Blog Post #8
Sterling Hawkins, in his TED talk “Discomfort is Necessary for Innovation” references MacGyver and the concept of “innovate or die”. How does this concept apply to teaching and learning? Have you ever locked yourself in that metaphorical freezer? Describe the last time you did something out of your comfort zone? If you can’t think of one, what could you do in the next weeks or months that is out of your comfort zone?
Sterling Hawkins, in his TED talk “Discomfort is Necessary for Innovation” references MacGyver and the concept of “innovate or die”. How does this concept apply to teaching and learning? Have you ever locked yourself in that metaphorical freezer? Describe the last time you did something out of your comfort zone? If you can’t think of one, what could you do in the next weeks or months that is out of your comfort zone?
ReplyDeleteMacGyver's concept of "innovate or die" is extremely relevant in education. As teachers, we are constantly changing curriculums, interventions, and finding new ways to keep students engaged. During COVID, I had to step out of my comfort zone and record myself reading books, doing math mini-lessons, and interact in a way that was new to me. While it was challenging, parents appreciated the personalized video mini-lessons. This year, I am trying out pieces of our online math curriculum. It has pushed me to be more innovative.
Sterling Hawkins, in his TED talk “Discomfort is Necessary for Innovation” references MacGyver and the concept of “innovate or die”. How does this concept apply to teaching and learning? Have you ever locked yourself in that metaphorical freezer? Describe the last time you did something out of your comfort zone?
ReplyDeleteThis concept applies to how teachers are constantly learning new things based on new curriculums or research about how to best reach our students are society and our children change. One thing I've done recently to innovate was learn a new curriculum with my own time and effort in order to provide reading intervention to my grade level. I was very "shaky" introducing it and using it at first but I knew that getting past the discomfort would be worth it in an effort to reach students and to provide much needed data to support groups.
As teachers we are always working and learning new ways to teach our students to be successful.
ReplyDeleteI teach 5th and 6th grade math and we are looking into getting a new math curriculum. We are trying different curriculums and this is hard for me to do any type of change. I am trying to teach different lessons to see which one I like more so we can bring it to the other teachers to discuss it. Even though I do not necessarily like change I think it is good for us to explore and see what is all out there for our students to better learn.
Hawkings stated in his TED talk that innovation is, “significant, positive change.” I feel that an important concept of innovation in teaching and learning is engagement. Both teachers and students need to be engaged for there to be that change. When students are disengaged, learning will not happen. I think that many teachers (including myself) feel that the last few weeks of the school year can be like that metaphorical freezer. We have to push through it. Something recently out of my comfort zone that I have done is agreeing to be the head teacher that is in charge of our school wide Veterans Day program. It will be a positive role for myself to take on.
ReplyDeleteSterling Hawkins, in his TED talk “Discomfort is Necessary for Innovation” references MacGyver and the concept of “innovate or die”. How does this concept apply to teaching and learning? Have you ever locked yourself in that metaphorical freezer?
ReplyDeleteAs teachers, we have curriculums that change every year or every couple years. With that, we are having to learn and teach new curriculums. At the same time, it can lead us to the feeling of discomfort as we are use to the old curriculum. We are having to take extra time to learn about the new curriculum go to meetings and to practice teach the curriculum so we are ready to teach to our students.
Describe the last time you did something out of your comfort zone? If you can’t think of one, what could you do in the next weeks or months that is out of your comfort zone?
This school year I’m now apart of my schools’ PBIS team and I’m the activator. I lead team meetings that focuses on how topics and areas where the school is struggling and where we are doing phenomenal at. With this new role, I have to address tough topics that can be awkward to talk to administration about. This role has gotten me out of my comfort zone to lead meetings and to be the main spokesperson.
“Innovate or die” sounds dramatic, but in teaching it is kind of true. If I keep doing what worked ten years ago just because it is comfortable, I am going to lose kids, especially now with technology and AI changing so fast. Innovation does not have to be flashy, sometimes it is just making a meaningful change that helps students learn better.
ReplyDeleteI have definitely locked myself in that metaphorical freezer. Switching from 7th grade Geography to teaching middle school computers did that for me. I had to start building lessons for three grade levels, trying things I had never taught before, and realized pretty quickly that my old approach was not going to cut it. It was uncomfortable, and honestly a little scary, but it forced me to adjust, learn, and rethink how I teach. Looking back, it was one of the best moves I have made because it made my class better and it has made me better.
Jeannie Miller
ReplyDelete"Innovate or die" is true in teaching. I have taught for 30 years and now sub. Things are even so different from one I taught. The Math program is so different that you need to learn it yourself. You need to learn along with the students.
I have definitely locked myself in a metaphorical freezer. I have done many things that have caused me to feel discomfort. Anytime I have to give a talk in front of adults in a discomfort for me.
"Innovate or die" sounds harsh to anyone who hears that phrase but in today's world it rings true. Everything is changing whether we want it to or not. I remember when smartboards were just becoming popular and a few of the teachers I worked with whom had taught for 30+ years really resisted adding a smartboard to their classrooms because according to them "the chalkboard was just fine." They believed in teaching the same way with the same methods because that is what they've always done and why change it? It is important for us to innovate because it helps us stay sharp and do what is best to reach our students.
ReplyDeleteWhen I jumped from teaching 3rd grade to 5/6/7th, that put me in the "metaphorical freezer." I thought if I could try and do the same things but geared to more level then it would be okay. Instead I had to completely revamp everything and start all over. In the end, it was a learning experience.
How does this concept apply to teaching and learning? Have you ever locked yourself in that metaphorical freezer? Describe the last time you did something out of your comfort zone? If you can’t think of one, what could you do in the next weeks or months that is out of your comfort zone?
ReplyDeleteI am constantly out of my comfort zone. Frankly— isn’t BEING a teacher just challenging yourself to be outside of your comfort zone every day?
We are constantly making split second decisions while also educating and evaluating tone of voice and student needs and fixing technology. We are maintaining our “teaching persona” while making sure we are meeting the objectives for the day. It’s exhausting.
Teachers — teachers who are doing actual teaching — they’re MacGuyver-ing constantly. We make it work. It’s why the military challenges other people but it feels so easy for me. Between growing up on a farm, four kids, single momming, teaching, etc — the military is pretty simple. Teaching is far more complicated. The social nuance of classrooms alone are crazy.
Frankly this question is crazy to me. Are there teachers NOT outside of their comfort zone?
"Innovate or die" is super relevant when it comes to education. The world is constantly changing and we must adapt as educators in order to teach the best way possible. Keeping up with what is "current" will help keep students engaged and interested in subject matters.
ReplyDeleteI am currently trying to leave my "metaphorical freezer". I am very set in my old ways of "pen to paper" - which is definitely helpful in some ways, but I need to work on going outside my bubble and keeping up with AI and technology.
I am good at doing things outside my comfort zone when it comes to myself. i just recently tried golfing which I am not good at, at all, but I wanted to learn/ change my physical activity ways.
In teaching, sticking to what’s safe can limit student learning; trying new strategies helps both students and teachers grow. I’ve been in that “freezer” myself—when I shifted from structured table-top tasks to hands-on, play-based learning for my early childhood special education students. I worried about routines and goals but knew the change was necessary. Recently, I stepped out of my comfort zone by trying a new sensory-based curriculum. My students were more engaged, and I gained strategies I now use regularly. In the coming weeks, I hope to try collaborative technology or inclusive activities with general education peers to challenge myself and enrich student learning.
ReplyDeleteAs a School Counselor, the idea of innovate or die resonates because the work we do with students is always evolving, as are our students and society. We can’t rely on the same old strategies and expect the same results. Students’ needs, technology, and societal pressures are constantly changing, and our approaches must adapt. Innovation in teaching and learning means trying new programs, interventions, or ways to engage students, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. I have locked myself in that metaphorical freezer at times. When I’ve hesitated to try a new approach with students because it felt unfamiliar or risky is an example. The last time I stepped out of my comfort zone was when we piloted a peer prevention program for students, allowing them to take a part in the leadership roles in guiding each other while adults facilitated as well. It required letting go of some control and trusting in the training and our students’ abilities, which was ultimately rewarding. In the coming weeks, I could continue pushing myself by implementing a small group of student-led mental health workshops, where students drive more discussion. Giving the students more ownership, while carefully guiding them could certainly provide insights I might not have considered on my own.
ReplyDeleteI think in teaching "innovate or die" is so relevant as the world of education is ever changing. Not only do educators have to constantly change to keep up with what is new in education, but we also have new curriculums or standards that we have to adapt to. My innovate or die situation is more or less a situation I have put myself into. I don't want to be the person who can't change or keep up with the newest trends so I am always looking for ways to improve or enhance my lessons. This also keeps me challenged and is a creative outlet for myself too. I enjoy having student teachers join my classroom as they are also great sources for new and refreshing ideas.
ReplyDeleteAs a PE and weightlifting teacher, “innovate or die” means we can’t just run the same workouts/games and expect growth. Students improve by being pushed out of their comfort zones, and the same goes for me as a teacher. If I’m not trying new approaches, I’m not helping them get better.
ReplyDeleteRecently, I stepped outside my comfort zone by giving students more ownership with tracking and leading parts of workouts. The reason I chose to do this was we were coming off of spring testing and track starting up. I knew their bodies were sore, so I thought it would be good to give the kids the opportunity (based on how their bodies were feeling) to do what they needed to do to get their bodies right. It was different, but it improved engagement and gave them choice.
Going forward, I want to keep pushing that by trying more individualized programming after we test out and at the beginning of a new sport season, even if it’s a little uncomfortable at first.
my post above
DeleteI think my "metaphorical freezer" was during covid when we had to close down and just figure it out. Nobody really knew how to reach kids. That was when we learned about Zoom and Google Classroom. Since then, we have really learned that there are so many ways to engage students. Every year there are new technological resources, the possibilities are endless and we need to find how to reach our students by trial and error, over and over. I have learned so much and really stepped outside my comfort zone in order to also continue learning. From streaming music and movies, technology is an intertwined part of all of our lives everyday and we can't sit back and just wish for the old days. Change is difficult but we have just jump in and learn all we can.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteSterling Hawkins, in his TED talk “Discomfort is Necessary for Innovation” references MacGyver and the concept of “innovate or die”. How does this concept apply to teaching and learning? Have you ever locked yourself in that metaphorical freezer? Describe the last time you did something out of your comfort zone? If you can’t think of one, what could you do in the next weeks or months that is out of your comfort zone?
First of all- I loved McGyver, too! He could stop a nuclear meltdown with a battery and a candy bar, or something along those lines.
I don't like discomfort- I'm not sure anyone does. I'm trying to think of a freezer moment that resulted in transformational change for me. I'm afraid and nervous of public performance, but I have agreed to be the pianist at church and to accompany students for solo contests. I'm not sure that's transformational, but I do get less and less nervous every time I do it.
I'd probably have to say my biggest moment was deciding to become a teacher. Generally, I prefer to be a follower but as a teacher I have to be a leader every single day.
Sterling Hawkins, in his TED talk “Discomfort is Necessary for Innovation” references MacGyver and the concept of “innovate or die”. How does this concept apply to teaching and learning? Have you ever locked yourself in that metaphorical freezer? Describe the last time you did something out of your comfort zone? If you can’t think of one, what could you do in the next weeks or months that is out of your comfort zone?
ReplyDeleteMy metaphorical freezer was to really sit down and come up for a better plan for my TK-1st grade students. When I took this PE job, I was left with no resources (honestly not all a bad thing); however, it was scary to have to come up with my own curriculum and curriculum map. I second guess myself a lot and I do worry that I'm not doing the right thing. I worked really hard to create a positive, safe, and healthy learning environment for my youngest students. I also wanted to get them learning fundamental skills that will develop more and more as they get older. Still, 6 years later, I am constantly trying to find new activities and new games for my students to try and tie them in with specific skills that we work on.
The speaker emphasizes that real growth and innovation only happen when we are willing to move into discomfort rather than stay in what is familiar. His MacGyver reference and the idea of “innovate or die” highlight that problem-solving often requires creativity under pressure, not comfort or routine. In education, this connects directly to both teaching and learning because the moments that challenge us most are often the ones that lead to the most meaningful growth.
ReplyDeleteAs a high school history teacher and coach, I see this idea show up regularly in my classroom. I often pose complicated questions within our units that do not have simple answers, such as during our WWII unit asking students how they would have chosen to punish war criminals after the war. Questions like this force students to think critically, weigh consequences, and defend their reasoning rather than just recall information. At first, students are uncomfortable with the lack of a clear “right answer,” but that discomfort pushes deeper discussion and analysis. In coaching, the same idea applies when athletes are challenged in practice situations that are unpredictable and require quick thinking and adjustment.
I can definitely think of times when I have placed myself in that metaphorical freezer. One example was when I was assigned to teach an ACT prep course outside of my content area. I was also stuck in my comfortable ways of teaching history, and trying to apply those same methods to ACT prep just did not work. At first, I felt unprepared and unsure of how to be effective. I had to learn quickly, adjust my approach, and be willing to fail in front of students while I figured things out. It was uncomfortable, but it forced me to grow in ways I would not have experienced otherwise.
Looking forward, I think continuing to step outside my comfort zone is essential. Whether it is redesigning assessments because of AI or trying new instructional strategies, I need to keep embracing discomfort instead of avoiding it. Like Hawkins suggests, innovation in teaching and learning does not come from staying comfortable, it comes from being willing to enter the freezer and figure out how to get out.
Education is constantly changing through different methodologies being formed. As a teacher, I need to be willing to try new methods without a fear of failure. One thing that I did that was out of my comfort zone was to move to a new building when my current building was no longer a good fit. It was both slightly intimidating and sad to leave the relationships that I had formed in my previous building, but overall it was the best decision that I could have made for my family. I feel that switching buildings has given me a new drive to enhance my lessons rather than staying stagnant.
ReplyDelete"Innovate or die" applies to teaching because if we don't adapt, our lessons become irrelevant. For students, true resourcefulness only develops when they are forced to solve problems with limited tools.
ReplyDeleteI’ve locked myself in that "freezer" by committing to new classroom technology before I fully mastered it. By removing the old, safe options, I forced myself to learn in real-time. It was a challenge, but it made the lessons much more interactive.
Recently, I stepped out of my comfort zone by selling my pottery at a market. Putting my creative work up for public critique was intimidating, but it reminded me of the vulnerability students feel when they share their work in class.