Let me preface this first ever blog post (other than microblogging on Twitter) with this:
TED talks are one of the best tools in educating the world today. What a great way to spread the word of educated and inspiring minds like Ken Robinson himself.
Sir Kenneth's 2006 video on 'schools killing creativity' is a personal favorite of mine. It made me feel a plethora of feelings on education, the future, and even mankind itself. I feel proud that I am involved in teaching and that I may make a big difference in someone's life someday. It evoked feelings in me for the argument of different learning styles in young bodies and minds and made me feel confident that I will not ignore a budding spark of creativity in any future student. His comments on not knowing what the future will hold for our young children today gave me chills because of its impact it will have on all of us. I also agree with his idea that we teach young ones (literally) from the bottom up--ending with the head. How poignant!
Mr. Robinson sure knows how to work the crowd, too; I love it. How likable is this man?! I'm definitely one who has a demand for his TED brilliance.
His other video on 'the learning revolution,' though, is just as great. I have always been a fan of looking at others' abilities as strengths within their own little realm of success. It's never fair if we treat everyone as if they are all the same because it's not fair for the sake of their learning process. Turning a stagnant educational system that has failed is difficult, but a revolution and change-up in the old mindsets of teachers is welcomed. Like he said, we have to move from 'manufacturing' to 'agriculture' so to speak, as children need to have something for tomorrow. Learning should be 'organic' not 'mechanic.' The standardized/customized idea resonated greatly with me because I am all about letting customized education run wild.
It's a digital world, as Ken Robinson then indirectly proves in his 'changing education paradigms' video. Knowing how to speak to your changing, tech-literate students is key. It is the smartest move an educator can do, though. This illustrated video stands as a great example of how visual learners might receive something more/different in this infographical form.
Kudos for my instructor Susannah for using the brilliant Ken Robinson as a way to educate us on the very task at hand.
Until next time!
Something you said reminded me of a conversation I had with my friend earlier today. We were talking about the words "achievement" and "success" (used ad nauseum in schools and The System). Do we ever stop to question, "Well...what IS success? What is achievement?" I think those two words cause so much harm in this world...more more more...what is right now is not good enough. Why not linger where we are, and see how it feels and what we can learn. Glad you liked the Robinson. I enjoyed reading your reflections. :)
ReplyDeleteI share your adoration for Ken Robinson. He is one of the most engaging speakers that I have seen in a long time. I hadn't heard of TED before this assignment, but I have since been going through all the videos as if they were cat videos on youtube. I think that we as teachers need to keep in mind the fact that teaching also needs to be organic instead of mechanic and, as you said, customizing education is key part of that equation.
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