Naysayers Are More Important Than Your Supporters

One of the foremost educational change experts out there is Michael Fullan. His book The New Meaning of Educational Change gives fantastic insight into what it takes to make change in a school.

One of the most important points for educational technologists to take from it is how to deal with “naysayers.” All ed tech’s probably know about naysayers, those people who just refuse to try out new things. Fullan says that you have to listen to them: 1) either they are right (and you are wrong), or 2) they are going to derail what you are trying to do with their conversations with others.

I think a lot of educational technologists run for those teachers who wait with open arms. Sometimes, it is important to run to the naysayers, turn them to your side (see Fullan), then you have even more teachers to work with.

next post: why great ideas usually can’t catch on

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arvind s. grover

I am a progressive educator, a podcaster (EdTechTalk.com/21cl), a blogger, and dean of faculty of JK-11 school (building a high school) in New York City.