Innovation is more than just inventing something new.
Innovation is creative and messy. It is about creating a space for experimentation, failures, change for the better. Critical questions to ask when looking for innovation: Is it new? Is it better? How can you use innovation in teaching? How can students use it to learn? We have to create an environment of uncertainty and unpredictability. If you know every day when you show up to class EXACTLY what is going to happen (think about it from the lens of a student–I’m going to come in, sit down, do my warm up, listen to my teacher and take notes, then leave)….what does your mindset become? Is there room for real learning? For experimenting? For failing? For questioning? Are you looking for new things? Are you learning new things?
If you are stuck in a rut, in a predictable cycle of teaching, how do you get out of it?
Start with some critical questions (from Ch. 2 of The Innovator’s Mindset):
Have you asked yourself these questions lately? Couros says, on page 41 of The Innovator’s Mindset: “The innovator’s mindset starts with empathy for our students (which is why the questions above are so crucial). Equally important is the desire to create something BETTER.”
So, what have you looked at with fresh eyes today? Have you asked yourself, “Is it new? Is it better? Is there a better way?”
If you need more inspiration, check out the #IMMOOC hashtag on twitter. Find some new blogs to read! Learn, grow, then reflect and post your own blogs! Or you can just read The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros. Or for shorter reading, check out the 10 Commandments of Innovative Teaching from AJ Juliani.
The Empowered Learner 