Technology is a great leveller to the extent that it offers every player in the industry the opportunity to optimize their efforts and outcomes. However, we at Schoolpad, have observed that even with access to the same technology, in this case, the school management software, some schools tend to outperform the rest by a mile. They not only make the best of the technology at hand but are also able to derive exactly the kind of benefits and operational excellence that they had set out to achieve.
This made us wonder about the reason behind this difference and decode the secrets of the schools that were succeeding in using the technology to fuel their growth story in a significant way. Our many interactions with school management and staff, and extensive ground research led us to an important technique that differentiated many of the outperforming schools the operator-monitor technique.
What is The Operator-Monitor Technique?
Before we delve into how and why this technique sets the schools apart and ahead of their competition, we must first understand how this technique works. Let’s take the example of a simple operational function that every school has to deal with –assigning homework.
The operators for this particular function are mostly teachers. It is a clearly defined role. With the operator-monitor technique, this role becomes even more specific with clearly defined timelines and deliverables. So, let’s say the school requires their operators, that is the teachers, to assign the homework every day by 4 pm. Under the operator-monitor technique, an additional stakeholder is introduced into the system who is meant to monitor the operator’s functions and deliverables. In this case, the monitor may be the staff/section coordinator or any other staff member that the school may choose. At 4 pm, the monitor checks the system and generates a report in a pre-defined format based on pre-decided parameters that let her know whether or not all the operators have assigned the homework by the day’s deadline. Any lapses from the operators’ end can be noted down with reasons if any, and further action can be initiated based on a pre-set protocol.
Also Read: 3 Simple Tricks To Make Sure You Admit and Enrol Students That Stay Longer and Perform Better
This is just an illustrative example. But the operator-monitor technique can be applied to pretty much every day-to-day operation in a school that is executed using the school management software. This technique works the best with a clearly defined system that outlines the exact role of both the operators and the monitors, the deadlines they need to abide by, the actions they need to take, the processes they need to follow, and the overall protocol they need to abide by under various scenarios.
Why Does This Technique Make A Difference?
In one simple word – consistency. When software is new, and the staff is still being trained, there is a lot of enthusiasm and energy around its implementation. Everybody is willing to put their best foot forward and tries to do what is needed to the fullest extent. However, as time passes, the enthusiasm wanes and the energy dips. The school staff, despite their best intentions, start losing the consistency that is needed to derive the maximum benefit out of any product, including school management software.
The best way to get around this very human and natural hurdle is to have solid systems in place. The operator-monitor technique is a great way to not only have defined roles but also create proper checks and balances that prevent any lapses or inconsistencies. The operators operate and fulfil their functions to the fullest, and the monitors in turn make sure any oversights or lapses are accounted for with proper follow-up action. This makes for a very consistent approach to the school management software and ensures that the schools get their desired outcomes in the way they planned when they opted for that particular software.
Also Read: Are You Afraid of Investing in a School Management Software?
Technology is undoubtedly a driver of growth. But what makes it a true differentiator is the human touch that is driving it. A technique like operate-monitor is the prime example of how very simple systems and protocols can make a world of a difference to the ultimate outcomes and kind of success they spearhead. As a school, a great vision and efficient execution will always set you apart from your competition. So go ahead, give this technique a try, and don’t forget to share your thoughts, ideas, and feedback with us.
Want to understand how Schoolpad can help you derive the maximum benefit from your school management systems? Want to know how we can help fuel your school’s growth story? Please feel free to get in touch with us at connect@schoolpad.in . You can also click on the request a demo link and one of our coaches will get in touch with you.
