Barriers to Creativity and Innovation in Your Classroom

Part of my personal action plan for 2015 includes listening to more podcasts, especially those hosted by influential educators in my PLN. Today I chose to listen to “Getting Over the Barriers to Creativity and Innovation in the Classroom” (#EdChat Radio, November 20, 2014).

Take 12 minutes to listen to the podcast and then take some action in your classroom.

Try this:

1. Grab a stack of post-it notes and a writing utensil (a sharpie works great).
2. Set a timer for 3 minutes (you can use Google as a timer).
3. Start the timer and write down as many answers to this question as you can think of.

4. Next, set the timer for 2 minutes.
5. Start the timer and sort those post-its into two categories: a) things you can control and b) things you can’t control.

6. Set aside the barriers over which you have no control.
7. Set the timer for 1 minute.
8. Start the timer and sort the post-its containing the items you can control into three groups based on how easy they would be to change: a) easy to change, b) not really easy or difficult, and c) difficult to change.

Now what?

Focus your initial efforts on the things that are easier to change. This will give you an instant feeling of success and progress toward your ultimate goal.  However, don’t forget about the items in the other two categories. Revisit them from time to time and see how they have changed. The difficult items may be easier after you implement some of the easy changes.

Share your list with others. It will help you stay motivated to make the changes you can and may even inspire them to do the same.

Document your progress by reflecting on your blog, in a journal, in your PLN, or here! Post your priorities in the comments below so we can all support you in your efforts to overcome the obstacles to creativity and innovation in your classroom.