discipline, but a life philosophy. It is nothing but a set of principles and values, a broad approach and like all things in life, as this broad philosophy exists, ... rapid adaptation to changes, learning, open communication, accountability, and close collaboration.

But, responding to change requires a major mental shift for many people that is difficult and takes time and environmental support. People are often penalized socially or formally for being flexible or adaptable, as the rigid traditionalists seem to think this translates to being wishy-washy, uncertain, indecisive, uncommitted or even rebellious, as confirmed by the various blogs and comments reviling Agile. However, dip your toes in it and find that as a philosophy, Agile adapts itself pretty well to living life by it. After all, Agile philosophy emphasizing a set of values, principles and practices rather than a prescriptive process can be applied outside of software... in business management, family and household, or... in agile classroom management.

For example, the easiest way to get a child to eat healthy is to do it one bite at a time. Of course, there’s no question that you will have to start with the best and the tastiest bits first. However, this makes your goal of getting him to finish a healthy meal more manageable. In other words, when faced with a life issue, as in Agile software development i.e. iteration by small iteration, will help solve any problem, allowing you to assess the situation and then proceed to the next step, and so on until you ultimately achieve your goal. However, the big picture must be kept in mind when starting out on your goal achievement mission.

Basically, Agile methods are much like a 12-year old, high on IQ, low on patience, with enough time on his hands to sit in front of the TV, frantically pushing every button of his Nintendo until he figures out how to do it, all without once bothering to touch the manual. It’s all about trying something else until you get the desired effect and then moving on to the next thing.

Using Agile methods in the classroom is easy. Simply start out by:
1. Carefully studying the syllabus.
2. Next set your teaching goals.
3. Then, assign a goal to be achieved within each sprint or iteration i.e. the students are to be taught should understand what has been taught.
4. After one sprint or iteration is complete, assign them a test to assess whether you have succeeded in achieving your goal.
5. If, a majority of students have not passed the test, it means it’s time for you to assess your teaching methods, selecting the successful ones and junking those that failed to catch the students attention.
6. As well, evaluate the areas in which the students failed to get through and put together the subjects, with the more interesting one’s first, trailed by the least interesting lessons.
7. Now, you start afresh with a new sprint or iteration.

Congratulations! At the end, you will find that your students have learnt and been able to retain what you have taught, which means you have met your goal of teaching your class well enough to pass a difficult evaluation exam!