Creating Innovators: The Making Of Young People Who Will Change The World (2012) - Plot & Excerpts
Ultimately, I agree with much of what Tony Wagner espouses, but would be dishonest if I didn't confess that marrying corporate Americaa's ideals with public school's purpose makes me more than a little nervous. This book did inspire me to make my class more inquiry-based and after seeing him speak this past March I implemented a Genius Hour on Fridays with promising results. But, ultimately, I'm an ELA teacher with Common Core standards to follow. Thought-provoking book and a must-read for all educators. Worth discussing and exploring in tandem with the Maker Movement/DIY/PBL. Finished. Finally.I detest this book and am going to include changes in my classroom based on reading it. The tone is difficult for a public school teacher since apparently the public school classroom is anathema to innovative young people. Much of the information is useful and at the same time repetitious. Be sure to read the letter to the young innovator at the end. If it gets skipped, the rest of the work is mostly annoying. That said here's the nutshell:Companies: allow people to contribute ideas no matter where in the hierarchy the employee falls and realize that real innovators do not want the money so much as they want to make a difference.Parents: allow your child to roam, to discover, to fail, and try to make them learn even when they do not see the point. Get used to feeling like an outsider because you want what your child needs over what the 'system' is willing to provide. Remember to respect your young adult innovator to make decisions that are best for them even when you might disagree.Teachers: make room for some bottom up input from students; differentiation is for all levels of learners; allow creativity on assignments when it still demonstrates the learning; make peace with being the one who cannot always accommodate the needs of those who are disruptors because innovators must be different but find outlets and venues where these students can go.Young Innovators: 1) learn how to learn; 2) embrace failure as a learning experience; 3) realize that a mentor is in your corner; 4) get used to being lonely since you will be doing things differently than all the others; 5) share your knowledge so everyone can learn and benefit.So there ya go! This is a worthwhile book but one that was agony to finish. There's the last nut - young innovators must have stamina, grit, and endurance. Anyone who reads this book certainly needs all three.
What do You think about Creating Innovators: The Making Of Young People Who Will Change The World (2012)?
All parents and teachers should read this book. It changed the way I viewed promoting innovation.
—SONY
