In the second part of his series of thought pieces looking at the development of innovative mindsets, Rhys Davies turns his attention to how they can be developed in teachers.
Building an innovative culture encourages employees to take risks and to find creative solutions to current problems. By developing such a culture in the further education (FE) and skills sector, leaders can develop the right conditions in which teachers are supported and encouraged to innovate in developing their pedagogical practice.
Changing college cultures
At Barnet and Southgate College in London, leaders changed the culture of the college from a ‘done to’ to a ‘done with’ culture so that teachers were more motivated to develop their own professional practice. Teachers try out and discuss new approaches with a teaching and learning coach to support personal reflection and time is given to teachers to reflect on their own practice. A Learning Excellence group meets regularly, which enables managers and teachers to discuss new approaches and best practice. Neil Coker, Principal and Deputy CEO says: “We make space for ideas and innovation and give the safety to try things out in the classroom or workshop and to learn from it when things don’t go as well as planned.” Leaders adopted the ETF’s Professional Standards for Teachers, which was instrumental in promoting their trust-based, reflective practice approach to personal and professional development.
