The Agile Classroom: Embracing an Agile Mindset in Education
Agile is closely related to being innovative. Experts define it as an ability to deal with the uncertainties involved in the incremental work done by some motivated teams. In this case, the teams are expected to be self-organized and they are ready to adapt changes.
Some other studies reveal that Agile is not a set methodology; rather, it is better defined as a way to behave. Agile can be a mindset or a culture as well. The elements of Agile work practices find their way to every sector; including education as well. Like many other workspaces, the concept of agile can be also implemented in the classrooms.
As per a recent case study carried out by a group of experts in India, more than 500 ICT schools were monitored by incorporating agile into routine teaching practices. It was observed that with trained teachers, it was easier to integrate Agile systems to the existing programs for higher student achievement.
Tips to embrace an Agile mindset in education:
Teachers in the universities, high schools as well as in the middle schools can start introducing Agile into their teaching-learning curve. Now, most of you might be curious to know how Agile can be implemented in classroom education. Well, the idea is to embrace an agile mindset in education, and it is possible by using some specific strategies. Few of them are listed below for easy collaboration:
- Running Sprints:
The idea is to focus on incremental product development, and it is possible only if you execute tasks in sprints. When all the members are running in one marathon; they can rarely deliver some positive outcomes; they may be frequently in weeks or in months. But working in Sprints creates a better opportunity to report developments. Furthermore, Sprint Retrospective Tool can help you to analyze the performance while improving learning practices. Sprints are more adaptable to the changes and can generate valuable feedback for growth.
- Stand-up Meetings:
The stand-up meeting can be better defined as a daily team-meeting that helps to deliver status updates to all team members. It helps all participants to stay aware of the potential challenges and they can coordinate their efforts better to handle tough issues. The prime goal of these meetings is to promote follow-ups while establishing a solid relationship between the team members. The short conversations ensure a higher rate of knowledge transfer and contribute to more positive results.
- Gamify Education:
Another key approach to add Agile principles to classrooms is by gamifying education. There are so many unique ways to motivate students to become more productive with the reward-based system. They can be offered special points for completing a few specific activities. Scores can be added for higher performance and outstanding work. It can motivate students to put more effort into their routine activities and they are likely to achieve goals in a more efficient manner.
- The Art of Reflection:
In order to foster continuous improvement, it is important to use reflection as a major driver in education. Teams that reflect their efforts regularly are more likely to achieve better in life. Reflection can be embedded at an individual level and it allows students to improve their learning skills. With time, they can be more productive in class. Other than this, the art of reflection can be also used at the squad level. Sprint Retrospective Tool and meetings can improve the outcomes with continues feedbacks and positive efforts. Teachers can also introduce reflection at the class level to record best practices in the learning cycle.
Time to Switch to Agile Classrooms:
These trusted and proven ideas can improve the classroom environment while contributing to major growth in the education sector. You can incorporate latest tools and technologies to make teaching-learning practices more effective. It can lead to better outcome with enhanced student learning abilities.