British education could fall behind

Released 03/12/2008

Outdated teaching risks an unskilled population

Education in the UK is in danger of falling behind as a result of outdated teaching practices that do not provide learners with 21st Century skills, warns a new handbook.

The Government is increasingly driving towards a more personalised education system which demands the development of innovative practice.

The handbook, Promoting Transformative Innovation in Schools aims to support education practitioners to create a ‘culture of innovation' in schools by detailing resources designed to help teachers to be innovative, both in and out of the classroom.

The authors of the handbook point out that simply using technology in the classroom is not innovation in and of itself - it needs to be used to challenge and transform existing practices.

Tim Rudd of Futurelab, who created the book, said: "It is time for a shift in teaching practice in line with broader educational visions such as personalisation and Every Child Matters. Policy changes need to facilitate a model of innovation from the bottom up emanating from the practitioners themselves. Schools and teachers must be willing to try new approaches and accept risks and failures as part of an ongoing process of changing practice. Ultimately the consequences of failing to innovate are far more serious for the education system and learners."

The handbook can be downloaded for free from here

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