Book Notes: The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros

I have said so many times to students they have the need to document their learning process that I now need to walk the walk. What follows is my notes and what I want to remember and reference as I move forward on my personal learning journey.

I would highly encourage current and future educators to read this book if you want to start the process of examining your practices and if they match up with what is best for your students and their learning.

The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros

Chapter 1: Innovation is a way of thinking that creates something new and better.

Question: What is best for this learner?

Chapter 2: Fixed to Growth to Innovators Mindset

Belief that abilities, intelligence and talents are developed so that the lead to the creation of new and better ideas

Essential Questions

1. Would I want to be a learner in my own classroom?
2. What is best for this student?
3. What is this students passion?
4. What are some ways we can create a true learning community?
5. How did this work for our students?

Chapter 3: Great educators can still be innovative within constraints.

8 Characteristics of the Innovator’s Mindset

1. Empathetic
2. Problem finders/solvers
3. Risk Takers
4. Networked
5. Observant
6. Creators
7. Resilient
8. Reflective

Chapter 4: Classroom teacher or a school teacher?

Every student in the school is my student.

Make a connection to the heart before you can make a connection to the mind.

Chapter 5: Disrupt routines.

8 Characteristics of the Innovative Leader

1. Visionary
2. Empathetic
3. Models Learning
4. Open Risk-Taker
5. Networked
6. Observant
7. Team Builder
8. Always Focused on Relationships

Chapter 6: Empower over Engaged.

We all need to develop the skills and mindsets that will help us thrive, not only in the classroom but also in our lives beyond the school walls.

Chapter 7: “Big thinking precedes great achievement.” Wilfred Peterson

8 Things to Look For In Today’s Classroom

1. Voice
2. Choice
3. Time for Reflection
4. Opportunities for Innovation
5. Critical Thinkers
6. Problem Solvers/Finders
7. Self-Assessment
8. Connected Learning

Chapter 8: Unleash talent.

Build each other up to build something together.

Chapter 9: “Learners are the driver, technology is the accelerator.” Michael Fullan

Technology Questions

1. What is best for kids?
2. How does this improve learning?
3. What is the balance of risk vs. reward?
4. Is this serving the few or the majority?

Chapter 10: Less is more.

“Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful.” John Maeda

Chapter 11: Go global, impact local.

Sharing and remixing should be the norm in education.

Chapter 12: Create meaningful learning opportunities for others.

The Networked Teacher

Chapter 13: If you think you have arrived, you are probably behind now.

“Never stop asking questions or pushing the boundaries of what is possible for learning for our students and ourselves; this is where the true learning will happen.” - pg. 217

​Chapter 14: You choose your perspective.

“It is not about skill set; it is about mindset.” #innovatorsmindset