Reflection #3: "The Innovators Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity"

Now that I have finished reading “The Innovators Mindset” and took several days to ponder, I believe I have captured my largest takeaways from Mr. Couros. Innovation in education is not the technology itself. Innovation in education is teaching based on the individual learner. It is a way of thinking that provides students with learning opportunities that actually stimulates their growth as individuals. Agriculture education in itself is very innovative. Students gain practical hands on knowledge that they will use in their future such as wiring a light bulb or installing a drain pipe. They engage in supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) where they learn about their areas of interest from different people outside the school. Agricultural education gives students a practical, real-life experience. All students should receive some sort of education through agriculture.  

One of George’s eight top things to look for in today’s classroom is giving students a choice (Strength-Based Learning). To truly empower our students we must help them find their true interest/passion and create learning experiences. It is said that “Success builds competence and confidence.” It is much more effective to build our students up and build on top of their strengths. Many teachers in the profession tell their students to try harder……. try harder when they don’t understand a topic or concept. Students are sent home with loads of homework to reinforce concepts that they will never use. It would be much more beneficial if these students spent this time building on their strengths. This has definitely become less of a problem over the past years, and I predict that it will continue to progress.

In chapter eleven, Couros talks about embracing the open culture. In today’s world everyone is connected by their handheld device via social media. Facebook, Twitter, Forums, etc. are great platforms for teachers to share ideas and resources. It is only fair to our students that we continue to connect and learn from other educators. Social media gives us the pathway to find the resources and teaching strategies that will enhance student success.

So how can we be innovative as educators and more specifically agricultural educators? First we need to find what our students are interested in and what they want to do with their futures. This can be extremely difficult for many students who simply do not know what they want or where their interests lie. As educators we need to push our learners to participate in conferences, clinics, and other events. Being an innovative educator may involve obtaining access to herd management software, automotive technician courses, or many other specific tools that will help learners be better prepared for their post high school careers. We as teachers need to take the time and determine what the best path to success is for each student.

“The Innovators Mindset” has been a great read. I have and will continue to reflect on what I can apply to my future classroom. Although this book is geared towards an administrative audience, there is so much I can take away as a future educator. This is a book that I will keep in my arsenal for the rest of my teaching career.