Here is the link to the Ken Robinson talk we watched the first day of class:
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html
If you feel you didn't get to share your thoughts that first day, OR you have had new thoughts in light of our class reading/discussions, please feel free to post a comment.
Proactive Pathways for Engagement
12 hours ago
Hello,
ReplyDeleteSir Ken is quite a public speaker. I agree with what he says about mistakes. I can understand why mistakes are frowned upon back in the "rate race". Mistakes usually result in somebody losing money, but there is nothing like losing a couple thousand dollars and being threatened with dismissal and legal action in the name of good formative assessment right?
I cannot understand why the same fear is present in schools. Maybe there should be entire units devoted to helping kids screw up as badly as they can. The great thing about mistakes is that after the anxiety attacks and sleepless nights, most of us come to the realization that life goes on. Perhaps when students are all stressed out about SATs or getting into college, we should challenge them to write the worst essays they can, or intentionally botch a biology experiment as badly as they can. I am not suggesting that incompetence and mistakes should be valued, I just believe that performing at a high level in any endeavor requires an element of relaxation. Most students cannot do their best work if they are afraid to make mistakes.
After watching this video again I have to say that I really like Sir Robinson’s approach to education. His style is entertaining and makes people sit up and take notice. I think that he makes two really good points. The first is the unpredictability of education. No one knows what the world will look like in 5 years, so it can be difficult for educators to prepare students for their future. In many ways educators themselves are unprepared for their own. This is a scary thought and it goes hand-in-hand with his idea that more risks need to be taken. Also I think that his argument that creativity is as important as literacy is unique. The creative aspects is school systems seem to becoming less and less. Creative activities or ways of thinking should simulate the mind of students just as much as rational or typical ways of thinking.
ReplyDeleteI found what Sir Ken Robinson said to be interesting and thought provoking, as well as funny. I agree with Jason, he is quite a public speaker.
ReplyDeleteWhen you consider our education system was rooted during very different times and education systems around the world share a hierarchy of content subjects that is outdated in our global, diverse, technological age you can understand why Sir Robinson is passionate about changing people's views. Sir Robinson defines creativity as the process of having original ideas that have value.
As a classroom teacher already, I do see math and science valued over the arts which can eventually squander creativity. Even as a regents science teacher I do however believe it is possible to allow student creativity. It takes a lot of effort and work on the teachers part because there is a curriculum and time restraints related to standardized testing that are always looming but it is possible. I do agree that we should rethink the overall messages we are sending students about creativity in our education system and in our society. Children are full of so much potential because they lack fear and are risk takers. Times are changing fast and the future in unimaginable. We must do our best to help the next generations reach their potential in every possible way so we can be best prepared for the unknown ahead of us. As Sir Robinson says we must value creativity in education as much as we value literacy.