ENSURING YOUR EDUCATIONAL IDEAS STAY

​Within the field of education, ideologies and teaching methods are in constant flux, and an idea that is hot one day can be abruptly out the next. Why? Because educators often like the sounds of a new idea, they will take the time to read about it and join discussion groups, but its actual implementation won’t last long if they can’t understand how it works. If you’ve put the time and effort into developing new educational concepts this can be quite frustrating. So how do you avoid this common pitfall and ensure that your ideas are not only talked about now, but also that they last over time? By following these easy tips below when putting together your materials.

Define Your Terms

​​First things first: consider adding a glossary of terms to your resources. In order for the new terminology you have coined to stick, educators will need to have a concrete understanding of what you mean by them, otherwise confusion and frustration may arise, which could result in teachers simply giving up on your ideas. 

Include an Educational Framework

​If you would like your ideas to be implemented within a whole school and become part of its foundation long term, including a sample framework of how this could be done for administrators/coordinators is extremely helpful. For more information on different types of Educational Frameworks, see:
 
What is an Educational Framework?
The Tool Successful Companies Use That Schools Need
Designing an Educational Framework
Going Global With Your Educational Idea
Creative Ways to Share an Educational Framework

Include Planners

Though your tips and suggestions may be well laid out, it can be difficult for teachers to incorporate them into their lessons without actual planners to refer to; therefore, it’s a good idea to include different concrete samples of how to apply your ideas in the classroom. For example, if you would like teachers to include a certain way of approaching math concepts, add a few different planning templates outlining how long each activity should take, how to organize lessons so there is a logical flow etc. That way, after reading your book, or attending your PD, they have something concrete to follow. For tips on designing and implementing planners, see:

How to Use Planners as a Tool for Mentoring Teachers
Tips for Personalizing Planners at Your School
Using Planners to Change Mindset
Different Planning Solutions for Your School
Creating a Collaborative Planning Template

Keep Your Planning Tools Fresh

Lastly, in order to ensure your ideas transcend time, continuously changing and updating the planning tools you provide will not only help you to remain current, but will also assist educators in incorporating new ideas being introduced within the field of education and encourage professional growth/development.

​These are but a few ways to help ensure that the approach and methodology that you would like to see implemented at schools or in the classroom remain a staple for years to come! Have any other suggestions you would like to share? We’d love to hear them!


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