Innovation

DESIGN FOR CHANGE

"Design For Change is the largest global movement designed to give children an opportunity to express their own ideas for a better world and put them into action."

Searching through the website I stumbled upon many inspirational, creative and challenging pages. However the 'The DFC School Challenge' stood out to me personally as a student teacher. The fact that one idea has such a large impact on so many lives is astonishing. The page provided the teacher and pupils with  useful resources that contribute to the creative process. Moreover the challenge appealed to me as it was attainable, worthwhile and that I as a teacher could also participate in. The DFC School Challenge empowered the children and gave them a voice no matter their upbringing or social background. The children not only focused on their own story for change but were able hear about other success stories from around the world and to be a part of this global movement towards change. I particularly liked the 'Feel, Imagine, Do, Share Framework.' as innovation and creativity is difficult and impossible some say to teach. But the framework is helpful resource for teachers and gives them a starting point and a structure to work with that enables the children to think creatively.

This video distinctively stood out for me. The video engaged me emotionally and inspired me to make a change even just from watching. I liked how one countries idea inspired another country. It was like a domino effect and all from just one idea. Additionally I liked the positivity, inspiration and empowerment it provided the children with. "One IDEA, one WEEK, one BILLION lives to CHANGE" (DFC School Challenge)

'In a time when there is hunger for innovation everywhere, we think our primary responsibility is to help prepare a generation of students to rise with the challenges of our times' (d.school). 

How and why do you intend to create an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset in your pupils? Or why not?

I intend to develop children's ability to think creatively and use their imagination and knowledge to come up with new approaches to situations/problems. To build up confidence and positivity by encouraging pupils to give ideas and suggest new approaches even within the classroom and in my lessons. I intend to give children ownership of their learning as this has proved one of the best ways children learn. When you let innovation take over that is when you see the best in children. I will give my pupils room to think and develop their ideas. I will allow the children to have a say and a voice in their class and school. I aim to enable all children have equal opportunities to be heard and to present their ideas. The children need to share, respect and develop ideas for innovation and entrepreneurship is about listening, communicating and working together. As innovation and entrepreneurship is not about right and wrong answers or a gifted talent that only some possess but rather a skill to be developed throughout their education. In conclusion I intend to develop each individual 'child's personality, talents and physical abilities to their fullest potential' and develop respect of others and for the natural environment (Convention on the rights of the child, 1990). Allowing teaching to be learner centred rather than teacher centred using methods such as self-directed learning, activity-based and problem-based learning.

Developing an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset in pupils creates open mindedness and helps open their eyes to the many possibilities they have in this world resulting in self-confidence and positivity. It empowers children and gives them a sense of freedom of voice. Developing innovation creates future entrepreneurs to contribute to the economy. 'Innovation drives the economy, the innovator is the entrepreneur' (Schumpeter 1911). Furthermore it encourages the future generations to problem-solve by thinking outside the box and coming up with new effective approaches and solutions to problems posed. Innovation opens children's eyes to their potential and the impact they could have on the world around them. Innovation may often be associated with business and it may be an important business skill however it is also an important life skill. In a broader sense, innovation is important to the advancement of society around the world. New and innovative products can increase the standard of living and provide people with opportunities to improve their lives. Breakthroughs in medicine and technology have significantly improved living standards around the world. Innovation has also lead to significant improvements in the way businesses operate and has closed the gaps between different markets. Due to factors such as  globalisation ideas need to be innovative. The key point to innovation and entrepreneurship is that there is no right or wrong answers it is just a continual process of creative thinking to solve problems and develop solutions. To conclude developing innovative and entrepreneurial mindsets will ultimately help children cope with the future global changes posed.