I try to make very clear to anyone coming into my classroom that I am a ridiculous teacher. Oftentimes observers will see me singing to various students or shouting out corny jokes across a quiet room. I do this for many reasons, including the fact that teaching really can be a performance career at times. 

That being said, I'm sure there are teachers out there in situations where the pressure and inertia of "what has always been done" is forcing them to resort to more traditional methods in their teaching. The standard "chalk-and-talk" methodology was how I learned in high school and I recognize that it has value, but my true belief is simple: if we want to make sure our children are succeeding in the world (and not just on standardized tests) we need to make sure they are enjoying themselves in schools. No, that does not mean we water down the curriculum. Yes, it does mean we refuse to just "cover" material instead of actually teaching it. And it definitely means we reevaluate what the purpose of homework is.

Tradition is a great thing and I value the experience of those who have been teaching for many years. At the same time, innovation is prevalent and lauded all over modern society. As educators we need to look into ourselves and figure out what that means for us, our interaction with students (who are very dynamic) and their parents (who might demand the traditional), and our curricula. 

For me, it means a big shift this year where I assign homework and let the students decide if they need it or not. I partner that with a standards-based grading system where students can demonstrate their mastery of something whenever they want (within limits). And I'm absolutely ridiculous in class so the students pay attention (and believe, me they do). 

What works for you?