http://www.teach42.com/2007/04/20/is-there-space-in-your-classroom-for-innovation/ Education and Technology by Steve Dembo Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:05:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://www.teach42.com/2007/04/20/is-there-space-in-your-classroom-for-innovation/comment-page-1/#comment-66383 Ray Sun, 22 Apr 2007 15:56:19 +0000 http://www.teach42.com/2007/04/20/is-there-space-in-your-classroom-for-innovation/#comment-66383 In response to Kern and Steve, I think that students are told what to do too often. In my experiences as an educator, I believe from elementary to high school you will find over 90% of your students searching for step-by-step instruction. What is ironic about this scenario is that as an Art and Technology Educator, I was never one to fall into this category as a student, and as an educator I constantly search out ways to create open-ended projects for my students. Creativity in our students is underestimated and often not celebrated enough. I myself encourage students to seek unique innovative ways to communicate their ideas, as well as meet the objectives of their assignments. Balancing these two very important ideas takes time and effort, but in a world with increasingly competitive creative thought and design, we as educators must meet this difficult challenge. In response to Kern and Steve, I think that students are told what to do too often. In my experiences as an educator, I believe from elementary to high school you will find over 90% of your students searching for step-by-step instruction. What is ironic about this scenario is that as an Art and Technology Educator, I was never one to fall into this category as a student, and as an educator I constantly search out ways to create open-ended projects for my students. Creativity in our students is underestimated and often not celebrated enough. I myself encourage students to seek unique innovative ways to communicate their ideas, as well as meet the objectives of their assignments. Balancing these two very important ideas takes time and effort, but in a world with increasingly competitive creative thought and design, we as educators must meet this difficult challenge.

]]> http://www.teach42.com/2007/04/20/is-there-space-in-your-classroom-for-innovation/comment-page-1/#comment-66338 Kern Kelley Sun, 22 Apr 2007 06:11:03 +0000 http://www.teach42.com/2007/04/20/is-there-space-in-your-classroom-for-innovation/#comment-66338 Yes, Yes, Yes! The first day in my high school class I ask the students what it is they want to create - and that's their project for the class. The content is from all kinds of sources (English class, social studies, personal interest, etc) but the way the student shows off their 'stuff' is up to them. Some (usually freshman) still want to be told what to do. One student looked at me and said, "I've never not be told exactly what to do." He had a really hard time coming up with an initial project, but now nearing the end of the year, has more than he can handle. Yes, Yes, Yes! The first day in my high school class I ask the students what it is they want to create – and that’s their project for the class. The content is from all kinds of sources (English class, social studies, personal interest, etc) but the way the student shows off their ‘stuff’ is up to them. Some (usually freshman) still want to be told what to do. One student looked at me and said, “I’ve never not be told exactly what to do.” He had a really hard time coming up with an initial project, but now nearing the end of the year, has more than he can handle.

]]> http://www.teach42.com/2007/04/20/is-there-space-in-your-classroom-for-innovation/comment-page-1/#comment-66318 Andrew Pass Sun, 22 Apr 2007 01:08:03 +0000 http://www.teach42.com/2007/04/20/is-there-space-in-your-classroom-for-innovation/#comment-66318 Steve, When I was taking courses for my doctorate one of my teachers explained that the job of a school principal is to make it possible for others to have a very interesting job. She meant that teachers have a very interesting job. I don't think she was correct. I'd say that the job of a school teacher is to make it possible for others to have a very interesting job. I couldn't agree more with your post. Steve, When I was taking courses for my doctorate one of my teachers explained that the job of a school principal is to make it possible for others to have a very interesting job. She meant that teachers have a very interesting job. I don’t think she was correct. I’d say that the job of a school teacher is to make it possible for others to have a very interesting job. I couldn’t agree more with your post.

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