Why Innovative Lesson?
Innovative teaching strategies don’t always mean introducing the latest and greatest technology into the classroom. Instead, innovative teaching is the process of proactively introducing new teaching strategies and methods into the classroom. The purpose of introducing these new teaching strategies and methods is to improve academic outcomes and address real problems to promote equitable learning.
In many ways, applying innovative teaching strategies to the classroom is a tacit understanding that our teaching methods can be improved. It accepts the need to grow and develop, which is exactly what we ask of our students. What better way to lead than by example?
So, innovative teaching strategies start with a growth mindset. We identify room for improvement. We invest our time in researching and thinking of better strategies to teach our students. We create something new or adapt existing methods. We take risks. We may fail. We try again. We iterate and by doing so establish a culture of innovation and creativity in the classroom that inspires our students to do the same.
My Innovative Lesson
In building a culture of innovation and creativity in the classroom I tried an innovative lesson for class IX H of Vimala Hridaya H.S.S For girls. I chose to transact a poem by Sarojini Naidu "Song of a Dream" from Unit II 'Bonds of Love' (Kerala Reader English Standard IX) implementing a strategy that is different than the conventional way of taking a poetry lesson.
In doing so firstly I introduced the students a notion suggesting different ways of approaching a literary piece. Here I checked their attitude towards poetry prior to the class and then showed them examples of various ways in which a piece of poetry could be represented. The recitals done by different school students, performances done based on poetry all served this purpose. I did a extensive background reading too about many innovative techniques that could be used in achieving my aim.
As an ice breaking activity I introduced to them a poetry of similar tone and theme as that of 'Song of a dream' which was "I Dream'd in a Dream" by Walt Whitman Seeing the enthusiasm and energy of the students I felt confident to walk them through my innovative way of taking this poem further. I envisioned a dramatisation of the poem which the students were thrilled to do. Prior to which through pink ponk talk , a game I collected their interpretations of the poem which was quite fascinating . Then they formed groups read the material , rehearsed and prepared themselves for the act under my monitoring. They also clarified their doubts throughout the process.
After the whole act, I felt contended to see all the students getting immersed in the piece of poetry which they tried to decipher on their own. Seeing me valuing their ideas and efforts gave them all the confidence they needed. After hearing from the students that they never had such an experience of learning before and that they would never forget this experience did make my innovative lesson serve its purpose. Thus in it's true sense the lesson was an innovation and creative expression done both by the teacher and the learners.
Students Act /Performance
Innovative Lesson Transcript
