Basic Concepts
This term means any new idea or practice that appears in a school but is not yet widely implemented.
A novelty
This is usually the first stage of the innovation process, when many ideas are generated and collected.
Idea generation (or ideation).
This management function is about understanding the current situation, needs, and problems before starting an innovation
Analysis or diagnosis.
This principle means that teachers, students, and sometimes parents are involved in decisions about innovations.
The principle of participation.
This is the regular collection and analysis of information about how an innovation is working in the school.
Monitoring of the innovation.
This is a novelty that has been implemented and produces real change in school practice.
Innovation
This stage includes testing an innovation in one class, one grade, or one department before using it in the whole school.
Pilot implementation (a pilot project).
This function includes setting goals, defining steps, and deciding who will do what in the innovation process.
Planning.
This principle says that all parts of the school – teaching, assessment, management, and culture – should be aligned with the innovation.
The principle of holism or systemic approach.
This process tries to estimate in advance what effects an innovation may have on students, teachers, and the school.
Forecasting the results of the innovation.
These are specific new tools, methods, or programs that may later grow into full innovations.
new developments (or new practices)
Name any two typical stages of the innovation process in schools.
Any two of the following – idea generation, evaluation, planning, prototyping, implementation, monitoring, scaling or institutionalization.
This function is about building teams, creating structures, and providing resources for the innovation.
Organizing.
This principle is about learning from successes and failures and regularly improving the innovation.
The principle of reflection or continuous improvement.
Name two indicators schools can monitor to evaluate the success of an innovation.
Any two of the following – student achievement, student engagement, attendance, teacher attitudes, parent feedback, classroom climate.
This phase is when an innovation becomes a stable, normal part of school culture and documents.
Institutionalization of the innovation.
This term describes how an innovation gradually spreads among teachers, students, and schools over time.
Diffusion or adoption of innovation.
This function is about encouraging people, giving support, and creating motivation for teachers and students to participate in innovations.
Motivating or leadership support.
This principle means that the innovation should be adapted to the specific context of the school, its students, and its resources.
The principle of flexibility or contextual adaptation.
This type of evaluation focuses on learning from the innovation while it is still developing, not only at the very end.
Formative or developmental evaluation.
This term describes a school that has a constant focus on searching for, testing, and integrating new ideas into teaching and management.
An innovation-oriented school.
This classic theory explains why some people adopt innovations earlier and others much later, using categories like innovators, early adopters and laggards
The diffusion of innovations theory by Everett Rogers.
: Name any two key features of managing the innovation process in modern schools.
Any two of the following – focus on digital technologies, continuous teacher professional development, stakeholder communication, flexible organizational structures, and data-based decision making.
This term describes a teacher’s stable tendency to search for, test, and integrate new methods and tools in their everyday work.
Innovation orientation of pedagogical activity.
This kind of data includes students’ and teachers’ opinions, interviews, and reflections, not only numbers and test scores.
Qualitative data about the innovation.