INNOVATION IN EDUCATION

Rogers E Miller (1971)

'An idea, practice or object perceived as new by the relevant unit of adoption, whether it is an individual or an organization'

APEID (1977)

'An effort to introduce a practice in order to bring about a social change. The practice need not be totally new: its efficeincy and potentiality in a new context are the main criteria used in labelling is as innovation. The emphaisi is on change in terms providing a strategy to deal with specific local or national problem'

Vanterpool (1990) - the characteristics of an innovation that predict a high probability of success are implicit in the following questions:

1.      Relative advantage (compare with what exists)

¨      Will it be more effective in improving learning?

¨      Will it be conserve resources more effeciently?

¨      Will it have a position impact on the total programme?

2.      Compatibility (consistent with values, xperiences, needs)

¨      Will it fit well with other aspects of the programme?

¨      Will it be accepted?

3.      Testability (can be tried on an experimental basis)

¨      Has it been tested in schools like ours?

¨      Can it be pilot-tested?

¨      Can we use selected parts?

4.      Observability (can be seen in action)

¨      Can we see a live demonstration with children?

¨      Can we see a videotaped demonstration?

¨      Can we see variations in its application?

5.      Complexity (ease of use)

¨      Will teachers need special training?

¨      Will it add to teachers' paperwork?