Ruckus Makers Back to School Edition

Ruckus Maker Mindset for the New School Year

As you gear up for another school year, it’s essential to revisit and refine the mindset that fuels your passion for doing school differently. The old ways of thinking often sneak back into our practices, but as a Ruckus Maker, it’s your mission to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of traditional education.

Here are a few mindset shifts to keep at the forefront as you navigate the new school year:

• Embrace Disruption as a Catalyst for Growth: Don’t shy away from shaking things up. When something feels too comfortable, it might be time to disrupt it. Remember, true learning happens when students and educators step out of their comfort zones. See the Ruckus Maker 8-Step Goal Setting Tool to identify areas of growth.

• Cultivate a Culture of Innovation: Encourage your team to bring forward new ideas, no matter how unconventional they might seem. Innovation doesn’t always mean large-scale change; sometimes, the smallest shifts can make the biggest impact. My favorite question to ask: what is the worst way we can accomplish this goal? When you ask for the worst people are freed from trying to offer “perfect” solutions. Many of the ideas will be bad, but some might be legendary.

• Prioritize Student-Centered Decision Making: Always ask yourself: How does this decision enhance the student experience? Keep students at the heart of every change you implement, and you’ll find that even the most disruptive ideas can lead to meaningful outcomes. Don’t just do it as a thought experiment. Actually go and talk to the students!

• Foster Resilience and Adaptability: The ability to pivot and adapt is crucial in today’s educational landscape. Equip yourself and your staff with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in uncertainty. Flexibility is key to navigating the inevitable challenges that come with doing school differently. It may sound silly, but focusing on your breath, doing a 6-second inhale and an 8-second exhale for a minute is a great way to reset your nervous system and build resilience.

“If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.” – John Dewey

Start this school year with a mindset geared toward innovation, disruption, and above all, making meaningful changes that elevate the learning experience.

Innovative Practices for Engaging Students

As a Ruckus Maker, you understand that student engagement is at the core of effective education. Traditional methods may no longer resonate with today’s learners, so it’s crucial to explore innovative practices that capture their interest and stimulate their curiosity.

Here are a few innovative practices to consider integrating into your school this year:

• Project-Based Learning (PBL): Move beyond the textbook by allowing students to learn through real-world projects. PBL encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving—skills that are vital for their future success. For instance, students might work on designing a sustainable garden for the school, integrating subjects like science, math, and environmental studies.

• Gamification of Learning: Introduce game-like elements into your curriculum to make learning more engaging and fun. This could be as simple as incorporating point systems, badges, or leaderboards to motivate students. For example, turn a history lesson into an interactive quest where students “unlock” new chapters as they complete tasks and challenges.

• Student-Led Learning: Empower students by giving them more control over their learning journey. Allow them to choose topics they are passionate about and guide them in setting their own learning objectives. This not only increases engagement but also helps develop self-directed learning skills.

• Flexible Learning Environments: Rethink the traditional classroom setup. Create flexible spaces that cater to different learning styles, whether it’s through mobile desks, breakout areas for group work, or quiet corners for focused study. Flexibility in the learning environment can make a significant difference in how students engage with the material.