In the present Information age, students need an innovative learning space to succeed in this competitive and complex dynamic world. It is the basis of problem-solving and helps learners to match up to the pace of the complex world around them.
Innovation is not just the use of technology. Instead, it is more about doing things in a new way. It requires high-level problem solving and critical thinking.
Hence, our modern-day education should focus more on relevant skill-building methods as a preparation for the future of the young generations.
Let’s explore how to prepare our young generations to be innovators!
1. Render support to develop creativity and inventiveness
Creativity is one of the most sought-after qualities in the present workforce. Therefore, we must give the students adequate exposure to new and innovative styles of thinking. Arrange for more and more activities that require creative thinking. And teach the kids the importance of being creative.
Encourage out-of-box thinking. And applaud students for their creative flow of ideas. Brainstorming sessions, extempore, reasoning-centric activities, and discussions are ideal to foster creativity in students. Allow students to come up with the most innovative thoughts and ideas. It is also wise to reinforce their efforts with appreciation and rewards. Because this will help in boosting their confidence and will motivate them to think unconventionally.
2. Add elements of creativity in your teaching/interactions
Creativity and innovation in interactions/instructions can be a wonderful way to prepare students to be innovators. You can add creative elements in your teaching (such as visual presentations with graphics etc.) and promote innovative teaching styles. Try to present content/instructions in a manner that are new and interesting for students. Because it will make them more confident about using creativity. And they will gradually start appreciating innovative thought processes in their day-to-day lives.
Today, we are fortunate to live in an Information age where there are numerous ways of delivering instructions. And the best way to add variation to your instructions is by deriving ideas from the teaching styles of top educators. Try to add dimensions of online/blended learning in your teaching. And introduce online presentations, podcasts, audio lectures, virtual discussions, and other similar technology-based activities in your everyday teaching. It is not just a great way to sharpen your digital skills. It will also make your students more tech-savvy and hands-on with technology.
3. Encourage Hands-on activities
To nurture innovative thinking, it is important to encourage a curious and questioning mind and allow more hands-on activities. Instead of directly answering questions that flow out of their inquisitive mind. Let them derive conclusions on their own. The inquiry approach will help in fostering their creativity. And at the same time, it will add value and joy to their learning. Revision through puzzles, life science activities like sky exploration to understand space science, sowing seeds to understand germination, and comprehending chemical compositions through experiments are perfect to develop conceptual understanding. And it is also the right way to strengthen their learning for better retention rates.
Try more of these activities and encourage them to come up with more innovative ideas. You can also make use of the collaborative approach to teaching. Because peer tutoring also helps in nurturing innovation and curiosity in students.
4. Nurture skillsets through activities
Problem-solving, critical thinking, imagination, and creativity are essential to prepare students to be innovators. Nurture these skill sets in students through an innovation-friendly culture and skill enhancing activities in the classroom. And make sure that the learning environment is positive and welcoming for each student at all times.
Try to add activities that foster new-age skill-building in students. Because these skillsets will eventually help them to be innovators in the end.
5. Allow flexibility
Flexibility also helps in driving innovative thinking patterns. Because students who are independent to study within their flexible schedules become think like innovators and creators. As these students do not limit themselves to boundaries, they explore the best opportunities through virtues like critical thinking and problem-solving.
You must create an innovative learning space for the students. And help them to be active learners to thrive better. This will help them to apply acquired skills and knowledge in the best possible manner. And eventually, they will be able to enhance their creative skills. Another benefit of flexible learning schedules is that students can get personalized instructions. This means that they can grasp concepts, strengthen understanding and explore new ways of doing things in a positive and independent learning environment.
6. Create new opportunities
Another way of promoting innovation in students is by creating new opportunities for them. We all know that learning can take place outside the four walls of a school. Hence, try to create new opportunities for the students to think critically.
Let the students participate in campaigns, drives, social work, and even leisure activities. Allow them to introspect things through varied perspectives. And ask them their opinion about any rampant issue/challenge or scenario. Let them add their inputs as to how they would handle a similar situation if they face it. And add your inputs and solutions to any missing aspects.
Participating in community work/activities can give them a lot of real-life exposure. And in this way, they will be able to understand the challenges around them and contribute towards the greater good of the society later on through their advanced skillsets.
Final thoughts
Modern-day education and it’s aims are not confined to just the inculcation of fundamental literacy skills. Today students need to possess technological literacy, and high-order thinking skills in order to succeed in the global workforce. Our efforts can help our new generations to be innovators and critical thinkers from an early age. So, go ahead and incorporate these ideas. And see how your young innovators amaze you with their exceptional skill sets and out of box ideas.
