Mostly we actually solve problems obliquely. Our approaches are iterative and apadtive. We make our choices from a limited range of options. Our knowledge of the relevant information, and of what information is relevant, is imperfect… In a necessarily uncertain world, a good decision doesn’t necessarily lead to a good outcome, and a good outcome doesn’t necessarily imply a good decision or a capable decision maker. The notion of a best solution may itself be misconceived.
(Obliquity, Profile Books 2010, p. 172)
One more great reminder that any work which involves people and challenges is inherently complex and full of uncertainties. Being human is an admittedly messy enterprise even though we often work terribly hard not to let it show. In education, our youngest, most daring and often, most misunderstood clients are frequently drawn to all manner of messiness. What could we gain by acknowledging, welcoming and even celebrating that messiness in our classrooms, homes, and communities?
edifiedlistener 