This last statement is good advice not only in working with students but really in all aspects of life and relationships. It also rings true when talking about innovation in schools.
We need to sometimes hit the restart button in schools instead of the repeat.
In today's dynamic, changing world innovation is crucial. Finding new and better ways to optimally support the world of learning for our students has never been more imperative. Yet, as educators, we often get caught up in the mode of REPEAT. For some tried and true practices, that is, things that really work and are in the best interest of student learning; we should continue to hit REPEAT. But when that isn't the case and we do things the same old way because it's just easier, or comfortable, or we don't know a better way, or merely because that's the way we've always done it, that's when we need to consider that it's time for a change. When what we are doing is not best serving the needs of our students, then it's time to come up with a new and better way of doing things…it's time to press RESTART.
A RESTART is defined as a new start or beginning and in fact, the action of restarting can be interpreted in many ways and is broad ranging (see below). A restart may not mean changing everything, but it means changing something. Constantly striving to find new and better ways to support our learners is not optional. Innovation is crucial.
Enjoyed the post! I think one thing to think about is how often we should Restart, and how that depends on each learner. For some, it's Restarting every lesson. For others, it can be every year. To switch from restarting and repeating to moving forward…. there in lies the magic!