DirectInstruction2.0

With the tools and techniques available to us today, we should be able to deliver direct instruction far better. Start with a big, bright Interactive Whiteboard, they're all the rage in schools these days. Design some slick slides. Use a technique or two  to help the kids retain your content. Pace it like a Pecha Kucha. The students minds (blank slates) should be filled up in half the time! That'll save plenty of time to work on the obesity epidemic!

Conditions for Innovation - David Gilmour

Just saw this article linked in John Connell's blog and had to post David's "Conditions for Innovation." I'll comment later. I'm especially interested in his stance on long-term planning. For the full article, click here.

 

Transparency: If people see what others do it generates support and peer pressure.
Greenhousing: Innovative ideas often start out as fragile little shoots that need nurturing.
Benefit focus: Keep asking what it is you’re trying to achieve – don’t just tick boxes.
Diversity: Of people, background, experience and outlook. Avoid groups of people who all think the same.
Risk-taking: Recognise risks, watch out for politics, listen to people at the sharp end.
Avoid deficiency models: Telling people they need to be there rather than here does not work.
Mistakes: It has to be all right to say, ‘That didn’t work – let’s try something else.’
Long-term planning: Can’t be done for innovation. Sensible next step is best that can be done. Then look closely at what happens and take another step.