You are here > Resources > Papers

Papers

The following papers provide further information about Quality Learning.

Improving Learning and Learning to Improve: A decade of applying Deming's System of Profound Knowledge to School Education in Australia: By Dr Jane Kovacs and Michael King

This paper was presented, by the authors, at the 17th International Deming Research Seminar in New York USA on 21 March 2011.

Abstract

Since 1997, a number of Australian schools have been exposed to Dr. W. Edwards Deming's System of Profound Knowledge. The improvement theory and practical methods provide a HOW TO engage and empower classroom learners to continually improve their systems of learning. Recent research confirms that this leads to improved student outcomes and teacher morale.

Click here to view the video clips, some of which were presented with the paper at the conference.

Improving School Education Systems: Evidence as to the efficacy of the Quality Learning Approach: By Dr. Jane Kovacs

This document summarises the findings of a recent doctoral research study into the impact of Quality Learning on improving school performance.

Improving our Systems of Learning: Redefining the Job of Everyone in Education: by Michael King and Jane Kovacs

This paper was prepared and presented by QLA for the NSW Department of Education, North Coast Region, Annual Quality Teacher Conference in Coffs Harbour on 5 March 2009. (pdf 2.0M)

Abstract

Our education system continues to be subjected to wave after wave of reform, all aimed, we are told, at improvement. Researchers, policy makers and practitioners look for ways to improve performance, but rarely look beyond education for theory or practice.

Over the past century or more, a great deal has been learned about improving quality in organisations. One of the key thought-leaders was Dr. W. Edwards Deming. In the fifteen years since his death, a relatively small number of educators have truly comprehended Dr. Deming’s ‘System of Profound Knowledge’, accepted the necessary ‘brain transplant’ and redefined their jobs to lead system improvement using his philosophy and methods.

This keynote will illustrate that quality practices, guided by theory, do improve student learning in the classroom and improve the quality of school life for all in the school community – frequently with dramatic positive results.

Click here to view the video clips, some of which were presented with the paper at the conference.

Enough about WHAT school excellence looks like! Now, what about the 'HOW TO'? by Jane Kovacs and Michael King

This paper was prepared by QLA for the ACEL ASCD International Conference in Sydney in October 2007 - New Imagery for Schools and Schooling: Challenging, Creating and Connecting.

The paper provides a brief summary of ten years experience supporting schools with their improvement efforts. The Quality Learning philosphy is introduced briefly and 'how to' examples of school implementation are provided. (pdf 1.6M)

Building Highly Effective Relationships by Ron Crosling

We are delighted to make this update paper by Ron Crosling available. The paper provides a robust framework for thinking about human relationships and how to improve them. Ron discusses the various levels of relationships from dependent through independent to inter-dependent. He then introduces Trust as a defining feature of inter-depenent relationships. The paper concludes with a personal trustworthiness profile and questions to aid reflection.

While this paper has not been written specifically with schools in mind, the implications for relationships within a school communities can be clearly identified.

(Please note: A new version was uploaded 17 March 2008. pdf 458k)

Quality Learning and Improvement in Schools and Preschools: Studying the Impact of the Quality in Schools and Quality in Schools and Preschools Initiatives - 1997 - 2003 by QLA

This summary report, released in 2005, provides details of a study comissioned by QLA to gauge the impact of schools who participated in these two Quality Improvement initiatives. (pdf 286k)

This page updated 11-Apr-2012