Modeling the Method — The Deming Classroom

Abstract

This article discusses the application of Deming's philosophy and methods to teach a course in operations management at Fordham University's Graduate School of Business Administration. Deming's view was that the introduction of joy in learning enabled students to acquire knowledge that stays with them. Deming followed this notion in his own courses at New York University's Graduate School of Business. The author experimented with several methods that fit into the Deming concept and found that they enhanced the learning process. Survey results suggest students learn more.The first half of this article outlines Deming's philosophy of education, which includes a discussion of grades and brain theory; Deming's model for education, which includes in-depth exploration of the concepts of joy in learning and cooperative learning; and Deming's teaching methods, which focus on continual improvement in education. The second half of this article outlines the application of Deming's philosophy and teaching methods to a graduate class in operations management. Discussion includes applying the concept of cooperative learning in the classroom, grades, and students' reaction to what may be considered nontraditional teaching methods.