Some Ideas on Innovation in the Classroom

Many people think of innovation in terms of ICT development and use. I just want to point out that innovation is much more than that.

If we want to be really innovative, we need to re-think reality from many different perspectives. It is necessary for teachers to be aware of their students’ needs. It is teachers’ role to try to guide students into discovering their potential as individuals and their possibilities when working collaboratively.

We cannot invent many procedures or strategies, but we can adapt them to achieve new aims.

Nowadays, teachers need to help students to develop critical and creative thinking through problem-solving situations. And these situations should be as real as possible so as to make learning significant.

To be innovative is to be able to challenge students while keeping a balance between support and demand. In this way, teachers can provide a supportive classroom environment for students’ growth. Students will develop assertiveness by trusting their own capabilities and they will have a sense of satisfaction when they reach their goals.

To be innovative is to find new ways to enhance students’ self-discovery. This will result in students’ engagement and self-determination.

One of the most relevant factors is feedback. If teachers expect their students to develop creativity and autonomy, they should provide feedback which is encouraging and positive. Even when they are correcting mistakes, teachers should highlight achievements and value the risk-taking attitudes of their students. This formative assessment is a core element in innovation since students need to be re-directed all throughout the learning process and, in order not to discourage them, teachers should take the role of mentors. They will show the way and stimulate students to reflect and proceed according to their beliefs.

Students need to learn that failure is just a step forward towards success. It is better to try and make a mistake than not to try. A comfortable learning environment of mutual trust between teachers and students will help a lot.