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The Innovator's Mindset. 1,828 likes · 29 talking about this. This is page for people to discuss the book, "The Innovator's Mindset; Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity".

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Have you heard of "The Innovator's Mindset" MOOC, happening over a six week period? This awesome opportunity will begin on September 17, 2016 and finish at the end of October (although the learning will continue long after that). George Couros is the author of The Innovator's Mindset, and this FREE professional learning opportunity (well, you'll need the book) is going to be packed with educators from around the world sharing ideas and talking about innovation.

Currently, the team is planning some YouTube Live sessions that will happen on the weekends (either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), but if you miss it, do not worry, as they will all be recorded and posted on the #IMMOOC Blog. We will talk to diverse educators and hear about their experiences, thoughts on innovation and the book, as well as how they learn, lead and inspire students. The goal of the MOOC and the book is to not only give practical advice, but to also inspire and develop leadership.

Facilitating this process will be the great Katie Martin (follow her on Twitter at@KatieMTLC) who is a leader in the area of innovation. Although there will be some great educators to learn from, the point of this process is to amplify YOUR voices. We want our participants to share their learning and connect with this group and other educators.

We invite you to share your learning in a variety of ways:

We have created these spaces, yet we do not want you to be limited to only these platforms. You are more than welcome to create your own spaces that support the MOOC and your own learning. We want groups developed within the groups that serve your needs. Google Plus groups, Voxer groups, Myspace pages (is that a thing?); whatever works best for you. We want to inspire you to create, build, learn and innovate within these communities.
Here are the things that we suggest you do to participate:
If you have all of these things already, awesome!

Every week there will be some discussion and specific prompts for your deepen your thinking and explore new ideas and opportunities based on topics shared in the book.

So what are the benefits of this?

There is no badges or credit for this program. This is for your growth and will hopefully help you develop a network of like-minded innovators that can take your learning, teaching, and leadership to the next level. Isn't that why we are all here? To become better at what we do?
Here is the tentative schedule:
Each week, we will send out a reminder to participants of when we will have the YouTube Live event, but as stated earlier, you do not have to attend live.

So to get you started before we do anything, here is a quick prompt for you:
Why is "innovation" so crucial in education? What impact do you see it having on our students and ourselves long term?
Share your blogs, podcasts, videos, artwork, whatever, to the hashtag #IMMOOC and the Facebook group, as well as any other community spaces.

Thank you for your participation! If you have any ideas or suggestions, please write them in the comments of this blog post.

We look forward to having you join us!
(P.S. If you are reading this blog and haven't signed up for this yet, please do so here.)

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The #InnovatorsMindset MOOC Starting Soon! #IMMOOC

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Have you heard of "The Innovator's Mindset" MOOC, happening over a six week period? This awesome opportunity will begin on September 17, 2016 and finish at the end of October (although the learning will continue long after that).

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The Innovator's Mindset: book review by Paul McGuire

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The Innovator's Mindset: book review by Paul McGuire

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I have been a big fan of George Couros for a long time. I love his spirit and how he inspires people. Now he has a book out - The Innovator's Mindset (Dave Burgess Consulting...

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8 Characteristics of the Innovator's Mindset

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8 Characteristics of the Innovator's Mindset

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IRDG (Industry Research & Development Group)

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8 Characteristics of the Innovators Mindset

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Empathetic, Problem Finders, Risk-Takers, Networked, Observant, Creators, Resilient, Reflective. Check out the interesting graphic to accompany these!

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The Innovator's Mindset: a book review by Seth Godin

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The Innovator's Mindset: a book review by Seth Godin

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Change almost never fails because it's too early.
It almost always fails because it's too late.

"Innovation" is a word that is used often in education, but often without much thought of what it truly means for educators and learning. In my work with CPCO, we have focused on the idea of innovation being more about "mindset" than "skill set," and with change being the only constant in our world, and happening at a pace more rapidly than ever before, leaders need to not only be comfortable with change, they have to embrace it. Through this process, leadership will also be essential in creating the conditions where meaningful change is embraced by those that we serve.

In this extract from my book, The Innovator's Mindset; Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity, I discuss why "growth" can no longer be optional in our schools.

A historic tour of a Blockbuster store offers visitors a glimpse into the hardships of people who lived in the era of video stores. In a revealing video on YouTube, reporters from The Onion interview period actors who explain that people once travelled great distances (sometimes six miles each way!) to rent and return movies. These poor souls lived in terror of never knowing if the movie they wanted would even be available!

The Onion's video, of course, is a satirical look at a company that tried to continue operating as if the Internet didn't exist. It was only a few years ago that video-rental stores, like Blockbuster, were the best way for people to watch movies in the comfort of their own home. In some places around the world, these stores still exist. But in the western world, cheaper and more convenient options (no travel required) have put most neighbourhood video stores out of business.

The Internet completely changed the movie rental industry. Companies that took advantage of new technology, like Netflix with its DVD-by-mail and online streaming options, are thriving. Meanwhile companies that refuse to let go of outdated business models, like Blockbuster, experience a slow, painful death.

Blockbuster had the opportunity to buy Netflix a few times, but declined ¹. And by the time it attempted to start its own DVD-by-mail program, the company had lost its place as an in an industry leader. The hard lesson that Blockbuster and its fellow neighbourhood movie rental businesses failed to heed is this: innovate or die.
Defining Innovation
"Innovation" is a common term in many educational circles today. But what does it actually mean - especially in the terms of education?

In my book, The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity, I define innovation as: a way of thinking that creates something new and better. Innovation can come from either "invention" (something totally new), or "iteration" (a change on something that already exists), but if it does not meet the idea of "new and better," it is not innovative. That means that change for the sake of change is never good enough. Neither is using innovation as a buzzword, as many organizations do, to appear current or relevant.

Note, too, that I say innovation is a way of thinking. It is a way of considering concepts, processes and potential outcomes; it is not a thing, task or even, technology. As Carl Bass, CEO of Autodesk, explains in his TEDx talk, The New Rules of Innovation, "Innovation is the process by which we change the world ... It's the practical application of ideas and technologies to make new and better things." ²

So, although many organizations approach innovation as if the word is synonymous with technology, it isn't. Technology can be crucial in the development of innovative organizations, but innovation is less about tools, like computers, tablets, social media and the Internet, and more about how we use these things.

Another word that is often used interchangeably with innovation is transformation, which is really more about dramatically altering the work educators do. Although I can see why some administrators are calling for transformation, the truth is innovation - in our thinking as individuals and organizations - is within easy reach; no dramatic shifts required. Katie Martin, Director of Professional Learning at the University of San Diego Mobile Technology Learning Centre, eloquently explains the importance of leadership in developing an innovative mindset: ³
There is no substitute for a teacher who designs authentic, participatory, and relevant learning experiences for her unique population of students. The role of the teacher is to inspire learning and develop skills and mindsets of learners. A teacher, as designer and facilitator, should continually evolve with resources, experiences and the support of a community. It is becoming increasingly clear that we don't necessarily need to transform the role of teachers, rather create a culture that inspires and empowers teachers to innovate in the pursuit of providing optimal learning experiences for their students.
Establishing an innovative culture doesn't require transformation. However, it does require leaders who will develop and sustain systems that support "optimal learning experiences" and who value the process of creating and refining ideas.
A Constant Opportunity for Growth
One of John Maxwell's famous quotes is, "Change is inevitable. Growth is optional." In many respects, that sentiment is true. We choose whether or not we will grow, change or innovate. But in schools, where we focus on our students as the future, growth can no longer be simply an option.

Change is an opportunity to do something amazing. Perhaps, the great thing we can do is make growth mandatory - for ourselves as educators, as well as for our students. That is how we can truly serve our children.

Education cannot become the new Blockbuster, where we refuse to embrace the new, in hopes that the old ways will suffice. In a world that constantly changes, if our focus is to only maintain what's already been done, we are bound to become worse. The innovator's mindset is necessary for all of us, if schools are to move forward.

" Epic Fail: How Blockbuster Could Have Owned Netflix", November 12, 2013.
2 Bass, Carl. " The New Rules of Innovation", February, 2012. 3 Martin, Katie. " Creating a Culture of Innovation versus Transformation", June 10, 2015.

Bio: George Couros is a leading educator in the area of innovative leadership, teaching and learning. He has worked with all levels of school-from K to Grade 12- as a teacher and technology facilitator, school and district administrator. He is the author of the book " The Innovator's Mindset; Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity". He is a sought-after speaker on the topic of innovative student learning and engagement, and has worked with schools and organizations around the globe. George is also the creator of Connected Principals.com, an initiative that brings together educators and leaders from around the world to create powerful learning opportunities for students.

Although George is a leader in the area of innovation, his focus is always on the development of leadership and people, and what is best for learners. His belief that meaningful change happens when you first connect to people's hearts is modelled in his writing and speaking.

You can connect with George on his blog, "The Principal of Change" or through Twitter.

Subscribe to our blog for the latest updates and weekly posts.

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The Innovator's Mindset - Catholic Principals' Council | Ontario

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Change almost never fails because it's too early. It almost always fails because it's too late. "Innovation" is a word that is used often in education, but often without much thought of what it truly means for educators and learning.

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The Top 8 Professional Reads for Educators 2016 (plus more) by Mr. Kemp

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The Top 8 Professional Reads for Educators 2016 (plus more) by Mr. Kemp

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After sending out a survey over the space of 2 weeks on Twitter and through other Social Media Platforms, we had 258 book suggestions from 123 educators from 13 different countries around the world, spanning several continents and every corner of the globe. The global reach here has magnificent and the professional reading shared was detailed and diverse. I know you are going to love this list and be totally inspired by it.

Summer is almost here (for those in the Northern Hemisphere). If you are like most educators, this is your time to rest, relax and for many, delve into some professional reading and learn about all those exciting strategies and resources that will reinvigorate learning in your classroom when you return after the break.

After the suggestions were tallied these are the top 8 reads for educators that you simply can not miss.
1. The Innovators Mindset by George Couros
In ' The Innovators Mindset', George Couros encourages teachers and administrators to empower their learners to wonder, to explore-and to become forward-thinking leaders. If we want innovative students, we need innovative educators. In other words, innovation begins with you. Ultimately, innovation is not about a skill set but about mindset. There is a reason why this is your number 1 book for this summer. Get your copy today and make the most of your summer vacation!
2. Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess
Based on Dave Burgess's popular "Outrageous Teaching" and "Teach Like a PIRATE" seminars, this book offers inspiration, practical techniques, and innovative ideas that will help you to increase student engagement, boost your creativity, and transform your life as an educator. This groundbreaking inspirational manifesto contains over 30 hooks specially designed to captivate your class and 170 brainstorming questions that will skyrocket your creativity. Once you learn the Teach Like a PIRATE system, you'll never look at your role as an educator the same again. Add this to your summer reading list now!
3. Drive by Daniel Pink
The New York Times bestseller that gives readers a paradigm-shattering new way to think about motivation. Drawing on four decades of scientific research on human motivation, Pink exposes the mismatch between what science knows and what business does-and how that affects every aspect of life. He examines the three elements of true motivation-autonomy, mastery, and purpose-and offers smart and surprising techniques for putting these into action in a unique book that will change how we think and transform how we live. This has perfect links into the Education paradigm and was your number 3 voted book to read over the summer. This is one of the ones on the top of my amazon list!
4. Creative Schools by Ken Robinson
Ken Robinson is one of the world's most influential voices in education, and his 2006 TED Talk on the subject is the most viewed in the organization's history. Now, the internationally recognized leader on creativity and human potential focuses on one of the most critical issues of our time: how to transform the globe's troubled educational system. Filled with anecdotes, observations and recommendations from professionals on the front line of transformative education, case histories, and groundbreaking research-and written with Robinson's trademark wit and engaging style- Creative Schools will inspire teachers, parents, and policy makers alike to rethink the real nature and purpose of education. Add this to your staff's list of must read books for the break!
5. The Power of Inquiry by Kath Murdoch
Kath Murdoch is known around the globe as one of the leading voices in inquiry learning (and one of my favorites). The Power of Inquiry is an inspiring and comprehensive guide to the implementation of quality inquiry practices in the contemporary classroom. Organized around ten essential questions, each chapter provides both a theoretical and practical overview of the elements that combine to create learning environments rich in purpose and passion. After my many online conversations with Kath and utilizing her model of inquiry in classrooms for years, this is a read that I can guarantee will influence your teaching.
6. Ditch That Textbook by Matt Miller
I love engaging with educators that have their 'foot in the door' when it comes to Education and Matt Miller is that guy! I love his work and always keep a close eye on his Social Media shares. In this book, Matt shows you how to choose and incorporate teaching practices that are:

Different from what students see daily.

Innovative, drawing on new ideas or modifying others' ideas.

Tech-laden with the use of digital sites, tools and devices.

Creative, tapping into students' original ideas as well as your own.

Hands-on, encouraging students to make and try things on their own.

Packed with practical advice, specific recommendations for tools, and the encouragement you need to revolutionize your classes, Ditch That Textbook will inspire you to create relevant teaching that gets student buy-in so they'll enjoy learning.
7. 50 Ways to Use Google Classroom by Alice Keeler
Alice Keeler is one of those Educators that you just can't help but be inspired by. For me, Alice is one of those people who constantly inspires me through EVERYTHING that she does! In 50 Things You Can Do with Google Classroom, Keeler and Miller shorten the learning curve by providing a thorough overview of the Google Classroom App. Part of Google Apps for Education (GAfE), Google Classroom was specifically designed to help teachers save time by streamlining the process of going digital. Complete with screenshots, 50 Things You Can Do with Google Classroom provides ideas and step-by-step instruction to help teachers implement this powerful tool. If you are a Google school or plan to be, then this is the summer text for you and your colleagues!
8. Creating Innovators by Tony Wagner
In this book, education expert Tony Wagner provides a powerful rationale for developing an innovation-driven economy. He explores what parents, teachers, and employers must do to develop the capacities of young people to become innovators. Creating Innovators features its own innovative elements: more than sixty original videos that expand on key ideas in the book through interviews with young innovators, teachers, writers, CEOs, and entrepreneurs, including Thomas Friedman, Dean Kamen, and Annmarie Neal. Produced by filmmaker Robert A. Compton, the videos are embedded into the ebook edition in video-enabled eReaders and accessible in this print edition via QR codes placed throughout the chapters or via www.creatinginnovators.com. Definitely, a highly recommended text to look at over your break.

An important note, and in my mind the 9th entry on this list, is the shift away from written texts and the movement towards using hashtags that many of you pointed out. I know I use hashtags for the majority of my professional learning and Twitter Chats offer a fantastic way to get involved.

So after being inspired by the potential of these top 8 books (as voted by you), some people are still sitting here wishing for more. Don't worry, I don't disappoint! I have it for you ....

For more of your favorite edu-reads follow this link where I have collated all responses to the survey. Click here to read more about the almost 100 other edu-reads recommended for you to check out over the summer (and into the new school year).

To celebrate the number 1 book (as voted by you), George Couros is going to be giving away 3 copies of his book "The Innovator's Mindset". All you have to do is Tweet out the reason you deserve a FREE copy of George's book and tag myself (@mrkempnz) and George (@gcouros) into your tweet along with the link to this blog post. All tweets will go into the draw and must be received by Thursday 16 June 2016 at 8.30pm and on Thursday 16 June 2016 at 9pm, EST we will randomly draw our 3 winners and announce them on Twitter. You have got to be in it to win it so get tweeting now!

Back to the books ......

Instead of spreading yourself too thin, pick one or two of these books, lock in some time to read and learn and as you read, share your experiences through Social Media or even blog about it. Be sure to tag me in so I can hear your thoughts and share them out to the "Edu-World".

Have a fantastic Summer Vacation for those of you in the Northern Hemisphere, and for those of you are mid-year and still working away to inspire the leaders of tomorrow, thank you for everything you do! Enjoy your time and I look forward to hearing from you all soon!

Craig Kemp

I am a passionate Head of Educational Technology at a large International School in Singapore. I am a lifelong learner, dream creator and thought leader. I love to inspire others and find inspiration. Co-founder of #whatisschool, #asiaED edchats and #pubPD.

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The Top 8 Professional Reads for Educators 2016 (plus more)

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After sending out a survey over the space of 2 weeks on Twitter and through other Social Media Platforms, we had 258 book suggestions from 123 educators from 13 different countries around the world, spanning several continents and every corner of the globe.

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Developing "The Innovator's Mindset" (Video)

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Developing "The Innovator's Mindset" (Video)

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Developing "The Innovator's Mindset"; The Connection Between Innovation and Being an Artist

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In this video prepared for #connectivity17, George Couros discusses "The Innovator's Mindset", what it is, and how to develop a culture of innovation. Links: The Innovator's Mindset (the book) - http://bit.do/timgc Blogs as Portfolios - http://georgecouros.ca/blog/presentation-resources/resources-on-blogs-as-digital-portfolios School vs Learning - http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/4974 Identity Day - https://www.diigo.com/list/gcouros/Identity-Day

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Podcast 605: The Innovator’s Mindset with George Couros

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Podcast 605: The Innovator’s Mindset with George Couros

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I happen to have been in the Amazon Bookstore in La Jolla, CA. Yes, literally they have a bookstore. I intuitively got a hunch about this book that was on an endcap display. The author is George Couros and the title of the book is " The Innovator's Mindset-Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity " I knew when I saw the book that I needed to interview the author, so I reached out to George and he gracefully accepted my invitation.

George is an educator with a passion for helping teachers transform their classrooms into creativity and innovation think tanks. George believes that we need to prepare our kids for jobs that don't yet exist, and with that mission he became the Division Principal of Innovative Thinking and Learning.

George understand that we need to shift the young minds from that of a fixed mindset to that of a growth mindset, then to that of the innovator's mindset. The innovator's mindset take the growth mindset a step further by focusing on using one's ability to learn to play the piano but to create music. The innovator's mindset can be defined as the belief that the abilities, intelligence, and the talents are developed so that they lead to the creation of new and better ideas.

This book has not only been written for educators, but for anyone who is attempting to create a culture of innovation and creativity. I highly recommend reading George's book " The Innovator's Mindset". If you want to learn more about George and his passions please visit his website by clicking here. I hope you enjoy this wonderful interview with George Couros the author of " The Innovator's Mindset ".

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I happen to have been in the Amazon Bookstore in La Jolla, CA. Yes, literally they have a bookstore. I intuitively got a hunch about this book that was on an endcap display.

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The Innovator’s Mindset: A book review by Bob Morris

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The Innovator’s Mindset: A book review by Bob Morris

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The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity
George Couros
Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. (2015)

"We don't grow into creativity, we grow out of it. Or rather, we get educated out if it." Sir Kenneth Robinson
As you may already know, Robinson's presentation, " Do schools kill creativity? " is the most popular of all TED videos, with 37,824,635 total views thus far. Presumably George Couros agrees with Robinson that many (if not most) schools kill the development of their students' creative thinking and the mindset responsible for that systemic process now controls it and resists change.

In Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, Carol Dweck observes, "In a growth mindset, students understand that their talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching, and persistence. They don't necessarily think everyone's the same or anyone can be Einstein, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it." When concluding The Myths of Creativity: The Truth About How Innovative Companies and People Generate Great Ideas, David Burkus discusses the "Mousetrap Myth," suggesting that it "is perhaps the most stifling to innovation because it doesn't concern generating ideas. Rather, it affects how ideas are implemented. It's not enough for an organization to have creative people; it has to develop a culture that doesn't reject great ideas...Leaders need to get better at counteracting their own bias and recognizing innovations sooner. We don't just need more great ideas; we need to spread the great ideas we already have."

With only minor modification, most of the material in The Innovator's Mindset is as relevant to a workplace environment as it is to an academic environment. According to Couros, "The growth mindset is crucial to one's openness to learning. But to change education and prepare students for their futures, we need to adopt an innovator's mindset for ourselves and instill this mindset in our students. We must focus on creating something with the knowledge that's been acquired." Substitute "workers" for "students." Peter Senge is a staunch and eloquent advocate for the total learning organization. He probably had corporations in mind but all of his insights could also be applied to schools, colleges, and universities.

These are among the several dozen passages of greatest interest and value to me, also listed to suggest the scope of Couros's coverage in Parts I and II (Chapters 1-7):

o Introduction (Pages 1-10)
o Defining Innovation, and, Innovation Starts with a Question (19-22)
o Open Innovation Learning (22-23)
o Adopt an Innovator's Mindset (32-36)
o Critical Questions for the Innovative Educator (39-41)
o The 8 Characteristics of the Innovator's Mindset (48-58)
o The Power to Kill Innovation (70-71)
o The Power of "No" versus a Culture of "Yes (72-73)
o Disrupt Your Routine (82-84)
o Master Learner, Innovative Leader (86-88)
o The Characteristics of an Innovative Leader (88-90)
o A Culture of Empowerment (97-99)
o 8 [Occurences, Habits, Customs, etc.] to Look for in Today's Classroom (111-115)

Whatever and wherever the given circumstances may be, the challenge remains the same for everyone involved: create an environment within which creative thinking is most likely to thrive. Organizations need innovative governance, leadership, and management. That is as true of each elementary school in an inner city such as Detroit as it is of a Fortune 50 company such as General Motors. George Couros has identified eight crucial characteristics that are necessary for an innovator's mindset, not only for teachers but also for everyone involved in education. And I presume to add, not only for C-level executives but for others at all levels and in all areas of operation.

Many of those who read this book and feel motivated to empower learning, unleash talent, and (perhaps) lead a culture of creativity may hesitate because of doubts about what can be accomplished. I urge them to remember what Margaret Mead once observed: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

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The Innovator's Mindset: A book review by Bob Morris

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The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity George Couros Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc. (2015) "We don't grow into creativity, we grow out of it. Or rather, we get educated out if it." Sir Kenneth Robinson As you may already know, Robinson's presentation, " Do schools kill creativity?

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The Innovator’s Mindset: A book review by Stacey Wallwin

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The Innovator’s Mindset: A book review by Stacey Wallwin

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I was excited to pick up The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros (@gcouros) for two reasons. 1) As an educator I have heard the use of the word #innovation more and more and as a Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching Contact I feel it is my job to support innovation in our classrooms. 2) I also wanted to read the book because I have had the opportunity to meet and listen to George on several occasions and his message  always resonated with me.

Full disclosure. The idea of having an “Innovator’s Mindset” and being “innovative” scared me. I have the opportunity to work with some wickedly smart, wildly creative and truly innovative people and I can admit that I am none of those.  As someone who moves from one post-it note to do list to the other being innovative seemed like something I could never achieve.  I don’t have the creativity or personal space to be innovative so how I could I model it? I could only help and support others in their innovative ideas. Then I read this book and it spoke to the heart of who I am as a person and as an educator and so maybe, just maybe, I can be innovative in my own way.

It turns out my definition of being innovative had been wrong. My ah-ha moment:

“Having empathy for those we serve” (Couros 38)…..what a powerful way to frame the thinking of having an innovator’s mindset. By meeting the unique needs of all our learners we are, each in our own way, being innovative. My mindset immediately flipped.

Being innovative is much more than using the latest technology to create learning opportunities that have never been created before. It is about empowering our learners, meeting their unique needs, accessing the tools available to us and developing relationships. It is about modeling the learning we want to see.  By getting to really know our learners, we get to know ourselves as educators. To be truly innovative is to truly know our learners and in the end it is all about the learner.

George’s strengths as an author are much the same as his keynote ability: he can relate to people. He has a special talent for connecting with his audience on both a personal and professional level. Whether he is sharing stories of his family, his classroom and leadership experience or the innovative stories of his colleagues the result is the same; he connects to his audience and ignites within them the spark to empower themselves and others.

If you are in a position of leadership, if you are in a position to change the culture of your organization or you are an educator who simply wants to provide the best learning opportunities for your students, I highly recommend this book.

Click here for my learning while reading the The Innovator’s Mindset.

If you wish to be a part of The Innovator’s Mindset book study, educators from across the globe will be participating in a four week long discussion regarding innovation in education.

To join  the book study click here. Hope to “see” you there!

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An Interview With George Couros About "The Innovator's Mindset"

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Education Week - Reinventing K-12 Learning

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One of the hottest new education books is The Innovator's Mindset by my friend George Couros, a division principal of Teaching and Learning with Parkland School Division, located in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada. He's also a highly-sought- after teaching, learning, and leadership consultant. I caught up with George recently to talk about his book
Q: What was your motivation in writing "The Innovator's Mindset"?
A: "Innovation" in education is in danger of becoming a buzzword because we use it without really thinking about what it means and what it can look like in our schools today. The other trend that I have seen lately is that "innovation" is just used to replace the world "technology," and it can be so much more than that. Ultimately what the word really is about in education is creating new and better ways of learning, which is something educators should all get behind. I wanted this to be more than an education book though, and really something that made connections through telling stories, because that is what helps people move forward. If I can help more educators see themselves as innovators, and help them embrace this mindset, our students will not only have better opportunities in learning, but we as educators will find opportunities for ourselves that are more rewarding. This book is meant to empower people to embrace change and the opportunities that are in front of us.
Q: Who do you see as the primary audience for the book?
A: What I am hoping is that this book really reaches leaders, but when I use that term, I am not reserving it for administrators, but any educator that sees the need for creating something new and better for our students. It is meant to not only help see change as something we embrace and model ourselves, but help create the foundation where change is more likely to happen with others. I try to weave in and out between ideas for leadership and things that can happen in the classroom, because I truly believe that every educator has the potential to be a leader and make a difference on a larger scale, no matter their title.
Q: Why do you think it is important for educators to focus on innovation?
A: If you look at organizations around the world, if they do not innovate they die. Blockbuster actually had the opportunity to buy Netflix but the thinking was that they were good with their current business model, and obviously ended up losing an opportunity to become a truly global organization. Yet many people believe that innovation is for someone else, not our own organizations. If school stays the same while the rest of the world changes, people are going to either find or create something better for our kids. My parents saw education and school as a way to something better, because it was vastly different than what they experienced. I want to continue to make sure that we support this idea and develop not only our students as innovators, but also our educators. We cannot expect our students to become innovative, if we do not create the opportunities for them to do this within the context of school.
Q: Is this more of a mindset for upper grades or is this something that we need to do in K-12?
A: This meant for any level of educator. I share stories of educators from kindergarten to high school who are really trying to challenge the traditional notion of school and develop something better. What my hope is in this book is that we move from "pockets" of innovation, to a "culture" of innovation. These stories should not be the outliers, but should become the norm. If we don't see this as a whole system emphasis, we will spend more time trying to catch up as opposed to moving forward. Innovation has no age barrier, and as discussed in the book, it is about a way of thinking more than anything, that can be a part of what we do at all levels.
Q: As a school and district leader, how would you recommend that educators use this book to engage their schools and communities in a constructive dialogue regarding change?
A: One of the things that I wanted to do is model innovation, even in writing the book. Often authors will provide some type of guide, but I wanted it to be a living and breathing opportunity for not only others to discuss this at their school, but to also be a part of the conversation as the author. By using things like the hashtag #innovatorsmindset , and also creating a list of resources for each chapter on my blog to continue discussion , as well as a Facebook page for the book , I am hoping that I can learn alongside readers. There are also questions at the end of each chapter tmeant to spark conversation and push the idea of innovation in teaching, learning, and leadership within each school. I did not want to write a book that told people how to become an innovative school, because that is the exact opposite of the idea. It is meant to push conversations forward, while also providing ideas and inspiration for schools to become places where creativity flourishes. This will only happen if this book becomes the start to a conversation, not the end of it.
Q: What was your biggest takeaway from writing this book?
A: One of the things that I talk about in the book is the idea of networks being crucial to innovation. As I was writing, I realized how much I have learned from connecting with others and blogging about my learning over the last six years. Stories can truly become the fuel for innovation, and my thinking has been pushed by so many across the world that share their experiences with others. I know that this is not a book I could have written six years ago because my thinking then was isolated, honestly, because I chose it to be that way. One of my favourite quotes is from Linus Pauling who says, "The best way to have a good idea is to have a lot of ideas." This book would not have been possible without the connections to so many amazing educators to which I am truly grateful.

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An Interview With George Couros About "The Innovator's Mindset"

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One of the hottest new education books is The Innovator's Mindset by my friend George Couros, a division principal of Teaching and Learning with Parkland School Division, located in Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada. He's also a highly-sought- after teaching, learning, and leadership consultant.

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FOSTERING AN INNOVATOR’S MINDSET WITH GEORGE COUROS

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FOSTERING AN INNOVATOR’S MINDSET WITH GEORGE COUROS

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The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros

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The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros

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George Couros is a leading educator in the area of innovative leadership, teaching, and learning. He has worked with all levels of school, from K-12 as a teacher and technology facilitator and as a school and district administrator. He is a sought after speaker on the topic of innovative student learning and engagement and has worked with schools and organizations around the globe.