The SynergyRPT model has become a brand and icon for a collaborative, reflective process that attains meaningful improvement in technological education programs as evidenced by the number of recent participant project proposals and programs that have adopted aspects of workshops and conferences to enable the scaling of innovations, problem-based learning, a broader research platform, enhanced opportunities for practice, and greater transformation as a means for achieving impact. SynergyRPT brings together three main elements that enhance innovation and technological education reform.
Research:
SynergyRPT is grounded in an established body of knowledge in learning theory that has been tested in a variety of formal and informal settings. This is evidenced in seeking out multiple perspectives, engaging a broad range of thought leaders, and utilizing the discipline of Problem Based Learning. This discipline is realized through a process that includes six important steps that ensure development of high quality problem analysis and optimal solution proposals.
Practice:
SynergyRPT creates and implements programs of professional growth and team development using methodologies to develop the skills and competencies necessary to achieve innovation and technological reform. Through these practices SynergyRPT is developing a capacity for professional growth, nurturing a Community of Practice, and employ a continuous improvement in its processes. In order to establish a community of professional practice, participants have been given multiple opportunities to collaborate, communicate, build and share information and knowledge regarding their projects. Assessment of the efficacy of SynergyRPT’s practices, programs, and learning from instances of their local or regional adoption are critical to ensure that SynergyRPT continues to evolve to meet the needs of innovation in technological education.
Transformation:
Through this transformation SynergyRPT is focusing on shared wicked problems, creating networks for a diffusion of innovation, and institutionalizing and sustaining a focus for intentional scaling. Achieving innovation entails the tackling of wicked problems which requires thinking that captures the big picture, including the context and interrelationships among a broad range of possible causes. This often requires a broader more collaborative and innovative approached; thus wicked problems highlight the fundamental importance of working across organizational and disciplinary boundaries. Transformation requires interventions designed to accelerate the spread of evidence based knowledge and advice networks among potential adopters of innovations, implementation support systems, and generators of innovations.
