I've really enjoyed this book, but this chapter was really powerful. I was impressed with all of the students, but especially the ones who did projects on their own, not for a class or a grade. Share any thoughts that were sparked by this chapter, ideas you might have, student experiences you know of, maybe even an experience that you had.
Next week we will read the next chapter, "Moving Forward." We've only got two more posts left in the book club. Now is the time to catch up on your reading and commenting
It was interesting to read about the projects from the student perspective. It is impressive how they took responsibility for their own learning and incorporated their interests and passions into the projects.
ReplyDeleteI am still trying to think of little ways to incorporate ideas from this book into my classes. I can't turn my math courses into innovation courses, but I can incorporate more student ideas and interests.
I can really see innovation projects like these fitting into extra curricular activities such as student council. We just need to give students the opportunity to express their ideas. Today's rigid standardized curriculum that is so focused on testing stifles student creativity. I know our students could really impress us if we only gave them more opportunities to express their voices.
Education has become so standards based and there is so much focus on standardized tests that it limits many teachers from experiencing some of the freedoms and experiences shared in this book. I often see students who are unmotivated to complete projects and some who do the bare minimum to complete projects. Some parents place more importance on success which externally motivates those students to reach success.
ReplyDeleteAs a math teacher my assignments will require more definition to fit the curriculum than other classes. While I may not be able to create a total innovation class, if I look to the innovation book as a philosophy I can hope to inspire to my students to learn and grow.
As my students have explored their own projects through My Communit, My Vision and the Service Learning Agriculture class, I have found the the key to success is having the students chose a project that aligns with a personal passion. There is a lot of work involved and there are always the inevitable roadblocks to go around. Every project that reached fruition with limited teacher prompting was the result of enthusiasitc ownership on the part of the student. The students that required assistance in chosing a project usually also required more nudging along the way.
ReplyDeleteI think with some creativity, it is possible to use this models of innovation to meet class standards. I heard that one of the reasons charter schools are getting so much attention from the State of Indiana right now is that the DOE would like to see if schools can find more success in a less regulated environment. Perhaps this is that cultural shift towards innovation that we have been waiting for.
Love your comments about personal passion and enthusiastic ownership...I completely agree with you.
DeleteMy favorite story in this chapter was Madeleine's "Learning how to fail" essay. All of us know students like she described herself in high school...maybe some of us were students like she described herself in high school. I believe the key to life-long success is learning how to fail.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, it is important for students to experience some failure while they're still in the supportive environment of high school. Then when they face failure in college, work, or everyday life, they will have the skills to persevere.
Madeleine acknowledged that failure isn't all that fun. She lost friends along the way. However, she gained experience and memories that will help her throughout her life. What a great lesson!
I thought this was an excellent chapter. I loved hearing the students success and failures. I believe failure is not an option but definitely going to happen. I tried to teach my students everyday it is how you bounce back from failure that shows your true colors. I loved the fact that each of the students followed their dreams and heart to become successful.
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