INTRODUCTION:

The term "innovation" describes any minor or major modification to a method, product, or service. Under innovation, some novel concepts, techniques, or technological advancements are comprised for the advancement of the organization. It is frequently acknowledged as answers to the current situation's fresh demands and requirements. So, it can be said that Innovation in its contemporary meaning is "a unique ideas, critical thinking and novel imaginations in form of techniques or methods". ‘Valerie’ says about innovation in education that “Innovation in education means allowing imagination to flourish and not be afraid to try new things. Sometimes these new things fail but it’s awesome when they are a success. Without the right attitude, innovation would just be a word and the art of education would miss out on some great accomplishments.”

(https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/educational-innovat the educational industry, urging the employment of creative methods and technology in teaching important to learning in education as expertise and ability. But this challenge does not mean that instead of paper and pencil, the computer or other devices can be directly adopted. Rather this challenge promotes new methods and ideas to develop new concepts in education. In the words of ‘Mischelle’ “Innovation in education is always seeking knowledge that will support new and unique ideas in instructional techniques that will reach the students in more effective and exciting ways. (https://resilienteducator.com/classroom resources/educational-innovations)

Efficiency is just as an enormous term that challenges verbal explanation. The only ways to increase pupils’ efficiency are through novel approaches and strategies. Innovative methods and approaches are needed for imperishable learning in the digital age of education. The swift advancement of science and technology has presented a challenge to education.

INNOVATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION:

The achievement of education in accomplishing social and contemporary aims is currently the greatest necessity. Technology and science ought to permeate every aspect of education and engage students in hands-on learning. In light of that, it is now acknowledged that innovation in education is important. With the blend of modernity and antiquity in contemporary India, innovations that are both necessary and beneficial for the advancement of education's quality should be created in order to preserve the educational system. The three basic pillars of education are the instructor, the pupil, and the educational process. Therefore, one may characterize the significance and necessity of education just based on these.

FOR THE TEACHER

Increasing possibilities for Innovation

Every teacher has the full potential to be innovative but most of the teachers consider it their duty only to complete the syllabus and prepare the students for the examination. It is the responsibility of teachers to increase students' inclination towards innovation and generate interest for it. Colleges can be a suitable means of preparing highly qualified youth in this direction.

Developing technique of teaching

The teaching methods used by most teachers do not present any challenges to students. Experimentation, research and observation as well as transfer of knowledge are the main features of the teaching process. Teachers have their own real and lived experiences that need to be incorporated into innovation. In this way, students can be freed from dullness and inactivity and a stream of happiness or curiosity can be generated in them.

Increasing capability to change the environment of teaching

There have been some inventors whose thinking, innovation and practical research made it possible to bring changes in the environment of education. For example, Froebel's famous song style, Montessori's toy style and Gijju Bhai's story and task style have played an important role in reducing the complexity of curriculum in schools. This type of innovation made it possible to give a child-centric approach to education.

FOR THE STUDENT:

It is necessary to increase concentration, curiosity, attention, interest, cheerfulness and enthusiasm towards studies among the students. All these provide motivation to learn. These elements can be achieved only when the teacher adopts innovative methods and approaches in his teaching. Through the lecture method of teaching, the student remains only a passive learner.

Students can make greater use of their imagination through innovative teaching strategies and techniques. Innovation in education always inspires teachers and learners to discover something new and also promotes creativity and problem-solving skills. There are many reasons for students to embrace innovation.

SOME ARE GIVEN BELLOW:

To develop the communication ability.

Discussing in the class, watching videos or movies, finding technical solutions, oral presentations, asking questions etc. can develop communication ability in students which is an important basic skill.

To increase the students' learning capacity.

If the teaching process is made attractive and interactive, then students' interest in learning can be increased. For this, organizing brain storming classes, rewarding the best students, project method, problem solving method, use of smart phones and tablets and various mobile apps can positively enhance the learning outcomes of the students

To Enhance the self- directed learning.

Self-directed learning means consciously managing your learning process. It is very important to include developmental processes like motivation, self-regulation, perseverance, adaptability and flexibility. This type of learning makes students so capable that they learn without any supervision.

FOR TEACHING LEARNING PROCESS:

For flexibility and adaptability in teaching.

If flexibility and adaptability are included in the teaching-learning process, unprecedented improvements can be made in the learning process. With the help of flexibility and adaptability the teacher can give better suggestions to the learners based on their different abilities, needs and interests. Adaptability and flexibility in learning provides opportunities to learners to learn as per their abilities.

For Reducing barriers between teacher and students.

Innovative technologies, interactive teaching learning process and positive activities are necessary to reduce the communication barrier in classroom teaching. Students engage in learning in the classroom through innovative methods and activities. New technologies are helpful in removing the hesitation of students.

For developing the collaborative and interactieve environment in the class.

There is a need for innovation to promote collaborative learning among students. The teacher has to try to develop an interactive environment in the classroom. Students and teachers can share their ideas together by conducting an interactive session. Thus, a vibrant learning can be created with the help of a collaborative environment.

INNOVATIVE METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF TEACHING:

There are many important innovative methodss and techniques which are essential to make teaching leaning process more adaptable, interactive and productive. Some are given below

Inquiry-Based Learning

Fig.1

(https://thelovingmontessoridirectress.com/inquiry-based-learning/)

Inquiry-based learning is an innovative teaching technique in which learners acquire knowledge through discussion and experience. Students can construct concepts and meanings in new ways which increases their interest and curiosity.

Project-Based Learning

Fig. 2

https://www.learnatlegacy.org/post/project-based-learning

Project-based learning is an interactive learning method that uses student experiences to gain knowledge and skills. Under project work, students solve complex questions or problems within a stipulated time. Students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate while solving challenges or problems to the best of their ability.

Smart Classroom Management

Fig.3

(https://www.shiksha.com)

In smart class management, new technologies and different types of activities are used which helps in assimilating new knowledge to the students. This creates a unique balance between students and technology in the classroom. In this method, computers, tablets, digital cameras, video conferencing technology and GPS devices etc. are used. Thus, it helps in enhancing the learning experience of the students.

Small group learning

Fig.4

(https://litlearnact.wordpress.com/-small-group-learning)

Small group learning is very useful if students are to be able to learn on their own. It is an instructional cooperative technique under which students are divided into small groups. Students work together on a project. Students understand new information well and share it with other students in their group.

This technology brings new lessons in the life of the student thereby enabling the student to create his own education.

Collaborative Learning

Fig.5

(https://www.structural-learning.com/collaborative-learning)

When a teacher has to make his class very interactive and informative then he adopts cooperative learning technique which is an innovative way of teaching. Teachers organize students into different groups in which students’ study to find solutions to problems. This method increases the thinking power of the students. It develops communication skills in students by making them active and social. Self-management is promoted to make students more responsible so that students can work collectively. Collaborative learning simplifies communication between students and the teacher.

Learning by creating:

Fig. 6

(https://www.researchgate.net)

There is no fixed age and time for creativity. Creativity creates new knowledge that is already inherent within us. It helps in bringing out the inherent strengths and enhances the educational experience. Through creative education, the teacher can make the environment of his classroom lively and ideal. In a creative classroom, students engage positively with their teacher.

Flipped Classroom Model

Fig. 7

(https://www.maneuveringthemiddle.com/the-flipped-classroom)

A flipped classroom is a type of blended learning that focuses on students’ reaction and active learning, giving the teacher a better opportunity to deal with student’s difficulties and different learning preferences at a mixed level. It is a mixed level of learning in which traditional ideas about class work and homework are overturned or flipped.

Cross over Teaching:

Cross over teaching is an information approach to learning in which students are given the opportunity to learn after class. In this method, the teacher takes the students out of the classroom on field trip, museum or exhibition etc. During this time the teacher tries to relate the educational content to the experience of the students. The teacher asks question and students answer based on their experience gained during the trip.

Teaching through Smart Board:

Fig.8

(https://boardmix.com/whiteboard/interactive-whiteboard)

Using smart board in teaching is a new technique to provide information and knowledge through digital mode. Smart board is an interactive device which provides an extraordinary opportunity to the teacher to made lively atmosphere in the class by projecting visual elements. The learning experience of students can be enhanced through this device because it quickly provides the huge image of charts, diagrams, pictures or play videos on its big screen in front of the students.

Teaching through 3D printing technology

Fig.9

(https://www.kickstarter.com)

At the secondary level, teachers can use the 3D printers to teach subjects or content that has previously been taught by the textbooks in the class. Thus, this method can help students understand the concept well. This method is increasingly accepted by teachers; especially in secondary education where 3D printers can be use to make complex contents easier to understand.

Cloud Computing Method:

Fig. 10

(https://www.generaltechnique.com/cloud-computing)

The cloud computing method is one of the most innovative methods where teachers can put some very important lesson plans, class-notes, audio lessons, videos, and assignments details etc. This can be accessed by the students from the comfort of their homes, whenever needed. The students who have missed their class due to illness or any other reason, they can also be updated through this method. This method can help in relieving the heavy burden of textbooks and students can use it any time or anywhere, whenever they are comfortable.

QUALITY OF THE TEACHER FOR INNOVATIVE TEACHING:

If the teacher has knowledge of information and communication technology then he can implement new methods and strategies in his classroom. To make the environment of his class more interactive and innovative, the teacher should always maintain a positive attitude. A modern teacher has many qualities such as:

Mental Ability:

A teacher has the ability to change the atmosphere of the classroom. It depends on the mental capacity of the teacher. If a teacher is committed to his teaching profession, then he must have passion for his subject and the student should also follow his instructions. In the present teaching methodology, emphasis is laid on child-centric education. Therefore, it will be important to give importance to students instead of teaching only through lecture method.

Self-thinking:

Through self-thinking a teacher can become aware of the success of teaching methods and the response of students to them. Through this the teacher can understand what is important for a successful teaching-learning process. Self-thinking can improve the learning process of students along with examining the teaching methods.

Open-Ended Questions skill:

Open-ended questions are questions that are in the form of statements. Their answers may differ from the textbook answers. In open-ended questions the questions may have different answers. Students' answers encourage collaboration and new ideas. This method also helps in developing leadership abilities in students. Students can also connect answers to open-ended questions to events in their lives.

Ability to create flexible learning environments:

To make classroom teaching attractive and effective, it is necessary to make better use of classroom space. While enhancing learning, the classroom space provides ways for students to work on their own and collaborate with their peers. In classrooms, when there are gaps in students' communication, it can hinder students' ability to concentrate. Flexibility should be provided for independent thinking and group discussion in the classroom.

Intellectual ability and imagination power:

Teaching becomes more effective when more emphasis is placed on problem finding rather than problem solving. Finding the problem is more important than solving the problem because the problem will be solved only when the problem exists. Problem solving is also a skill that requires intellectual ability and imagination. This technique can be used to increase the thinking power of students and develop their ability to ask questions.

CONCLUSION:

Today's education is based on modern and interactive technology whereas the traditional method puts more emphasis on memorization methods. The methods of teaching keep changing with time but these changes are successful only when the development and improvement is in the right direction. The changes taking place in the education of modern society are based on innovation. Innovation leads to a new path but it also involves challenges.

Some scholars also believe that innovations in education may distract students from critical thinking and attention. Certainly, we can accept this fact, but still, considering the progress of the modern world and rapidly increasing technology, new learning systems like self-directed learning, integrated learning, e-learning and technology-based learning have emerged. There is an urgent need to include it in teaching methods.

Along with this, the theory, use and technology of the concept of education should also be renewed but it should be kept in mind that these should always be the standards of the needs of our young generation.

REFERENCES:

1. Aggarwal J.C. Educational Technology and Management. Agra: Shri Vinod Pustak Mandir. 2015

2. Kulshrestha S.P. and Kulshrestha A.K. Foundation of Educational Technology. Meerut: R. Lallu Book Depot. 2012

3. Sharma R.A. Essential of Educational Technology. Meerut: International Publishing House. 2005

4. Sharma Ram Nath and Chandra S.S. Advanced Educational Distributors. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers and Distributors. 2003

5. Venkataiah S. Education via Internet. New Delhi: Anmol Publications Pvt.Ltd. 2005

Received on 05.04.2024 Modified on 20.04.2024

Res. J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2024;15(2):161-166.

DOI: 10.52711/2321-5828.2024.00024