Scaling Change from Idea to Embedded, Sustainable Innovation

Author(s):
Ann E. Austin, Ph.D.
University Distinguished Professor of Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education, Associate Dean for Research, College of Education
Michigan State University

Even when nurtured with care, expanding, scaling, and sustaining good ideas can be challenging. This workshop focuses on strategies for advancing change from initial idea to institutionally embedded, sustainable practice—and even to other institutions. The primary focus of the workshop will be on identifying and sharing effective strategies for scaling change initiatives from the point of good idea to embeddedness, success, and sustainability at broader levels (e.g., department, college, institutional, and national levels). The facilitators will share lessons learned from an NSF-supported collaborative project involving three universities (University of Colorado Boulder, University of Massachusetts Amherst, and University of Kansas) that have taken a systems approach to developing and implementing innovative approaches to teaching evaluation, in service to improving the quality of undergraduate STEM education. Drawing on cross-campus comparisons of the approaches used to advance more effective teaching evaluation, the workshop facilitators will highlight useful strategies for scaling change initiatives and the importance of aligning effective change strategies with an institution’s culture. Workshop participants will identify insights from their own projects about scaling innovation across the institution and beyond. Through collaborative exchange of experiences and lessons, the workshop will enhance knowledge about effective scaling of innovation.

Coauthors