Our education system seems to be the topic to which many
people feel comfortable bashing, giving advice, cures, etc. But one man that I
truly believe has something to talk about is Sir Ken Robinson. He has one of
the most watched TED talks about education and creativity. He speaks about the
education system that is in place now and how it does not foster a space of
creativity for our youth.
Watch his videos at TED:
Looking back on my education I wonder if, although time has
passed, does this apply to my experience of formal education. And I can say
with an overwhelming YES, I do feel that our education system stifled my
expression, imagination, and curiosity. One person that traditional education
exploits as the ultimate genius is Albert Einstien. And what does he have to
say about this topic:
-Albert Einstein
Our education system puts so much pressure on the
fundamentals (reading, writing, and math), so why are we not producing great
thinkers?
Thomas Friedman, author of ‘The World Is Flat’ has something
to say about the new global competition that faces youth in the work force
today…what does he have to say?
"Give me the kid
with a passion to learn and a curiosity to discover and I will take him or her
over the less passionate kid with a huge IQ every day of the week." IQ
"still matters, but CQ and PQ ... matter even more." Thomas Friedman
But why do we not see these things as important in
education? It’s all about memorizing, not question what is in your text book,
being an obedient student. Yet many great thinkers, scientists, and artists are
quite the opposite and some of the greatest works comes from challenging the
facts of today.
I do not want to bash teachers, for I know many and see
their passion and efforts in their work. It is deeper that teachers, this
problem that we face, it is a systematic problem that needs to be explored not obediently
followed. If we look around the world today, children are facing a much
different and challenging world, let’s give them the best tools to face their
future. And let’s start with Ken Robinson’s suggestions.
Check out the man of the hour:
http://www.ted.com/search?q=sir+ken+robinson
http://sirkenrobinson.com/skr/
No comments:
Post a Comment