Path Planning

What do we need to plan a path?

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

To plan a path we must meet the following needs: As starting and ending point, participants, and supplies and support.

The path we plan must be defined by a starting point and an ending point.  If we do not have a starting point, many of us will be at a disadvantage.  For we may start at undefined points which could make our path last longer than needed, be more challenging than necessary, and requiring more energy to be invested.

If we do not have an ending point, though we may have a common starting point, we will not have an ending point toward which we can plan our path, and we will wonder aimlessly through a path that has no end consuming energy without a purpose.  

If there is neither a starting point, nor an ending point, then each one of us will walk a path that has no aim, or goal, or purpose.  A path that will start unevenly, require a great amount of energy and investment, and end in a chaotic disarray of cross-cutting, interconnecting, and overlapping paths which lead to nowhere but turns and dead ends.

Therefore, it is a must that we have a starting point and an ending point if we are to plan a path for those who are going to participate in our path planning.

Only those who participate can plan a path.  We cannot not participate, and expect to have a say about our needs and concerns as the path is planned.  It is only by participating that we can plan a path that can be traveled by others, addresses the needs and concerns of others, and creates secure footing for those whom we expect to successfully travel the path from start to finish.

Participants are needed to plan a path.  Participants who are able and willing to share their knowledge and skills from start to finish.  Participants who are understanding, dependable, and capable of planning a path from beginning to ending.  Participants who believe in the purpose of the path that is to be planned, and understand the self - sacrifice that is  takes when planning a path.

Once we have a starting point, and ending point, and participants, we need supplies and support.  These can help us in planning a path that is secure and long lasting.  The supplies and support that we need will vary depending on the path that we are going to plan.  They become needed tools that allow for the creation, development, and maintenance of the path for as long as we make the path a priority.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Set Goals (Part 2)

How To Reach Set Goals

Author: Manuel R. CortezRodas

Reaching Set Goals

Once a goal has been agreed to and set by those who will be participating in the process
(Educators, Learners, Support Staff, Related Adults, etc.) the following two steps should then take place: Establishing a Starting Point, and Developing a Pathway.

Establishing a Starting Point

We must have a starting point from which we can begin to travel toward a set goal.  If we are fortunate enough to have all we might need, then our starting point can be as soon as right now.  Most of us, however, might not be so fortunate, and will need some time to prepare before beginning on a journey that will take us to the goal that has been set.  How much time we have to prepare can also be affected by the needs of the learner, the resources available, the urgency of the individual situation, and the proximity to the conclusion of the end of the school year.

Developing a Pathway

If we are to reach a goal, we must be able to go to it.  By developing a pathway, we can plan and develop a road-map which will guide us through to our set goal.  This will also allow us to evaluate for possible obstacles which may be encountered along the developed pathway, and in turn, let us also develop alternate road-maps to circumnavigate such obstacles.

A well developed pathway should allow the learner to reach the set goal.  It should also be the learner who travels the path on their own merits of education and learning, not carried by those who are there to guide and help. If the learner is having a difficult time traveling the path, it is our responsibility to encourage, train, and allow them to go on toward the set goal.

Copyright 2013.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.