“Innovation is a process, not a product”- George Curous.
While developing a learning culture, innovation has to be embedded and intertwined with the process of learning for teachers and students…But wait a minute, what is innovation? Is it the integration of technology? Technology is a tool that can provide access to innovation, but it is not the end all! George Curous, Katie Martin, and Katie Novak have helped me redefine the meaning of innovation as I have read their books, followed them on Twitter and in awe while they advocate for innovation to large audiences. Innovation is the on-going research, feedback, refinement, tweaking, smashing and finding of strategies so educators and students can BETTER themselves to remain relevant for the future.
Not only does innovation need to be clearly defined and constantly messaged, traditional processes and practices have to be removed. For the past twenty years, standardization has consumed learning. Our students need innovational practices, because “One Size Does Not Fit All” (#UDL, #PersonalizedLearning). Students come with their own interests, strengths, and areas of development. It is not possible to truly make learning purposeful to students if such stagnant practices remain. …Innovation needs to be cultivated so students can: exercise their choice to spark curiosity and problem-solving skills, their ability to inquire, exercise struggle so they can find various strategies and tools to cope, exercise their voice to be connected and to bring value to their community. The same packet, publisher pacing guides, same rows of desks; sameness in general does not trigger students to exercise or have access to skills that are needed for LIFE. As Eric Sheninger quotes, “Don’t prepare students for something, prepare them for ANYTHING.
I believe traditional teacher observations is one barrier that prevents the implementation of innovation. It’s an old practice of “one and done” or a task to get done before the school year. Therefore making the profession a “black and white” process, mentioned by Katie Martin. Innovation requires a constant learning cycle and should be an expectation for ALL teachers and not just the newly hired teachers. Teachers should come in contact with feedback and refinement THROUGHOUT the year. A coach is a requirement. Collaboration is essential. Development is a must. As Katie Novak uses the analogy of a runner. Many of us say we can run. We are at different levels when it comes to running. Some of us fast walk. Some of us jog. Some of us run 5ks and there are those that run to compete in marathons. As skilled athletes, marathon runners don’t stop refining and exploring new techniques to better their skill. Development is an ongoing practice! They are always in search for better, along with a community of other runners and with the guidance of a coach. Being an educator is not about being a declared expert. The development in learning does not have an endpoint. A skilled educator is continuously learning, continuously finding BETTER for students. It’s about innovating!