Strengthening Education Systems with Innovative Teaching

Dr. Robert Dillon, Director of Innovative Learning, School District of University City

As Director of Innovative Learning, Dr. Robert Dillon serves the students and community of the School District of University City. He also manages several projects around school design, instructional design, and learning environment design. Dr. Dillon has 30 years of experience in the education sector and has held various positions, including technology director, middle school administrator, and high school teacher.

Could you give me a brief overview of innovative learning and how it benefits the students?

I would say innovative teaching is the process of proactively introducing new teaching strategies and methods into the classroom. Getting stuck on the same idea will affect kids' futures and lead them behind. Therefore, applying innovative teaching strategies can improve teaching methods and continue to explore new and better ways to serve all kids.

How have your daily activities changed in light of the pandemic and the current disruptions? 

The pandemic has forced us to think about how to provide students with quality education. A potential starting point could be redoubling efforts to provide engaging, high-quality grade-level curriculum and lessons delivered by educators in every classroom. Not just in disciplines like arithmetic and literacy but also other areas. I have seen a majority of student’s claim that school is dull, less interesting, lacking in vitality and that they don't want to be there. Therefore, it's crucial to implement more innovative and engaging teaching methods in the educational system. So, our teachers ought to be equipped with everything required to do their job well.

What impact has the recent technological revolution had on the educational field?

I believe that requirement for software that supports kids has grown up over the last ten years. It has evolved from a sort of hammer to a scalpel that enables us to pinpoint individual student requirements and fill in those gaps. But, additionally, there are certainly little few particular gaps in learning that we can focus on.

"We must do a far better job of recognizing the excellent things that happen because of teachers' dedication."

Another important aspect is educators need to use technology effectively in education and its ability to level the field of opportunity for students. So, for example, they can take online courses and classes that aren't offered at their school. I think that's important because not every school can offer the breadth and depth of courses that today's modern students ask for.

What is the current scenario or difficulties in the educational field, and what methods or techniques do you employ to overcome them?

I believe that science and social studies subjects that allow students to interact with their environment and community have been neglected for a very long time. Additionally, the pandemic prevented us from interacting with each other or the surroundings. I believe we are restarting that. I want schools to put a lot of effort into bringing those two disciplines to the forefront because they are incredibly engaging for children when done effectively. Therefore, the concept of project-based learning, where children study how they may contribute to their community or the world around them, is quite effective.

What would be your one piece of advice to your peers or any leaders in the education industry?

I think there's a lot of wisdom in the system. There are many teachers out there who are doing incredible things. Instead of inventing the wheel, we should be watching, listening, and observing the finest techniques in our classrooms. We must do a far better job of recognizing the excellent things that happen because of teachers' dedication.