Introduction to the web-based thinking tool or construct called the Reframing Matrix

When mentoring our pre-service and in-service teachers we need to describe and model both research-based and clinically tested best practices, and demonstrate how these best practices can be applied in the real (i.e. physical) and virtual (i.e. online) classroom for both teaching and teacher training. The combination of face to face instruction in a physical setting and online learning is called blended learning. In this section of the blog we will describe how the internet can serve as a supplemental resource for instruction and the mentoring of pre-service and in-service Jewish educators. In this post we will discuss how the Reframing Matrix can be used to promote skillful, creative and critical thinking in the Judaic Studies classroom.

Assumption: The teacher or mentor teacher has an interactive white board (i.e. SMART Board, Promethean, etc.), a Tablet PC (also called a Slate or Blade), a computer presenter or computer with internet access attached to an LCD projector in the classroom. It would be ideal if students or mentees had access to their own laptop computers or Ipads. Given parental and school approval, and the development of specific guidelines, smartphones can be used to enhance instruction as well.

Note: Although the Reframing Matrix can be applied in the Judaic Studies blended learning classroom, it can be also be used for training pre-service and in-service Jewish educators for professional or staff development. It is our hope that Jewish educators around the globe will form an online community of practice, a CoP, a group of people who share an interest, a craft, and/or a profession, to enhance the delivery of instruction and training of Jewish educators. For example, here is a CoP you might want to join. 

Note: The Reframing Matrix can be used in a face to face and virtual classroom.

In previous blog posts we have defined thinking skills and processes, creative thinking, critical thinking and Benjamin Blooms taxonomy of educational objectives. We have also shared creative and critical thinking tools developed by Dr. Donald J. Treffinger. In this post we will share a web-based thinking tool or construct called the “Reframing Matrix”. In this post we will share a web-based thinking tool or construct called the “Reframing Matrix”.

What is the Reframing Matrix?

According to http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_05.htm the

The Reframing Matrix tool was created by Michael Morgan, and published in his 1993 book, "Creating Workforce Innovation." It helps you to look at business problems from various perspectives. Using these, you can come up with more creative solutions.

The approach relies on the fact that different people with different experiences are likely to approach problems in different ways. The technique helps you put yourself into the minds of different people, imagine the way that they would face these problems, and explore the possible solutions that they might suggest.

The Reframing Matrix tool was created by Michael Morgan, and published in his 1993 book, "Creating Workforce Innovation." It helps you to look at business problems from various perspectives. Using these, you can come up with more creative solutions.

The approach relies on the fact that different people with different experiences are likely to approach problems in different ways. The technique helps you put yourself into the minds of different people, imagine the way that they would face these problems, and explore the possible solutions that they might suggest.

How does one  use the Reframing Matrix as a thinking skill tool?

According to http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_05.htm there are three steps involved in using the Reframing Matrix Thinking Skills Tool. Those steps are as follows:

1  1. Draw the grid displayed below:

You can copy this grid by  by right-clicking  on the image or clicking here.

    2. Think about these four perspectives:

·    Product perspective: Is there something wrong with the product or service? Is it priced correctly? How well does it serve the market? Is it reliable?

·    Planning perspective: Are our plans, marketing plans, or strategy at fault? Could we improve these?

·    Potential perspective: How would we increase interest in the product or service?

·    People perspective: What are the people impacts and people implications of the problem? What do people involved with the problem think? Why are customers/clients  not using the product or service?

3. Brainstorm factors related to each of the four perspectives explained above.

For a more thorough explanation on how to use the Reframing Matrix click here:

http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newCT_05.ht

See an example of the Reframing Matrix below:

You can copy this grid by right-clicking on this image or by clicking here.

On the next post we will share two examples of how to use the Reframing Matrix for Jewish education and teacher training.