Mindset for innovation

Review the “Critical Questions for Educators” in Chapter 2.  Why are these important to understand those we serve in education?  What other questions would you ask?

How do you embody the characteristics of the Innovator’s Mindset?



Part one of the Innovator's Mindset is directed toward classroom educators, but as I went back and looked at everything I highlighted, it is incredibly relevant to anyone anywhere that wants to create productive change. I work for a university and I am immersed in the molding of an improved equine sciences program. Part of my job is teaching students about working with horses, but there is an astonishing amount of innovation that needs to happen to get from where we are now to where we want to be. "Innovate or die." My elephant has been motivated.

I used the critical questions for educators to think about where we are now as an institution and where we want to be. Students won't sign up or stay in new classes if they don't address passions and what is best for furthering a student's journey with horses. Horses are so sensitive to intention and energy that it is essential that our barn classrooms are places of positive energy and learning without judgement. Horses also require strong leadership. Many people that I have taught have never held a leadership role in their lives. Something that I do well is relinquishing control of a situation. I guide, I mold, but I do not dictate. Students must be empowered to lead their horses. It is their journey and they are in charge of it. One of the beautiful things about teaching electives and extracurriculars is that students arrive wanting to learn and it is quite easy for them to set goals for themselves. It is always important that I prioritize safety, but after that it is all about giving students tools and a safe place to make mistakes. I can add to my own toolbox by watching students come up with their own techniques and watching them learn with the horses. To me, this fosters a learning community.

"The role of the teacher is to inspire learning and develop skills and mindsets of learners." My job is to teach students to learn from horses and to teach developing horses to learn from people. My students must be humble enough to learn from an animal and my horses must be sure enough of themselves to learn more from people. I set my students up for success with challenging but possible tasks and watch how they set the horse up for success to accomplish those things. When mistakes are made I remind students that supposed failure is actually where growth occurs.

I would ask; how does this student feel about my class? Attitudes are so important, and while ultimately I can't be entirely responsible for someone else's attitude, I can help to shape it. Probably, if I address a student's passion and what is best for them they will have a positive attitude about the class, but potentially not. This question adds another layer and I feel as though it is prudent to ask.

On to week 3!