Sustaining the Experiment: Week 3 of the Productivity & Accountability Newsletter

Here is the previous newsletter from last week if you need backstory

Over the past two weeks, we have embarked on a journey to rethink productivity and accountability in education and particular one district where we are exploring new ideas for teaching and learning. In Week 1, we focused on observation—stepping back to track patterns, roadblocks, and moments of real impact. In Week 2, we transitioned from awareness to intentional action, choosing one small but purposeful shift to experiment with in our classrooms.

Now, in Week 3, we are diving into the next critical phase: Taking Action & Tiny Experiments. This week is all about putting ideas into motion, testing small, repeatable actions, and documenting insights in real time. One key addition to this week is the use of structured field notes, which can be captured through writing or voice recording in ChatGPT’s advanced voice mode.

By tracking our tiny experiments, we begin shifting away from perfectionism and fear of failure and instead embrace learning through doing. Whether you’re implementing a Scrum Board, a new accountability routine, or refining a student workflow, the goal this week is to take the next step, reflect, and refine.

Here is the newsletter:

Subject: Action Over Perfection: Test a Tiny Experiment

Focus:

• Start implementing one small, repeatable action this week if you have not started yet.
• Shift from focusing on outcomes to process-driven experiments.
• Encourage observation of tiny wins rather than waiting for big breakthroughs.
• (Optional) Use structured field notes to document insights and challenges in real time.

Activity Option 1:

• Continue or choose one classroom habit to experiment with if you have not started yet (e.g., implementing Scrum Boards, Daily Stand-ups, Eisenhower Matrix, or Accountability Check-ins for students).
• Key Questions:
  • What patterns emerge as you begin your experiment?
  • What challenges or successes have you noticed?
  • What’s one micro-adjustment you can make today and/or this week?

Action: Update your PACT Document to track progress and refine your experiment.

Quote for the Week:

“Linear goals stimulate fear. The sheer number of options leads to analysis paralysis. So instead, just begin with a tiny experiment.” – Tiny Experiments

Activity Option 2:

• Capture Field Notes Using AI & Voice Mode:
  • Use this self-anthropology prompt from Tyrone Michael Avnit to quickly record your reflections through typing or voice notes in ChatGPT’s advanced voice mode or another AI tool such as Claude.

  Prompt To Copy

• Key Questions:
  • What patterns emerge as you log your field notes?
  • What challenges or successes have you noticed in your tiny experiments?
  • How does capturing your thoughts via typing or voice change your awareness of productivity and accountability?

Action: Document your daily reflections in ChatGPT’s voice mode or your PACT Document to track progress and identify areas for refinement.

Quote for the Week:

“Belief in yourself is overrated. Generate evidence.” – Ryan Holiday

Further Reading:

• Explore how capturing field notes can help bridge the gap between observation and action in productivity: Belief in Yourself is Overrated—This is Better.