in·no·va·tive
introducing new ideas; original and creative in thinking
Innovative. Even though this word is almost becoming overused (please let’s not let it become annoying like “it is what it is” or “synergies”)...
...innovation is something that we all need individually and when working with others. Innovation is good for teaching, for school districts, and for entrepreneurs. Here are some ideas that work for me to get that creativity flowing.
1. Settle into a quiet room and spend time away from screens, choosing a topic to think about. Bring a notebook for jotting ideas. It’s something I’ve been practicing, otherwise I’ll just keep hopping from task to task and feel a little empty at the end of the day.
2. Getting Smart recently cited research suggesting how districts can support teaching innovation:
- Set goals on specific problems that need to be solved and how to focus innovation.
- Create flexibility in the system to allow innovation
- Develop talent by supporting professional learning
- Build networks with local network partners, by hosting design competitions, and identify those who are positioned to design new models for instruction.
3. Don’t discount the crazy ideas. We know brainstorming 101 with a group—in which there are no dumb ideas—but it's easy to discount your own fleeting ideas. If we can let all ideas flow, it makes it easier to be positive and creative.
4. Learn something and open up to other perspectives. Learn anything and everything. Steve Jobs said, “Creativity is just connecting things.” Hear more on this idea in Dorie Clark’s 12-minute TEDx Talk called “Finding your breakthrough idea.”
What works for you? Please share!