Innovation: From Buzzword To Mindset

Innovation is, in my opinion, one of the most important goals for education today more than ever. Innovation is a must for students, teachers, and schools. This is something I strongly believe in and strive to promote as a Google for Education Certified Innovation Innovator. Unfortunately, innovation is often misunderstood and misused in the profession. It is also a buzzword that is often ignored. What is innovation? What does innovation mean? It is important.

Let's begin by dispelling some myths about innovation. Innovation is not a synonym for technology. You can innovate even without technology. It is possible to use technology in ways you don't find innovative. Innovation, the word itself, has been used in English for over five hundred years. This was long before the advent of the internet and iPhone. Technology is also a factor. More on this later.

Innovation is more than just making a change. Innovations are not about innovation. We have all witnessed seemingly insignificant changes in our daily lives, schools, and districts. Innovation is not about change for the sake. You must add value.

So what is innovation? It is difficult to research innovation because each industry has its own definitions and metrics. Some of these definitions are too complicated, unclear or irrelevant to education. Nevertheless, they all come down to two words if you look closely. These two simple characteristics make innovation accessible, understandable and possible.

New

Better

That's all. These are the only words. These two words are what I consider the best definition for innovation, especially when it comes to teaching and learning.

"I define innovation as thinking in a way that creates something better and new."

George Couros The Innovator’s Mindset

The third element is 'way of thinking'. Innovation is a mindset, hence George's wonderful book. Innovation is a way to live. There are always new ways to improve. Innovation simply means the constant pursuit of better and newer. Carol Dweck's research on fixed mindsets and growth can be applied here. These mindsets are often emphasized with children and are rightly so. However, I have found that fixed mindsets in adults are just as prevalent and problematic. George says that this is the "biggest barrier to innovation". This is why George's simple definition of innovation is so useful. We are all capable of learning new and better things in our classrooms.

As I mentioned, technology and innovation are sometimes used interchangeably. New opportunities can be created by emerging technologies. We can connect with others using social media, create our own games, and even explore virtual environments via virtual reality. All teachers should embrace educational technology because it can offer better learning experiences. However, technology isn’t always innovative. Another example is the recent transformation of our bilingual model for upper grades (read more ). This was not technology related, but we did make a change that has improved the outcome. This is innovation.

The bilingual model is a good example and worth looking at. The original model was also excellent. The school is known for its innovative model. Innovation doesn't have to be about solving a problem. Innovation can also be about improving on something already great. The same principle applies to teachers. Innovation is not about fixing. It's about striving to be better.

Innovation thrives when there are shared psychological safety and cultures that encourage learning and risk taking. Innovation is only possible when we are better at what we do. Learning is vital for learning. No matter how expensive or organized, teachers must show a commitment for their professional growth. Learning opportunities are readily available today! We just need to take advantage of these learning opportunities and put in the effort. If PD happens in your school, then you are doing it wrong.

Innovation is not limited to your comfort zone. Implementing new ideas and learning requires taking risks. This is okay. These failures can be a learning opportunity and a sign that we are trying harder. Failing in class allows us to demonstrate the positive attitude and mindset we expect of our students. Failure should be celebrated more than safe, easy and comfortable teaching. Students deserve more than complacency or the status quo.

"Learning and innovation go hand-in-hand." Arrogance is the belief that what you did yesterday will suffice for tomorrow.

William Pollard

Let's end by considering the current disruption and pandemic in education. This school year is expected to be one the most difficult of our careers. Complacency is unlikely to be an option. Let's all embrace our collective vulnerability and support each other as the profession moves outside its comfort zone to make education better.