Lean in the Classroom

Lean management philosophy has been successfully applied across many industries - from manufacturing to healthcare, financial services, and construction. Recently, interest in Lean has steadily increased in the education sector as it was originally introduced in that area's administrative and support processes. Currently, however, the introduction of Lean and its potential in education is gaining wider exposure because of the massive changes looming -- For example, the introduction of technology in education (as EdTech within the traditional system and as MOOCs), demographic changes, budget pressure, the entrance of more and more private providers, and changing demands of society and industry on the curriculum. What is missing is a joint framework that will allow schools, teachers, directors, and boards to either integrate these developments or choose between them and then execute a successful strategy. Lean offers the potential to streamline the execution of strategy and teaching and to accelerate the development of new courses and studies that are closely aligned to the needs of students as well as the integration of new technologies without overburdening teachers and staff. The key to this plan is to empower teaching and research staff put teaching and research first and then to align Lean thinking and pedagogy. This book defines Lean education in all its aspects: course design, actual teaching and learning processes, school management, and the organization of supporting processes. It is firmly based on the Lean management philosophy in conjunction with pedagogy. The book draws in both scientific research in the field of Lean management in general and Lean education in particular. In addition, it is predicated on many years of hands-on experience applying Lean both inside and outside education.