You have viewed two video clips by Sir Ken Robinson about the nature and value of arts education and the ways in which our education systems generally marginalize creativity and creative thinking. Now it is your turn to join the conversation! Please compose a thoughtful blogpost of several paragraphs with your reactions to the two videos. Posting on this blog requires a Google email address. If you prefer not to set up a Gmail address, you can email your response to me at lhschoral@gmail.com, and I will copy it to the blog.
Please sign all blog posts with your first name and last initial. This blogpost should be completed by Monday morning, March 24.
After watching the two videos by Sir Ken Robinson, my view of education has definitely changed. I now wonder if people with ADHD truly have a medical learning issue, or they are just forced to learn something that doesn't interest them. While I do see value in teaching people basic mathematics, languages, sciences, and humanities, I do not think this should be a required focus for someone who doesn't want to be involved with it as an adult. Almost everyone I know has a least favorite subject and I think that this is evidence that people shouldn't be forced to learn something. People generally are successful in subjects they enjoy, or possibly they enjoy them when they are successful - it is kind of a chicken or egg circumstance. My point is that no one will go far in a subject that bores them.
ReplyDeleteI like the story about the dancer. The girl didn't have anything wrong with her, but the teachers thought she did simply because she is not the same kind of thinker as "everyone" else. Even if the teacher had known the girl needed to be moving in order to think, it may not have made a difference. Because dancing is not of economic value according to our society, it is discouraged. Confucius once said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." By weeding out all of the creative aspects of childhood, most adults will work every single day! And quite frankly, to have a town center with mainly banks, gas stations, and hair salons is pretty boring, despite its economic worth.
I think it is sad that I am a victim myself of this whole conundrum. I used to play multiple instruments, I used to love making jewelry, I used to love knitting, I used to love drawing and painting, etc. While I still enjoy those things, I hardly ever do any of them because they are not my top priority. I don't ever see myself as a historian, but somehow my history homework comes first. It may not matter what my grades are, but I am pressured to do well in school. Why is it that some of the most successful people weren't good students? My guess is that they had a a sense of what they wanted to be as a grownup. I think we should give them credit for standing up for the right side of this dispute. Why should it matter how so-and-so did in english if they make a huge, breakthrough discovery in science as an adult?
Sir Ken Robinson has made me realize that I should be true to myself and make time for the things I enjoy.
-Grace L
I think Sir Ken Robinsin posts up an interesting but controversial argument on the public education system. As a student from Lexington High School, I concur that creativity should be treated as equally as academics, and the society needs more fresh ideas than standardized “factory products.” Almost everyone in this learning environment has a common goal, which is to work hard and get into a decent college, and those who do not share the same objective or act differently are considered “weird”, “losers” or “social outcasts”. The intensity and standardization of the learning environment inspires superficial judgments, unhealthy competitions and perhaps more selfishness than tolerance.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the big picture is logical and suggests potential positive impacts, it brings some social controversies: according to his definition of creativity, which is generating ideas that have values, how do people determine and evaluate creativity if there is abundance of them already? There are millions of companies that are currently working on improving human lives with creative inventions, or at least ideas, but why do only few of them stand out and actually work? If every child is born creative, and there is a public education system that puts more emphasis on the development of creativity than standard, traditional academics, would the society appreciate creativity as much as it currently does? In addition, how long does it take for the society to adapt to such enormous, unprecedented educational transformation? Interestingly, some of the most respected and successful careers in the society significantly lack creativity, such as lawyers and doctors, but still achieve high accomplishments, intellectual acknowledgement, and social acceptance.
Besides the difficulty on creating a “rubric” for judging, creativity cannot be achieved or embellished without solid technical skills. For example, Steve Jobs started Apple with some sort of background knowledge on software (he also perfected SAT). Both President Obama and his wife have law degrees from Harvard, which potentially assist them to make certain influential decisions. In the speech, the speaker has a tendency to over-criticize traditional education system and ignore what it has done to previous generations. If it can survive for centuries, then there must be a reason for its presence. My opinion on the subject is to equally value creativity and academics rather than just focus on one end and unbalance the scale of education.
- Deon Y
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ReplyDeleteI think the most valid point Ken Robinson makes is that our schools today have come to rely too heavily on standardized testing. Such testing does stifle creativity in that the success of both the student and the teacher is based on a percent score. Each question is afforded only one correct response, leaving no room for nuanced or ruminative thinking. Exams that do allow for thoughtful responses are timed, which is almost a counterintuitive concept. More expansive thinking would result from less testing, which would free both students and teachers to be more creative and less fearful of failing.
ReplyDeleteI don’t agree that veering away from subject-based education focused on language arts and math will be of benefit to students. Rather, allowing for more opportunities to pursue music, dance, drama, and art would allow those students who now have no, or little, access to these classes to excel where they might otherwise have felt marginalized. All students need a fundamental proficiency in language arts and math, not only to navigate their adult lives, but also to fully develop their artistic talents. Ken Robinson mentions Shakespeare, whose plays show that he was well-educated in history and language. Another student had mentioned Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates was also a creative thinker who based his work on his knowledge of math and science.
- Tess M.
I agree with what Ken Robinson said about how education today is based off of how well students test, and not as much about what they have learned. The skills that we need to survive in the real world after high school and college aren't as emphasized in our school systems as they should be.Especially in a school like LHS where grades seem to be the only thing that matters. We need to focus more on classes like art and music where students can express themselves without the pressures of academics. I also feel like Ken Robinson is right about schools kind of killing creativity because they force us to think very systematically about situations. A lot of times, a solution to an issue can be resolved by thinking of it in a creative way.
ReplyDeleteI think it is important that all the countries in the world come together and cooperate to find a common way to offer public education to all the children in the world. That levels the playing field for everyone when it comes to looking for jobs and raising the poorer people out of poverty. If all people are given an opportunity to do well, they will take that chance and offer their views on the advancement of the future.
Ashwini S.
Ken Robinson made many strong points during his talk. His focus was on bringing education to a new light that was directed more on using creativity for the better, because it's a very powerful gift. He mentioned that making mistakes was the worst thing a person could do in modernized education and that is true, we are judged on our capability to succeed in education. Kids for example aren't afraid to make mistakes because no one has judged them on making mistakes and they don't care if their is a consequence. Picasso said "All kids are born artists." That's true, but it's the parents job to let them follow that artists path. But Ken Robinson said that arts are on the bottom and that jobs in the art are less practical and now a days people want jobs that they can provide for a family with. Jobs in the arts can do that but they are difficult to obtain. His biggest and final point was that we have to celebrate the human imagination.
ReplyDeleteThe second video focused more on the industrialized idea of education. We are forcing kids to go to school so that they can get jobs. Education has been modeled for the past by the enlightenment and the industrial revolution. Not only that but the idea of being smart versus not being smart. In modern day that is very true you are considered bright and successful or dumb and unsuccessful. Now kids with ADHD are being forced to focus but when we look back on the first video some of those kids need to be enlightened by the arts to produce success. In a whole his biggest point was that we need to stop making school like a factory but something more creative, so more kids can have an education and be happy.
I found both videos to be very interesting and made me think about the education system a lot more critically. I think that we are taught from an early age to think a certain way and that the education system is the best. Everyone older than us has gone through it and many of them are successful therefore we should go through it as well. I think the videos raise the point that not everyone works the same and education should be more multidimensional.
ReplyDeleteI found the test "Break Point & Beyond, in the second video, was very interesting. I thought it was amazing that we all begin with very creative minds but become conditioned to think in a certain way. I think that this is definitely correct because from an early age we are taught that there is one answer and the paper clip cannot be "200 ft tall and made of foam rubber." Creativity is an very important skill in life. Not only does it allow oneself to express oneself but also is critical to problem solving, something that is important in every job. Therefore, I believe education systems do need to emphasize the arts which allow students to be creative and allow students to truly think.
I agree with many of the points that Ken Robinson makes. School has the potential to be made vastly more diverse and individualized. An arts related career should be a much more accessible option. I do believe, however, that there must remain a certain amount of structure in high school education. A child should not have to choose there entire path in life when it is too early to know what you truly will want to do in the future.
ReplyDeleteI find it somewhat hard to comment on where education should go however, because I feel that LHS is much more in the direction that Ken Robinson had in mind than the majority of schools in the U.S. It is obviously not ideal for him, as math and science are much more glorified than the arts classes here, but there are still many options for students to choose.
I had a big problem with Ken Robinson's comments on ADHD. While there is a large number of people who overestimate the effects ADHD, there is also a number of people who underestimate the effects. As a person that has been diagnosed with ADHD, I can say with certainty that, while it is by no means an "epidemic" in the country, it is something that is worth treating. My medication really does help me focus, and it does not take away from my ability to be creative, and it is in no way dangerous whatsoever. I was angry when he says that the medications can be dangerous, because this just seams like a non-validated point to arbitrarily support his argument.
Ethan R.C.
It is evident that Ken Robinson is, in a positive fashion, a critical thinker that brings up a lot of valid points in which I very much agree with. His opening statement about how we all have an interest in educations is a legitimate, yet abstract idea that can be interpreted in different ways. I took it to mean that we, as humans, believe that a good education is the gateway to a meaningful, successful future. As students, school is a genuine pain with all the homework and stress that comes along with it but in truth our education is molding us into the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow. It is teachers duties to not only help us recognize our full potential but also to fulfill it. When he states that creativity is just as important as literacy I began to have some doubts. Yes I do believe that it is vital for kids have their fun and be creative by any means necessary but the reality of this world is harsh and we must find a balance between blissful ignorance and reality. Creativity is the foundation of all breakthroughs and inventions but there is also a lot of thought, time and effort put into these advancements. School cannot teach creativity, it is human nature to think and wonder. I believe that our education system has the job of improving our minds as analyzers and problem-solvers through the use of creative, yet informative means. One is no important that the other and an equilibrium must be established in order for kids to learn effectively.
ReplyDeleteIn a nutshell, the points that Ken Robinson brings up can relate to almost all students at LHS. Here we strive for perfection and nothing less. Why is it that the perfection that we strive for in the intellectual fields? It is that important that we understand iambic pentameters, why the Islamic empires were successful or how to find the volume of a cone? Will that help us in the future? As a middle schooler I dabbled in knitting, playing the guitar and actually reading for pleasure. All of these past times having taken a back seat to my homework and just the stress that comes with the time in our lives in which we must figure out who we are. I personally think that at LHS, we loose our innocence and we grow up quicker whether that be for better or for worse.Mr. Robinson helped me remember that is my duty to do what I love and grasp on to whatever childhood instincts I have left but also stay focused on what the future has in store.
Watching the video clips of Sir Ken Robinson discussing education profoundly changed my thoughts about the systems that society uses to teach young people. Robinson argued that creativity is as important, if not more important, than literacy. Because of public education and our society’s idea of what defines academic success, students have not been encouraged to develop to their full potential. Specifically, they are taught not to think creatively, and are actively discouraged from developing their imagination.
ReplyDeleteOne particularly compelling example was Robinson’s idea of divergent thinking. Robinson advocated strongly for his belief that the education system rewards people for coming up with a single answer to a question. Robinson explained that the ability to think of multiple answers to a single question is referred to as divergent thinking, and while divergent thinking is not synonymous with creativity, creativity requires divergent thinking. For example, the ability of divergent thinking appears to be common among young children, but it decreases dramatically as they grow up within the educational system. While there are many possible reasons for this, Robinson focuses on standardized testing, which rewards memorization, but not creativity.
One story he described that stood out to me was about Jillian, the dancer. Jillian thought differently than the ideal student, and therefore was thought of as having a problem, or not being good enough to succeed. Specifically, she was seen as hyperactive, and needed to be in constant motion. However, when her mother took her to a therapist, he opened their eyes to just how gifted Jillian could be. Rather than “putting Jillian on pills and telling her to ‘calm down’”, the therapist told her mother to put her in dance classes, and from there, she excelled; becoming a soloist ballerina in the Royal Ballet and a successful owner of a dance company. This story showed me that just because someone is labeled as different, and not the perfect academic thinker, they are not valueless. If they are able to connect with their creative side, they can be more successful than the “perfect academic thinker.”
The final point that I found compelling was Robinson’s commentary about the ideas behind public education, which came from the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution. He again explained that this model of academic success is not equipped to educate today’s children, and tomorrow’s leaders. Historically, academic success was defined by having deductive reasoning skills and an ability to memorize the classics. This definition excludes many intelligent people from becoming academically successful. It also fails to teach people to think creatively and work in teams. Most schools today fail to develop creative thinking and therefore don not allow children to reach their full potential. Both children and society suffer because of this.
Arts education offers the rare possibility to teach kids how to think creatively. Unfortunately, this has been neglected by most school districts, and most arts departments are underfunded because schools are focused way too much on standardized testing, rather than creative thinking. It is also important for students to take advantage of the opportunities that they are provided, to develop their creative thinking skills.
-Sophia R.
Watching the videos by Sir Ken Robinson, on the subject of his view on public education in the 21st century was, in the simplest terms, enlightening. His opinion of the education system was not only amusing at times, but interesting. As he described the things that are valued most, math, science, languages, I found myself nodding in agreement. Of all places, I believe Lexington may feel this most. In Lexington we pride ourselves in being the best; the best of the best, in the areas mentioned above. Sir Robinson asked a central question; why is that?
ReplyDeleteIt is obvious to see what is most valued in those who which to achieve in their lives by what they focus on. One thing stood out to me the most. To be deemed intelligent in the world we live in, a person must excel at what has been placed in the winning place on the scale of usefulness. As Robinson states, these subjects are focused mostly on “the head, and slightly to the side”. He emphasizes that creativity is not valued as much as these, and I must agree. While the participation in “creative” activities is encouraged, (but perhaps just for what it looks like on a college app) they are thought of as something a body might do on the side after finishing studying for math. Robinson also states in both videos that the system through which we go through seems to be more geared towards a different age. This brings up a central question; how many scientists and mathematicians does the world need? I found it an intriguing idea. When truly pondered, it is obvious that even with a concrete understanding of what has ALREADY been discovered, nothing more can be invented with creativity. If children are forever being told to not daydream, to not believe in something that can only be “fantasy”, nothing new will ever be attempted. Human kind will be stuck forever in the state it was in, never to grow or learn any more than what is already known.
Robinson’s points gave a certain sense of urgency to change, of agreement, and the wish for the world he described. However, he did not give an idea of how we might achieve the state that he rallied for in his talks. Nothing more than vague hints or the simple thought that we must CHANGE. I’d be interested to know what he suggests as a solution to the creativity epidemic.
Ester Z
Sir Ken Robinson is a nifty fellow. His style of speech is quite amusing, as is his general persona. However, his argumentation is severely flawed. The fact that he lacks a conclusion to his speeches means that even if it is true that our current education system deteriorates our creativity and stifles our ability to change the world, there is nothing we can do about it. The closest he comes to making a conclusive statement is (from the first video, 18 minutes in) “we have to rethink the fundamental principles on which we are educating our children.” Yet he does not articulate which principles he wishes to implement in order to replace our current principles. Clearly, he wishes to make use of human imagination, but how so? In the second video, he claims that standardization is bad for education. If this is true, what does he propose as an alternative? If we do not provide each student with the same set of expectations at first, how can we learn which students require what tailoring to achieve what they wish to achieve? There must be a starting point where all students begin so that we can adjust the curriculum for each one.
ReplyDeleteThere is a major disadvantage to the specialization of students’ assets. I will call this “social disintegration.” As students progress in their separate fields, increased competition arises between all those in the same fields. The fewer children there are competing against each other, the more pronounced the competition between them is. If one can see their opponent, they are pressured to do better. The challenge stops being “to be the best you can be,” and turns into “be the best in the field.” Now, this is not necessarily a bad thing. However, in the case of children, high stress levels are quite dangerous, and have been shown to stifle creativity.1 This not only exacerbates the negative effects of our current education system, but also breaks down connections between students. In a typical school setting, “standardization” includes the division of students into age groups, or grades. These grades may preclude specialization, but they do allow for students to build up a reliable number of friends, which is vital to allow for an enjoyable life experience. Taking away grades simulates destruction of social norms, which may sound clean and simple, but in reality has long-lasting harmful effects. Stripping schools of grades cannot be phased in like new curriculums for subjects; the upcoming classes would soon join or surpass the current grades, and these traditional students would feel academically inept, which is something I believe Sir Ken Robinson wishes to avoid.
1. “The Social Side of Creativity: A Static and Dynamic Social Perspective,” Perry-Smith and Shalley in 2003, http://www.creashock.be/CREASHOCK/media/DOWNLOADS-/The social side of creativity A static and dynamic social network perspective Perry-Smith Shalley.pdf
Zack S.S.
While Sir Ken Robinson made interesting points about the importance of creativity, I think he discredited the value of academics to some extent. Despite the fact that subjects such as art and drama are considered minor in this increasingly theoretical society, there are enough opportunities both in and out of the schools for people to pursue their interests. The number of technical institutions--where students could study arts--in US is as high as the number of private universities. This clearly is an evidence suggesting that our world is not necessarily conservative in what career path people should choose or what type of life they need to seek; rather, it is willing to embrace men performing all kinds of business.
ReplyDeleteTo be true, I am very surprised by the data revealing the exponential decrease in the percentage of creative people as the age increases. However, such a curving trend is ought to happen as children grow older and begin to engage in a more realistic setting. Thus, the society is not underestimating the power of creativity. The loss of imagination and divergent thinking is actually "promoted" when people encounter a more reasonable and scientific way to explain the surrounding incidents. And this is not a bad thing. In fact, only by becoming knowledgable of the present condition can one utilize his creative skills effectively to transform the community for better. The same is true when applied to school and academics in general: a good artist cannot be just creative; he needs to know basic algebra and geometry to design complex figures, learn the history that shaped the development of various culture and artwork, and, for a dancer, even be aware of the law and theory of friction (from the physics class!) between the foot and the stage to perfect the performance. Therefore, art and academics are highly correlated, as well as creativity and reality.
Haochen W.
Sir Ken Robinson proposed an intriguing topic about our education in relation to creativity. He says that with the increase in economic growth and technology, academic standards have risen. These high standards alienate certain kids with a learning disability. His question “Why should we put them to them to sleep?” made me think that those kids with ADHD may not have as slow of a development as a ‘normal brain’ but it may be that there brain is more developed in topics not emphasized in school like arts, music. drama, or dance.
ReplyDeleteSir Ken Robinson brings up a good idea that nobody has any idea about the future. We can try to pave a path for our generation to take but it can always go over a bump and change course completely. Once school is done many of us kids could go and pursue a life in performing arts because we have always had that love inside of us except we were never able to show it. This could lead us to a path where arts is the domination and people are encouraged to do what they love. This may also decrease the number of people with learning disabilities like ADHD.
Thinking back on my life, I noticed that when I was little I loved to dance and play piano as well as sing, and put on small performances. All things that I used enjoy are gone. Now, if someone asks me to get up and perform a skit I am always reluctant and usually will back out. As I have gotten older, my mom told me I had to stop taking dance classes because it interfered with what she thought was more important, academics and sports. Though I love playing field hockey and am proud of my academic success, I wish that I had more time to choreograph dances and learn to play songs on the piano. Even my singing career which I have taken a great interest in is put behind both of these. I have now realized that though schools may not put emphasis on creative arts we should always pursue what interests us and do it the best that we can regardless of what society thinks.
One phrase that Sir Ken Robinson said that really stuck to me was, “We should see creative talents the way that they are.” No matter what people think, we should always strive to do our best in the things that we love
- Sarina S
After watching the Ken Robinson’s Ted Talk and RSA Animate videos, it is clear that he is a forward thinker in what the future of our education needs to be. I entirely agree with one of his main points that it is wasteful and counter productive to try to educate all students the same way. In trying to do this students with certain talents and abilities that to do not fit the educational mold are shunted to the side and told that they are not the ideal and their talents are not important. This is a horrifying fact because, by telling the students their talents are worthless, it creates a society where the same jobs are the ideal goal of everybody’s education. This said, I feel that Ken Robinson did not delve whatsoever into the impracticality of trying to educate all students differently and the benefits of public education. As Ken Robinson said public education has only been around since the 18th century so it is a relatively new idea in the scope of the world’s history. It allows all people to get an education regardless of their families socioeconomic status, which in turn greatly helps them later in life in getting a job and being successful.
ReplyDeleteI found Ken Robinson’s anecdote about the choreographer of Cat’s extremely interesting and filled with lessons we all could learn from. Jillian’s story shows that just because you don’t fit the typical mold of a student, it doesn’t mean you are hopeless or wrong Her inability to sit still was a benefit to her in her dancing career and in her choreographic career, as shown through her extreme success. This brings up the question, what would’ve happened if she were not taken to the psychologist who told her mother to bring her to a dance school? She would have been, “put on medication and told to calm down.” This is not the way to handle these problems. Although it is true that some people need medication to function in society, it is not the only help they need. They need to find a niche where their “handicaps” are seen as useful tools and not something to be tamed or rid of.
What I have taken away from these videos is that it’s time to make a change in terms of our educational structure-shunting students to the side because they don’t fit the mold will never be useful or productive. This being said I think it is important to remember how far we have come in public education, and that it’s not all bad.
Theo L.
In the two videos, Ken Robinson brings up many ideas that are at the very least very interesting to think about. I agree full heartedly that our education system is flawed, though I did not agree with some of his points. Students are encouraged to choose ‘practical’ majors when applying to college, which doesn’t seem to include anything in the humanities or creative side of what we learn in schools. I fully agree that creativity needs to be encouraged more throughout our education, as well as in our society as a whole.
ReplyDeleteIn the second video Robinson mentioned some flaws in the division of our schools into age groups, or grades. This is a concept that I fail to grasp. How does he propose we change the system? He discourages the idea of standardized tests, yet I fail to see how our grade levels could be changed without testing students more frequently to see where they would be placed in a school system. Separating schools by age groups creates a sense of community that is vital in keeping students from overstressing.
Robinson talks about encouraging creativity and discouraging the fear of failure that all students feel. I believe that changing the way our schools are organized would lead to decreased creativity and increased fear of failure. Maybe I misunderstand Robinson’s vision, but he never explains a possible change to the age group system of our schools. I agree that schools should become more tailored to different types of learning, but I fail to understand how he proposes changing our system of grouping students will help anything.
Robinson make many interesting points that certainly make you think about our education system and what possibilities we are destroying in our children, yet he often fails to provide ideas for change which makes his arguments hard to fully agree with. While I’m sure we can all agree that our education system is flawed and needs to change the way we deal with creativity, some of his points were hard to agree with.
Michelle T
After hearing both lectures on education by Sir Ken Robinson, I have to say that my first response to this assignment would be to write about how it marginalizes our learning and that it kills our creativity. However after about 30 more seconds of thinking it dawned on me that I just didn't want to write an appropriate response because I have other homework to do and I don't have a lot of time to do it. But this is an important subject to me since the two videos materialized concepts that have been brewing in my head since the end of 7th grade. Although short in terms of an adult's life, to any person my age, a year is a long time. It is mathematically a larger percent of our life than of someone twice as old as us, which makes it seem like forever. And in that long year and half, I began to notice similar patterns in my classes and life. The tests and quizes were all matching, or multiple choice, or essays. In fact it wasn't until two weeks ago that I had my first "draw it" section on a test. Classes were taught in generally the same way. The teacher talks at you for a while and you absorb as much as you can, or you would do an independent activity that was still strictly guided and you were responsible for following the set guidelines. There was no room for individualized learning that we could take charge of to learn in the best way for ourselves. Sadly, the marginalization that Sir Robinson talked about doesn't end in our education systems. Sports practices or dance classes have always been a time for kids to express ourselves in a physical way, and I always cherished the nights when I would go to lincoln for baseball or lacrosse practice. But hidden within those special hours were the same cookie-cutter way of thinking that pervades our schools and our lives. Everyone was to do the same drill the same way. Learn to throw the same way. The "fundamentals" they were called. But they only made me feel like I was on a conveyor belt to being an identical player to everyone else. Even in our culture, the way we dress, the way we live our lives, they are dictated by everyone around us. Our friends setting the example for how to do in school, the iPhone craze that grips our school, telling you that you "have to have one." I've had first hand experience with the old adage, "Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell you who you are." Our culture molds people into almost the same person. The problems that Sir Robinson said were in our education systems are not just in our education systems. They have bled through into our culture, poisoning it with conformity and duplication. The reforms he has called for will not come easily, because they will not only change our future's education, but our futures culture.
ReplyDeleteI think that how we address this problem now, will affect our ability to overcome such impending crises as fossil fuels, oil, fresh water, and overpopulation. In order to really solve these issues, we need to educate all the people in the way that best trains them to handle these types of situations, not in the way that would help with an irrelevant economical situation.
- Jonathan Cooper
Education, more and more, seems like something no one really wants. So many people seem to say that college is no longer the way to a job, as Sir Robinson said. My head works in a very compartmentalized, “now it is time for this” kind of way, so school’s regimented, organized, separate system sits nicely with me. I have no trouble paying attention in class, or memorizing what needs to be memorized, or in general being a good student. However, I come in contact with so many people who don’t work like that. They either can’t remember what it is they have to do, or they can’t pay attention through anything, or it just never makes any sense to them. School is not for them.
ReplyDeleteIt saddens me that so many people think they won’t ever do anything useful, or important, because so many of them will. The entire world can’t be teachers and scientists. We need musicians and artists and athletes and janitors and bus drivers to keep the world moving. More importantly, we need them to give those of us who are scientists and teachers reasons to keep making things, teaching things.
Sir Robinson noted how standardized tests are becoming more and more common. In my experience, standardized tests are useless, because people are not standardized. My mother teaches ELL at Bridge, and has to administer a standardized test to all of her students on English. Even the kindergarteners. Which kindergartener, even an American-born, with English-speaking parents, could pass a test designed to figure out how much English a 5th grader knows? I know I couldn’t have.
The education system we have created is great for the few who can game the system, or beat it flat out. The rest have to trudge through, hoping that somewhere, at the end of it all, there is a light.
Based on the videos of Ken Robinson’s “Ted Talks”, it is obviously clear that creativity is a factor that all students could use to their benefit, which could help them excel in their academic performance. Trying to mold all the students in a certain way, enforcing them to become people that they were not meant to be.
ReplyDeleteA particular story that stood out to me, was about Jillian, the dancer. Because she did not fit the image of an ideal student, she was thought of almost “broken” in a way, a sense that she would not be able to succeed at anything. Her necessity to keep moving, and not stay still was supposedly “distracting her” from becoming a student that was highly looked upon, a position that many yearned for. After bringing Jillian to a therapist, both parties realized that her hyper activeness could be used by enrolling her in dance classes, not hiding her behind pills. Her excessive amount of energy came to her benefit. Throughout practice, she became the soloist ballerina, and became more successful by eventually owning her own dance company. Just because a student does not fit into the ideal figure of what a student must be, does not determine who they are. Jillian’s energy helped her excel in the art of dancing; and if she had kept listening to the teachers about what the ideal student is, she never would have discovered dance, and not been able to discover who she truly is.
In lexington, many high school students, middle school even are victims of this sort of situation. Although many students still participate in extra curricular activities, only a minority do it because it will perhaps look better on a college application. Our extra activities in elementary school (for example), was something that we looked forward to doing, something that sparked our attention. As we get older, our interests decrease, and we focus more on excelling in education. Although education is strongly encouraged, we can not forget what we really enjoy doing. I am sure that many people, however, do their extra curricular activities because we simply enjoy participating in them, but i know many students that carry them out because it is too late to quit, and that it would look beneficial on a college application. In lexington, I feel like sometimes our true identities are neglected, and looked past. Especially in this town, with such overachievers; our grades tend to get the best of us, and let them prove who we are. When in reality, what we enjoy doing, and who we are, regardless of what education suggests, is who we are. We as a society cannot let education dominate, forcing us into a mold that supposedly tells us what image we are supposed to fit.
Sir Ken Robinson, helped me realize that as a student, I should not let my grades or society let me define who I am. Everyone is different and just because someone does not fit an ideal image, does not mean that they are useless, or that they have no future cut out for them. Everyone is designed for a different purpose, and that everyone has a potential to have a bright future.
After watching the two "Ted Talks" videos in class, it was clear to me how flawed our education system was. Even when students are at the top of their class any failure is looked down upon such to the point where people push themselves past breaking points to reach insane and sometimes harmful academic standards.
ReplyDeleteCreativity is an essential part to everyone's learning process, everyone should deserve that chance to show who they are. Sitting all day in a school building only being defined by grades and averages is something that sadly Lexington High School is filled with. Of course people have their creative outlets - such as chorale and drama classes, many different artistic clubs and sports teams - but we still let it define us. I've heard from almost all of my teachers that our level 1 classes are like honors classes at other schools, but being from lexington and only ever experiencing this one type of learning means that I can't judge it. But I do know that when I or my friends get a B+ on their midterm it means they've done well. It isn't a failure as some students, parents, and teacher see it. That's something to be proud of.
I've never been that wonderful in the area of academic's, especially in math and science. Even when I feel that I've done my best on something I let what others say to me about it defer me from my positive outlook. When I feel that a B on a math test that I studied countless hours for is enough, it should be enough. Enough for me, enough for society, and enough for my teachers. I most definitely let how society views what I do impact how I myself feel about it, and so do most people. And that's the thing - people are flawed. We are flawed. getting a C on a paper doesn't mean you're a failure. It just means that's what happened. That's what it is. We've all let how society views our grades impact how we view them, which is the flaw.
This point is stressed highly in the lexington school system. Teachers basically pound the idea into our heads that we aren't good enough and can practically never be good enough. Even if school isn't your highest subject, that doesn't mean and shouldn't mean that you aren't good enough. Everyone is good at different things. You can be the best sports player in the world and fail math one quarter. You can get into an Ivy even if in freshman year you got a D on a spanish quiz. The things that happen to us in high school don't determine who we are and who we're going to be - no future is cut out for us from the moment we walk through the doors on out first day. Things are changing all around and we should embrace it - embrace our differences and ourselves. Society views things in a warped way that is wrong.
Everyone has potential. Everyone has a future. Everyone has the chance to do something great.
And although this has strayed from connecting directly with the "Ted Talks" videos, they are it's origin.
I agree with Sir Ken Robinson’s statement that creativity should have a higher status in education just like all the other classes we are required to take. Fine and performing art classes have been made less important by the people who design the curriculum for public education. I believe it is true that schools stigmatize mistakes. We have been taught to make mistakes so we can learn from them. However, as the years go by in a rigorous environment, the tolerance for mistakes is reduced, putting grade point averages in danger.
ReplyDeleteAlso, many people are very fixated on getting good grades. Everyone has creativity inside of them, but just like every other skill, you have to practice it to become good at it. There aren’t as many opportunities to practice the classes that require creativity. I believe it is important to have teachers look at their students as individuals and help them develop their strengths, instead of focusing on just their weaknesses.
As a recent applicant to college, there’s great variation to how colleges look at creative work than do high schools. Some schools completely disregard that work and remove it from their recalculation from the students’ GPA.
In Gillian Lynne’s example, if the doctor had not looked beyond her “attention issue”, he would never have figured out she needed to do something with all of her energy. In the end, all she needed was someone to help her find a way to channel her energy in a positive, creative way. Dance then became her form of expression for her intellect and creativity. Overall, I believe Sir Ken raised so many good points for us to think about, and have a better appreciation for the fine and performing art opportunities we are offered at our school.
Sara Fopiano
After listening to Sir Ken Robinson's TED Talk for the 3rd time, I realized how many of his ideas I associated myself with and agreed with. His opinions on the subject of child creativity and “divergent thinking” show through in and resonate with my own opinions on the subject. As I have grown up and realized how different my life is, I have only just recently grasped the concept that my creativity has indeed decreased as well as other things such as reading books as a hobby and my interests in drums and electronics. I also feel as if I’ve become less “smart,” I watch videos of myself even in 6th grade and I marvel at how comprehensive and thoughtful I was for that age. I’d say that much of this is due to the education system just as Robinson did, but I just do not agree with that. I think that part of this deterioration is the outlook on the world that I have. I repeatedly tell myself that I have to do my homework before anything else, and this just leads to me procrastination and going to sleep late anyways. If I was able to relax and do something brain intensive yet entertaining as well, maybe this would help.
ReplyDeleteFrom my experience, our school puts a prime on getting A’s and doing whatever it takes to do so. I’ve heard from teachers that many times students come to them for help but don’t want to learn how their problem works and only want to know how to complete the task in front of them. Recently one of my teachers told me that they didn’t care about the grades of their students, only that the learning happens. To them it didn’t matter whether the learning happened at a study session before the test, or during a test. The most important thing was that each student understood what they were being taught. Directly after telling me this they recognized the doubt in my mind because they new that I cared about the grade. Now, I’d like to think I care about learning as well, but when it comes down to it most of the work I do is for the grade. This is why I think that I, and people at our school, find classes boring and wake up on Mondays sad because they have to get through another week. If we invest ourselves in the learning and not the grade, I think that the impact will be extremely positive on not only you but pervade through the people around you as well.
And so, to connect this somewhat (not really) to Sir Robinson’s “TED Talk,” this newfound interest would allow us to be more creative in our lives. With each homework assignment, there would be value in understanding it and maybe even doing some extra research because the topic is interesting not just getting it done for the sake of getting it before the next class. And those little seeds of interest would guide us to find what we love and continue in life doing those things.
I agree with the majority of the things Sir Ken Robinson had to say about how the current intense focus on education can greatly impact the way people do things and how well people will succeed in life. It's true that all people have so many talents but they never get a chance to display them because their talents are often viewed as problems. For example, Gillian Lynne, instead of allowing her to be free and act as her own person, they jumped to the conclusion that her inability to stay still or concentrate was a mental disorder. People nowadays are often pushed away from what they're good at/love to do by their parents because those things are usually perceived as useless and won't get you anywhere in life. It's completely unfair to say that only those who are good at math or science have a hopeful future. There are so many other things a person could do that have almost nothing to do with math or science like being an artist, receptionist, designer, etc...
ReplyDeleteI strongly agreed with what Robinson had to say about people being afraid to be wrong. It's true that when you're a child, you're fearless of being wrong, you don't care too much about being judged you just do what you have to do/say what you have to say. By the time you're an adult, you've learned from past experiences and are often shy about your personal opinion because you know that when you're wrong some people will judge or tease you; they'll think you're stupid for not being able to come up with a good answer.
While it is true that having an education increases the chance that you will get a good job, it's not necessarily a guarantee. It's truly unfair how we look at people without an education as inferior to those who do have one. Look at Steve Jobs and Bill Gates for example, neither of them graduated college however they both became one of the most successful people of our time.
My brain tends to be a little more "all over the place". I often have a hard time concentrating in class; I get distracted very easily and when I am paying attention I get so caught up in trying to understand what my teacher had said at the beginning of class that by the end I realize I wasn't listening the rest of the time nor do I really remember the original thing I was thinking about. I can also see a strong connection between being afraid to be wrong and myself, I used to always participate in all my classes but now, I find myself questioning my answers and wondering if they're right and even if they are I find myself thinking that there's always going to be someone out there who has a better one.
I found Sir Ken Robinson’s presentation to be interesting and thought provoking, but frightening as well. His comment in the beginning of the presentation, that we do not know what the world will be like in five years was unsettling but interesting. Our generation shapes the world and determines what will happen next. The fact that we put such an emphasis on education yet ignore creativity is true. Why is that? Creativity is what separates us as humans and individuals. There are the dreamers and then there are thinkers. There is a line in between that limits our intellectual abilities. The level of emphasis on education does not need to be lowered; rather, the level of emphasis on creativity needs to be raised. Only when creativity and education are truly equal will the world truly be able to call itself advanced. Education is something learned, but creativity cannot be taught.
ReplyDeleteThe most creative individuals are arguably young children and toddlers. They learn not in a classroom but by observing the world around them. They come up with stories and pictures that come from their minds. Our minds can only retain so much information and if we are only filling our minds with facts and figures then, how can creativity stay? In school, we learn so many things that are unnecessary and useless. There is the argument that learning this information will help us in our day-to-day lives but when are we ever going to use complex math theorems and proofs? People counter this saying that mathematicians will need this. The majority of people will not become mathematicians, so why do we need to learn this? Education should be practical, not used once and then thrown away. Creativity is always necessary, always practical and is the reason this world runs so smoothly. The two groups presented in the drawing video: academics and non-academics are taught the same things in the same schools. The reason there is such a divide has very little to do with intelligence, and more to do with areas in which they excel at. An academic person can go on to become a leader in society while a non-academic person will follow the academic’s lead. In society, both of theses groups are necessary parts of a larger plan. We tend to value the academics over the non-academics because we think we need them more. Sir Ken Robinson’s videos illustrated the need for reforms in education and the need for more emphasis on creativity.
After listening to Ken Robinson's perspective on education I came to think of the subject of education in a completely different light. I have always thought of education as learning math and science to help you get a good job once you finish school, but is that really all that is important? Personally, math and science don’t interest me. How come the kids that get A's in math are deemed the "smart ones" and are praised but the kids that are exceptional at art or dance or even having a good judge of character are not? Why are the only subjects taught at school ones that have to do with numerically intensive topics? Why are things like kindness and creativity not taught as a class? Maybe children are taught to learn this lesson indirectly through others. Nevertheless a person who is looking to go into the field of human relations would have to train themselves to think in that perspective. Ken Robinson seems to think that as people get older they get less creative. Are we simply creating a world of engineers and scientists? How can they help us benefit society as a whole? Ken says that the phrase “don't do this; you can’t get a job with that" is thought about often for children. People who would excel in a dance career may choose otherwise because throughout their school life such activities are frowned upon.
ReplyDeleteOften when I ask my parents to take another dance class I am met with the hesitant response. They are concerned that dance will interfere with my ability to complete my homework. Wouldn’t it be interesting if instead they were concerned that homework was interfering with my ability to pursue dance? Robinson says that as we grow older we become less creative. Perhaps the real issue is that as we age we allow ourselves to pursue fewer creative endeavors.
Arielle R.
Sir Ken Robinson bravely questions the effectiveness of how society is run today, especially in a school environment. In the videos, he brings up several thought-provoking points in an intriguing manner. He repeatedly emphasizes the importance of creativity in society, and states that education systems should hold subjects of creativity in high regard. He mentions that the test-focused public education that is dominant in the country disregards fine and performing art classes, while indoctrinating students to pursue high grades in academic subjects, effectively stifling the creative minds of many. Although I believe the arts are just as important as these academic subjects, I personally believe that it makes most sense for public education systems to be focusing on the needs of the average student: the students that will pursue careers in academic fields. However, I agree with Sir Robinson in his statement that the current education system does not evaluate students in the most accurate way. Grades do not accurately reflect the understanding a student might have on a subject, but rather tests the amount of information retained at that specific moment. All the information the student displayed to understand might be the result of crammed studying, and will not remain for long.
ReplyDeletePicasso once said, "All kids are born artists". Sir Robinson agrees, and believes that as they mature, they are molded into systematic robots. Although Picasso might be correct in stating that all kids are creative thinkers until they are taught otherwise, it is also true that most kids would not succeed in that field. For children like Jillian, and the minority who have dominantly creative minds, arts schools are more apt for them than traditional schools. In the United States especially, this is a very realistic option for many as there are many private art schools, as well as creative departments in most universities. Sir Robinson criticized the fact that public systems focused heavily on academic subjects, but failed to account for the many other schools that offer a reversed curriculum of more creative subjects.
It is ironic that I was motivated to complete this assignment by the grade I will receive in this class. However, it invoked deep thought not found in most of my classes. In my mind, school should be a place where teachers place genuine learning higher than good grades, where students are encouraged to explore their artistic passions through creative outlets, and where students form connections with others in order to reach their full potential. I am encouraged that although obviously flawed, the essence of LHS resembles this ideal.
As a student, I found Sir Ken Robinson's ideas very relatable, and controversial at this time in society. Education had developed into a very structured piece of the world that has become a dominant topic in our lives. There are some positive and negative things that have resulted in this.
ReplyDeleteFocusing on education has its perks. As time has passed, humans have became more and more intelligent. We are learning more and more, and sharing information with each other. This information is taught in school, and humans learn, grow up, then share and pass down their knowledge.
As Sir Ken Robinson shared in his talk, there are some bad things that have ensued in our education system. Children are all taught the same way, and in the same style. Every brain is wired differently, and so different minds react to different subjects and teaching styles. When a person is not doing well in school, they are frowned upon. They seem do be doing something wrong, when in reality their brains are just not reacting well to what they are being taught. In addition, every person has certain strengths and weaknesses. As oppose to viewing a person intelligent or unintelligent, we should see them as being in different subjects. Since when did we view drama as an inferior subject to math? We are all smart, just in different ways. One human is not smarter than the other, just stronger in another topic. Sir Ken Robinson is giving the world a wake up call, saying that learning is important, but it is necessary to give each individual the education that fits them.
Not to be a try-hard or overachiever, but as an interested individual, I found something rather interesting. Any post written on this blog regarding anti-cookie-cutter videos possesses the very same tools and paragraph and sentence structures as the posts above and below it. The same transitions, the same introductions, the same words. The same magic three's for that matter. Even as we call attention to the conformity of the education systems around us and the similarity of our learning experiences, we still can't escape the very problems we are talking about. It's ironic, that even as we are consciously aware of the homogeneity with which our brains, personalities, and lives are controlled and manipulated, we still utilize the same poisons it has fed us since we were little. Independent minds chained together by the shackles of homogenous education.
ReplyDeleteIn the first video, I enjoyed Sir Ken Robertson’s presentation because he used humor to intrigue the audience to understand his overall message. I wondered more about his implications as to we won’t know how knowledge is in the future. I agreed with him about the human mind being extraordinary. Sir Robertson argued that creativity should equally be treated as education. I find this interesting because here in Lexington, we are privileged to have a great education which allows us to study in high places and gain knowledge that other children may not have. But creativity seems to only be taught in literature classes and performing arts courses. Even that creativity isn’t our own, we have rubrics stating what we have to do, classes teaching us how to write and setting fine guidelines as to what they want. What if I could write an equally great paper with my own original creative spin on it?
ReplyDeleteThe most memorable part of his presentation for me was the fact that education is diverse. We constantly assume that everyone is able to understand the same things in the same ways. Our minds focus on certain things and like the dancer Linder, she didn’t have a condition, she just simply loved to dance.
In the second video, I thought the animations made more sense and were more interesting. I agree that some cultures are holding their youth back by trying to keep the “cultural gene”, but at the same time keep up with the rest of the world. I agreed that society believed heavily on academic ability or “smart people” and “dumb people”.
-Brenda M.
After watching Sir Ken Robinson on Creativity in Education videos, it is clear that today's society lacks creativity, and sets higher standards for education. Sir Ken Robinson proposed three main key ideas, yet which all led to the question about the future. As we know, the future is unpredictable, yet it is believed that education is there to prepare us. Already, young children are put to a mind set of getting a college degree, thus as Sir Ken Robinson said,"it is not a guarantee". Therefore, all the creativity that we present is less likely to be shown, than for instance a A+ on a final.
ReplyDeleteOne short story that stood out to me, was about a 6 year old girl, who had no interest in any classes but art. The teacher then went up to her and asked what she was drawing and she said God. The teacher was confused because no one knows how God looks like. This shows that creativity can bring such interest for children, rather than excessive amounts of homework and tests, that can bring so much stress and pressure.
Sir Ken Robinson, also provided the idea of the gene of education. He said"If you are not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with something original." Today, adults are too afraid to be wrong, because they see it as unintelligent. Again, this future that we have to prepare for, is mainly about education. Many cultures meet the future by doing what they did in the past, yet the standards are raised, allowing academic abilities to be categorized. Today, if you are wrong, you are categorized as unintelligent rather than smart, what every person prefers to hear. Believe it or not, everyone makes mistakes, thus today's society makes us afraid, instead of learning from them. Overall, Sir Ken Robinson speech brought humor, yet had key ideas on today's society and how much education is put on us in order to prepare for the future that society believes in.
In the TED Talk videos, Sir Ken Robinson uses humor in order to get important points across about the flaws in our education system. Built in the backdrop of the enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, modern education emphasizes academic ability but squanders creativity. One immediate problem with this is that our economy is no longer similar to the booming one of past times, and we have no way of preparing kids for the economy that is likely to develop in the future, while they are part of the workforce. In regards to creativity, children have great capacities for innovation as well as possessing great talents that we ruin by running them through our education system. Both these ideas worry me, as I am part of the generation that will be affected by this system but I feel I have no ability to help reform it before I have gone through it myself. According to Sir Robinson, creativity is as important as literacy, and we should value it more, though now most schools do not seem to be doing much to support it .
ReplyDeletePat of creativity is the willingness to be wrong. When they are younger, kids take risks even when they do not know something. However, once they become adults they lose the preparedness to be wrong, which in turn shrinks their capacity to come up with original and valuable ideas. The more that kids are educated out of the creativity, the less likely they are to accomplish things, since they are too afraid of being wrong. Personally, I think that this experience is something a lot of high school kids can relate to, since being correct results in higher test scores and higher grades, while we are taught that being wrong results in points deducted from our tests and eventually lower grades.
One example of a highly successful and “uneducated” person given in the video was William Shakespeare. Despite receiving no formal higher education, Shakespeare who wrote eloquently, demonstrating that people do not always need education to be creative or intelligent. I also found the portion of the video where Robinson addressed academic inflation to be very interesting. He said that since more and more people were graduating college, due to the public educations emphasis on university entrance, there were less and less jobs for people who had degrees. This worries me a lot since my peers and I will most likely be part of this group that struggles to find employment after graduation, which will be especially distressing to the people graduating expensive private colleges, up to the neck in student loans. From the continuous squandering of creativity as we age, to the the academic inflation that is causing negative economic affects, Ken Robinsons’ videos helped me realize that there are serious issues within the world’s system of public education that need to be reformed quickly for future generations.
-Danielle K.
In Sir Robertson's presentations, I strongly agree where he says that creativity is just a important as literacy, and we should treat it that way. When he was describing the story of his son in the nativity play, and made the point about how kids are not afraid to be wrong really got me thinking. I have a six year old brother who is, simply put, out there. However, when he is around other people he doesn't know, he tends to show off what he does best; write his name, draw, etc. So connecting back to Sir Robertson's statement, I don't think kids aren't afraid to be wrong, but they actually are. That they want to live up to a certain expectation.
ReplyDeleteSir Robertson said as we get older, we lose that creativity we had as children, and become frightened of failure. I agree with this statement because I do see this in myself, and the people around me. Personally, I don't like to draw or do anything that people would mark as creative, so what does that mean? Also, I don't like to fail, and I'm sure I'm not the only one. I don't think that comes with age though. I think as humans, we all are born to be competitive and be the best we can, which makes us afraid of failure.
Sir Robertson said that we have national education systems that make mistakes sound like the worst thing. This reminds me about what I think about school systems, and the grading system. With all the added pressure of success, maintaining your GPA, and having a life, makes it so hard for kids to do well. And on top of all that, schools value grading more than students value learning, and that is the problem with school systems. If teachers focused more on learning the material at hand and focusing less on the tests and grades, we would have a much more successful education.
The point Sir Robertson brings up about the social hierarchy is very interesting. I have noticed that there is in fact "a list" of academic priorities, and always, arts are at the bottom. Just last year at Diamond, I was in drama class. Everyone in the class loved it and it was a lot of fun. But one day Mrs. Bromley came and told us that drama class might be getting removed because of budget cuts. That got me thinking. Why? Why drama, and why not math. Everyone hates math. But no matter what we want to do when we grow up, we have to learn math. Society prioritizes math over drama because it will be more useful later in life. But what people don't understand is that complex math like calculus won't be beneficial to everyone, yet is is set as an academic norm.
"The purpose of public education throughout the world, is to produce university professors." Exactly. This is why we go to school. There aren't many major options to focus, in school, on important things that will come after high school. Finances, paying taxes, insurance, mortgages, bills, maintaining a steady job to support your family. This is what schools should emphasize more. Yes math is important. yes science, english, and history are important, but in my opinion, they are not as important as what comes after high school. What school systems don't prepare you for.
Overall, I really liked the two videos. Some things I agreed with, and some things I definitely agreed with. Regardless, Sir Robertson brought up some vey important, debatable points.
/Andreas George
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ReplyDeleteAlthough the arts are important for some, they are not needed for most. Many people make it through life without ever experiencing art, and although these people are quite stupid, we need them to fill our legislatures and write our laws. I enjoyed the presentation, but the lack of a strong impact. The video seemed tot be saying that the arts helped slow stupidity, but they did not continue their argument past that to a real impact. I think that the arts have a place, but that place does not deserve to be on top.
ReplyDeleteThe Billionaire: In life we look at the world and the people that are making the most money are businessmen and entrepreneurs bring their massive amounts of intellect to the world of men. They all spent some time in school and all learned their basic math, English, history, and science. They used the skills that they learned in school to rise in the ranks and become the billionaires that they are. Bat as you look a bit harder at the world, you see that becoming a billionaire is very hit or wide miss. So then you go down to the next level of money.
The Actor/ Musician: Whether it is an actor or songwriter or other type of high-end performer, they are always in the spotlight and looks like they are pretty darn rich. These are the type people that this video was geared to, the artistic. Being an artist is super hard to become and almost as hard to maintain. Take Justin Bieber or Lindsay Lohan for example. They both started strong with a horde of followers but then the power got to their head and they started to do stupid things, exactly what the arts are trying to prevent. It’s also super hard to stay young and hip with the fallowing that you have. Besides this it’s really hard to become an artist, it’s nearly as herd as becoming a billionaire. So then you look to the next level.
The Athlete: This one is essentially the same as the artist but you stay in your position for less time depending on the sport. It is just as hard to get into this and it is so much easier to fall. This is also dangerous because there are a million and one ways to get hurt playing any given sport, which ends up costing you. So think strait and go down to the next level.
The Surgeon: This is a hard profession to get in to but once you’re in you never have to get out. This position makes as much money as it can and need to spend a lot of lime in college to even think about it. But if you work hard enough you get the chance to make a lot of money and help some ones life more than another could.
The Businessman: This is a category that is not easy to categorize because there are so many moving parts so I am just talking about the people who work for the company but do not do the manual labor. There are so many opportunities for people in this field that it is easier than you think to get into. You are also promised a job for a long time as long as you work hard. It is also possible to move up in life and get raises and promotions and who knows, maybe you will eventually reach the top and get promoted to the Billionaire.
The point I am trying to get at is that you need math, English, history, and science because it can get you a secure job that pays a lot of money, where as the arts can only get you a chance at getting and impossible job to keep.
-Timothy Edson
In many ways I agree with Sir Robinson's views on education, it is not at its peak. Schools have tests so students test well instead of actually learning well. Through many education systems they give out multiple tests to show see how the kids are doing, yet thats not giving them what they need for the outside world such as experience and learning methods so they can attack the
ReplyDeleteworld.
Sir Robinson mentioned about how as we grow older we lose the creativity as we had has children, not only that I think we also lose the fun of not being afraid from real world problems such as jobs, grade, colleges, etc.., yet as children we are afraid of things like monsters, getting caught eating extra cookies out of the cookie jar, and stupid things that didn't matter. Now as older individuals we are afraid of things such as the fear of failure and through that it allows for you to be driven by fear.
Another important thing that Sir Robinson mentioned was the thing about having "Maths and Science" be a priority of schools and focus most of their attention on these academic subjects. Where as the arts weren't considered as important which I find to be false, though the arts are considered a side they shouldn't be considered less because people sometimes attain more success in these feilds as if they were to peruse a field in maths and science.
Over all I like the videos and the many points it brought up questioning society and methods of education and almost all his points were valid reasons.
-Manas Shukla
I completely agree with Sir Robinson's views towards the current education system in the world. It is clear that creativity is not a highly valued skill in the early years of education. From kindergarten to high school, students learn to follow a very linear path. I believe that it is not only due to how our schools value education, but also what Sir Robinson commented on social hierarchy. The fact that our society values certain jobs such as being a doctor or a business man over being an artist. That will, from a young age, promote the idea of focusing on science and math. I'm not saying that these subjects take away from our creativity, but they certaintly do not enfource it. If we take a look at LHS itself, each science class has a credit value of 5.0, and 5 classes a week, compared to other classes which only is valued at 4.0 credits and has 4 classes a week. However, I believe that college reintroduces the value of creativity, especially if it is a Liberal Arts School. A great thing about them is the ability to continue general education. Overall, I believe Sir Robinson produced many key points in his TED talks on education, and I agree with most of them.
ReplyDeleteIn the first TED talk, I really liked how Sir Ken Robinson presented his ideas with a bit of humor for the audience to perceive his overall message. Looking ahead, I wonder more about his conclusions, since we will not know what knowledge is like in the future. His idea about the human mind being unique and extraordinary can be very easy to agree upon. The idea of how much education is put on us in order to prepare for the future society wants us to undergo is expressed throughout the video. Being a Lexington Public Schools student, I have the proper resources (like teachers and education) that are needed in society now to become successful. Some people in other school systems across the states and the country may not receive the same type or equal amount of education with different types of teachers and resources. Does that mean they have less of a chance to become successful, or do I?
ReplyDeleteWatching the second TED talk video, the animations used were really interesting and made a lot of sense. The idea of cultures trying to hold the youth back by keeping the "cultural gene" are trying to save their people, but they still have to be able to keep up with the rest of the world. Society's way of seeing academic ability may not be the best way to understand others, as it is quite stereotypical with "smart people" and "dumb people".
I thought these two videos were extremely thought provoking and interesting. Sir Ken Robinson brought up many ideas and views on education that were controversial and also ideas that i agreed with. One example he brought up that i thought i could really relate to is the story about Jillian, the famous dancer. Being a dancer myself I understand the need to move around to concentrate, just as Jillian needed. Although no one has accused me of having a learning disability, I have trouble sometimes concentrating in class lectures or presentations. His ideas of creativity also struck me as relatable. Many school systems talk about being open to all ideas but once someone says something different, it is completely shut down. Standardized testing allows only one correct answer and does not allow for ideas and opinions to be told. His visual representation of the rise in standardized testing relating to the rise in ADHD was really thought provoking and interesting to see.
ReplyDeleteHis view of ADHD made me rethink many things in our life and our school system. I think it was a great idea to think that people who are suffering from being put down and getting medicated needed to be allowed to open up with their ideas. Of course i think that ADHD still exists but I’m now doubtful as to if we are treating it right. I think his idea of letting the arts open up to a greater importance was correct and I completely agree but i disagree when he says that no school in the world puts art as an important subject. In a school not far from LHS, Walnut Hill specializes in music, dance and all other arts.
One thing that i didn’t agree with in his speech were that degrees were now becoming useless. Although more people are getting the chance to receive degrees and it takes more than just one degree to get a job, it doesn’t mean that people have given up and decided to ‘go back home to play videogames’. I actually believe it does the opposite: it motivates people to work harder.
One thing that I loved in the second video was the idea of how our school system works like a manufacturing company. Many people have different abilities and speed as to how they learn and shouldn’t be packaged by age. This would be very difficult to change but i think that schools should start to think about separating grades by skill level or speed of learning new information.
All in all, i thought these two videos were very relatable and allowed me to think in a new way about our school system and how the human mind can think.
-Joy Shen
My thoughts on this video are that it is interesting and mind opening. I like how Sir Ken Robinson is comedic and makes accurate, great points as well. I agree with the fact that creativity is one of the most important aspects in learning, it is as important as literacy. I enjoyed his stories about his thoughts on education and intelligence. I like the quote where he states, “If you are not prepared to be wrong, you will never come up with anything original.” We should not be afraid to be wrong; making mistakes is one of the things that make you perfect.
ReplyDeleteWe should also embrace the arts in school as well. I agree with his point that school focuses too much on children’s head and not their bodies. Education was created to meet industrialism, which is not how education should be taught. I like how he says the intelligence is diverse, dynamic, and distinct. I think Sir Ken Robinson makes thoughtful points and he touches upon many different topics that I agree with.
After watching the TED Talks videos, my view on education and the school systems has definitely changed. It was really quite interesting because there were some parts of the video where I completely, without a doubt agreed with but then there were other parts that were so different from what I originally thought about that topic that they made me rethink what I believed. Watching the videos really showed me a new way to, not only understand, but accept the way education works and why it is really important. I found it very enjoyable that Sir Ken Robinson managed to keep my attention the entire twenty minutes which is quite impressive, seeing as he was talking about education. And aside from a few of the points he mentioned that I disagreed with, his points were completely understandable. I really liked what he said about the hirarchies in the school system because it is so true and it needs to be more of a topic of conversation to change that. In my opinion, there shouldn’t be a set hirarchy of education, the students should each choose which subject they believe should be the most important in their education, because each student has different goals and dreams and each student should get a say as to when and how they try to chase them. Overall, I found the TED Talks to be a real eye opener that put really interesting ideas into my head.
ReplyDelete“The current system of education was constructed and concieved for a different age.” I feel like that quote just sums up the entire idea of what the second video we wacthed was about. Sir Ken Robinson talked about how college degrees used to be the only way you could ensure a steady job, but now it’s not and it isn’t even a gurantee that if you have a degree you don’t, necessarily, have a good, well-paying job. It seems to me that most kids have figured this out already and, therefore, are starting to just sort of give up on school and they ignore what the real benefits of school are. But then there are the other kids who are completely and ENTIRELY stressed out with school and parental expectations that they just don’t know what to do with themselves other than to study so they can “get into an ivy league school” or “get their dream job.” I know so many freshman who are already worried about where they’ll be in ten year’s time. It’s really ridiculous because the people placing these ideas into their heads are their parents, and here in the video they talk about how they need to raise their expectations even more. Well I completely disagree. I believe that parents and teachers shouldn’t worry as much about the far-off future for their children because their children can figure that out on their own. For example, if a boy wants to be a film directer (hypothetically) but he gets a B on his science final, his parents shouldn’t say that he needs to spend less time “trying and failing” at making films, and more time studying for science. I think in this generation, especially in Lexington, MA, parents are setting such high expectations that their children just cannot jump high enough to reach and so now they’re starting to realize that it’s not worth it, that it’s their future and they’ll get there how they want.
- Sophie Kreytak
Education has certainly improved through the generations, but the problem with it is the way it destroys our ability to think differently and be creative. Ken Robinson talks about how today’s education system educates people out of creativity instead of into it. I agree with this point because I see myself not being as creative as I once was. A likely reason for this is the digression that creativity has in society today. Currently, creativity is not valued up to the standards that it should be. This is ironic because creativity is a very important factor in what drives us forward into the future. Without creativity, nothing new can be created or invented. People once had to ability to expand their knowledge and begin thinking for themselves, but now the change that Robinson talks about for a stricter education system is in turn limiting one’s intention to be creative.
ReplyDeleteCreativity is the foundation of the arts. Robinson describes how the education system in all parts of the world is identical, with the arts holding their position on the bottom. I see this being true as I investigate education in other parts of the world. In many parts of Asia, education is highly valued as they restrict their students from thinking “outside the box.” They firmly believe that the only way to be successful in life and become wealthy is to study something like math or science. Therefore, they teach their students to continue learning these things in school, while not putting much emphasis on creativity. Standardized tests that every student now needs to take are ones that only test the ability to memorize facts and solve problems instead of the ability of students to think creatively. By making every student take this test in order to get into college is a clear example of how the world no longer values creativity.
Robinson focuses on how education is killing the creativity in the world. Yes, this is true but we can not just completely disregard education. Creativity drives us to think differently, but without a foundation of education, students will not even be able to think as well. Therefore, education acts as the foundation for fundamental creativity, and can not be completely forgotten.
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
ReplyDelete- Albert Einstein
This quote strikes at the main idea behind Sir Ken Robinson’s talk on “Do schools kill creativity?” He starts off his talk by reiterating the fact that creativity is everywhere. Education is meant to take us into a future we can’t grasp. The kids that are being educated have a capacity for education and creativity and teachers are squandering these talents. One major point Sir Ken Robinson makes is that he personally believes creativity and literacy are of equal importance. However, because of the hierarchy of the educational system, this concept is not demonstrated. Nowadays, people are being educated out of their creative capacities. Being wrong is the worst possible thing. Robinson also believes that all children are born artists and they get educated out of creativity through this educational system. He concludes that based on this hierarchy, the purpose of education is to produce university professors that live in their heads. Everything is based around getting a degree which really isn’t worth that much anymore unless it’s a master’s or other higher form. Robinson believes that intelligence is diverse and dynamic. One of most successful examples is when he tells the story of a little girl who goes to the doctor because her mom believes she is sick. The girl can’t sit still in class and often disrupts others. The doctor asks the mom to come out of the room and turns the radio on as he leaves. He then instructs the mother to simply watch her daughter. She sees her little girl up and moving with the music. The doctor says “she’s not sick, she’s a dancer” and the mom then takes her to dance school with other people who have to move to think. The little girl became responsible for some of the best choreography out there. Robinson concludes by saying that professors must see creative capacities for the richness they are and see children for the hope they are. Their task is to educate their whole being so they face this future that they’ll see and educators may not. The job of a teacher is to help them make something of it.
As I watched this video I realized many different things I hadn't before. Creativity can be expressed in many different ways including, arts, drama, dance and music. I agree with him on this, but I think that there are many other ways to express your creativity, depending on the type of person you are. Everyone specializes in different topics and activities because everyone is good at something, although many people do not realize it. I agree that maybe the reason people don't know what they are good at is because they are pressured into different subjects, by their parents, friends, teachers and even the school systems. But it may also have to do with themselves. I believe that everyone has a dream and driven goal that they would like to accomplish in life. But what if their goal was different from how they wished their life to turn out? What is they loved to dance but knew they would not prosper in this because they were not good enough? Or they wanted to also have a family and wouldn't be able to be around them because they were at work all the time? I don't think you can blame the crushing of creativity all on society, yes maybe most of the pressure on a kid is from their parents or teachers to do well in school, but you are the one who is putting the most pressure on yourself to impress other people around you. Most people do want to succeed in life and aren't ready to take life changing decisions or great risks. Or they just go along with what everyone else is doing so they don't stand out. But the problem is if everyone just goes with the flow no one is able to follow their dreams even if they do want to take the risk in to succeeding.
ReplyDeleteAlso, he focuses on how education is killing creativity. But education is what brings out creativity, if you don't realize math, or english or science is your passion then how are you supposed to find something else. By realizing you can't focus, it makes you re-direct your attention to another topic, even if it is hard to find that true passion. The only problem with this is that a lot of people don't realize they hate what they are doing until they are working full time for something they absolutely hate.
Also, without education society will end up failing because you need certain jobs for the society to function. Dance, music, art and drama are mostly for entertainment, which is good for society, but jobs such as doctors are needed for people to be healthy and keep the population alive.
After watching this video of Ken Robinson, i couldn't help but compare it to education in India, my home country. In India, education is strictly focused on facts and memorization. Little emphasis is placed upon creative subjects such as the fine arts, or even music classes. In some ways, i agree with Robinson, that schools, by focusing so intently on GPA and SAT scores, leave out a crucial part of the teenage brain; creativity. When applying for jobs after college, a boss will search for someone who can solve problems not only efficiently, but also creatively. Without creative skills, many modern luxuries that we use in our everyday lives such as cars, phones, and even shoes, would not exist, or rather, if they did, wouldn't be as useful as they are today. Although i do agree that modern educations lack emphasis on creative thinking and creativity in general, i do not agree on the fact that schools are 'killing' creativity. For example, many years ago, during the World War, young boys and men would go to military school with the intention of being trained to one day fight in the front lines- they were explicitly told to not be creative with their strategies, they had to follow a set of rules, made to avoid error in real combat. In this case, they were taught to not appreciate creativity, as it wouldn't be useful in their lives, but in modern times, there is no such teaching- there is simply no emphasis.
ReplyDeleteInstead, schools today should focus on creative thinking- thinking 'out-of-the-box'; without those kinds of skills, we would all think and act similarly, and the world wouldn't progress. Also, creativity can be defined in many ways- what is creativity? There are many school systems in America today, Lexington included, that do place emphasis on creativity as well as the standard schooling every child receives. From towns like these, creative minds emerge, and they spread, all over the world, inspiring others to live as they have and open their minds to possibility.
So in conclusion, although creativity isn't too emphasized in schools, there are other ways in which young inds can learn to be creative and explore the world.
-Krithi Pranatartiharan
After watching this video of Ken Robinson, i couldn't help but compare it to education in India, my home country. In India, education is strictly focused on facts and memorization. Little emphasis is placed upon creative subjects such as the fine arts, or even music classes. In some ways, i agree with Robinson, that schools, by focusing so intently on GPA and SAT scores, leave out a crucial part of the teenage brain; creativity. When applying for jobs after college, a boss will search for someone who can solve problems not only efficiently, but also creatively. Without creative skills, many modern luxuries that we use in our everyday lives such as cars, phones, and even shoes, would not exist, or rather, if they did, wouldn't be as useful as they are today. Although i do agree that modern educations lack emphasis on creative thinking and creativity in general, i do not agree on the fact that schools are 'killing' creativity. For example, many years ago, during the World War, young boys and men would go to military school with the intention of being trained to one day fight in the front lines- they were explicitly told to not be creative with their strategies, they had to follow a set of rules, made to avoid error in real combat. In this case, they were taught to not appreciate creativity, as it wouldn't be useful in their lives, but in modern times, there is no such teaching- there is simply no emphasis.
ReplyDeleteInstead, schools today should focus on creative thinking- thinking 'out-of-the-box'; without those kinds of skills, we would all think and act similarly, and the world wouldn't progress. Also, creativity can be defined in many ways- what is creativity? There are many school systems in America today, Lexington included, that do place emphasis on creativity as well as the standard schooling every child receives. From towns like these, creative minds emerge, and they spread, all over the world, inspiring others to live as they have and open their minds to possibility.
So in conclusion, although creativity isn't too emphasized in schools, there are other ways in which young inds can learn to be creative and explore the world.
-Krithi Pranatartiharan
I agree with many of the things Ken Robinson says in his videos. I have many friends who are older than me and I often hear from them how hard it is to get a job, even a minimum wage job that doesn't require much skill (like working at a gas station) and even with a college degree work is hard to come by. It doesn't help that America is not very helpful or forgiving when it comes to paying for colleges, since money has to be payed upfront and not after you get out of colleges (like some other places such as places in the UK do). Because there are so many people, and because they all have the same thinking patterns because school taught them that there was only one right answer to every problem, it gets harder and harder for people to find jobs.
ReplyDeleteSchool teaches kids that there is only one right answer and it destroys creativity, as Robinson said. As the internet gets easier and easier to access and there is more and more information available, teachers will expect their students to know more and more at a younger age. The students themselves have had no change in their brains and are not smarter than children their age were, say, 50 years ago, yet the educations we are getting are much more vigorous than they were then (even if they are better). Students are being overloaded with information and it's overwhelming to take it all in. This is like what Robinson was saying about more students being diagnosed with ADHD; school is less interesting than the ever-growing media we surround and immerse ourselves in in our day to day lives.
Schools would be taught better, not just if they didn't separate kids by age group and by putting more focus on creative arts, but also if they had different methods of teaching. Even if the arts were encouraged, creative thinking is still being squashed by the overlying idea that there is only one right method to get the answer for every English essay question, for every math problem and social studies problem, every subject. It's not just the focus of the schools that have to change, but the way students are taught as a whole.
Ken Robinson’s point that creativity should be on par with literacy in education is compelling. Especially in an ever-competitive society, schools and education seem to be transforming into a machine of repetition and standardization. Rather than teaching people to take risks in order to incite creativity and original ideas, people are conditioned to strive towards the norm and follow suit with the rest of their peers. The seemingly ultimate goal of education is to produce university professors, which is why the arts are not prioritized in schools.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ken Robinson’s advocacy to remove the stigma behind pursuing the arts. Academics are certainly important and should not be dismissed, but at the same time intelligence should not be constrained to a narrow definition of whether or not a certain job will lead to financial success. Creative intelligence is as much of a gift as intellectual integrity. Everybody’s brain is wired differently and inevitably talented in different departments. The standard that all people are held to often leads to discouragement among those who do not fit in line with societal expectations. Such a phenomenon can and should be addressed. It is a mistake to label certain people as “problematic” or “unsuitable” simply because their talents and methods of learning are different from those that society considers as normal. In fact, many musical and artistic geniuses often have stories of being looked down upon by their teachers while they were in school. The unspoken connotations behind such students should be removed. After all, improvements cannot be made if the education system is constrained to a single mindset.
By repeating the methods of the past, progress cannot be made. Ken Robinson’s encouragement to go against the flow is inspirational and his argument against the current education system is useful today.
After watching the video of Ken Robinson, I realized that I see that education is creating students solely to get a job after school is over, to be skilled in math and science and language, but not so much in the arts. I agree with him that the arts should be pushed more in schools. Maybe not as much as math and science, but more than it is right now because it rounds people and makes them a more interesting person. The other thing is that some people could be really good at something like singing or sculpting or painting, but they will never find that out unless they explore that side of their education. The importance of creativity in your education is important because learning some topics can be boring, but if you are creative in how you teach it, people will be more interested. The ted talk that we watched also made some interesting points about how the education system is killing the creativity of kids today. In the talk he said that the education system today was mass producing kids to become university professors. They have no room for artists, musicians, actors. It is not fair to the kids going through it, or the world that they live in because they could be that next big musician, or actor, or star.
ReplyDeleteIn almost every way, I agree with Sir Ken Robinson. There's no doubt in my mind that there are flaws to our public education system and even more so the attitude and culture surrounding it. However I do believe that Lexington schools can break some of these norms that could be seen elsewhere. Obviously one of his main points was the suppression of creativity. I used to have a math teacher who'd ask us to ask questions all the time- like a five year old. She'd say that five year olds were never afraid to ask questions (What's this? What's that? Why? How?) but now we've all become scared of being wrong. She encouraged an atmosphere where people would not be as afraid of being wrong and instead take risks to learn the math through reasoning and logic and not through strict memorization of formulas. This directly correlates to Sir Robinson's points on the same fear and how creativity deteriorates with age. I do believe that once people start school the mentality of curiosity changes, and that curiosity is connected to creativity. In school, curiosity is only okay if you're asking about the material. I have teachers who can't answer anything beyond what the textbook says, and has to brush questions aside in order to continue the lesson. However, if people aren't asking questions outside the box, how can anything new be created? Questions like "What if I did this?" or "Why does it do that?" or "How could I do that differently?" are important to creativity and innovations that will move humanity forward.
ReplyDeleteAnother important point Sir Robinson brought up was the factory-like style of the school system. The only problem is that he does not propose any better system. I know that there are kids who work better in large or small groups or completely alone but there are also kids who don't mind either way. If he doesn't think kids should be separated by age, what's going to decide who they're taught with? How do you stop kids from being judged? Especially by standardized tests if you want to go the opposite direction? The whole system would be flipped upside down if we achieved some of his ideas, but he doesn't seem to know how to do it either.
Finally, the story of the dancer Jillian. I think it was great that Jillian was able to discover who she was and her passion at such a young age, but many people aren't so sure of themselves at that point yet. Kids will say things like they want to be president, or an author, or an astronaut, but does that mean we should ignore the subjects that won't help them to follow through these paths? No, of course not. Even though I myself am very much into the arts- mathematics, science, social studies, and my other subjects are there to keep my options open. I do agree with him that the arts is at the bottom of the class hierarchy. It's upsetting to me to see that people are not getting equal opportunities in arts as in math or english. We're required to do four years of math ranging from geometry, algebra, trigonometry, calculus... but I don't have any time to do any sort of film production classes, or ceramics, or photography, or even do chorus next year. I'm get all these different tastes of math, but have can barely fit one fine arts into my junior year. If I'm still taking math classes to keep my problem solving skills sharp and keep my options open for careers that will require a high level of math skill despite my passion for the arts, its not really fair when there are kids who can completely skip out of certain arts that also open up career options and maintain their skills if they have a passion for math or another required course.
There's a lot to be said about the public education system we have today. And a large factor we need to fix it is our creativity.
Through both of Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talks, he explained how around the world, it is common for others to find Math and Science more important rather than the other classes we take based on how successful one could be using what they learn in these two classes rather than any other. Though it may be true in some circumstances but as mentioned by Sir Ken, the mind has been consumed with the idea of being either economic or intellectual. This idea has ruined many people’s perseverance to succeed in their interests with the idea that one could not become successful with a “realistic” career.
ReplyDeleteHowever, being a student at LHS we see that, yes, Science and Math do carry a very big weight, we see that the Performing Art’s do carry it as well in the lives of the students. I believe our school does a very good job at making sure all interests of the students are shown if its either through science fairs, A Capella groups, sport team spirit days. We’re given the freedom to be able to express our interests compared to other schools around the country. Though Sir Ken does express that creativity in schools are diminishing around the world, it is important that students are given that freedom to indulge into their own interests.
The two videos helped me to open my eyes and really think about the things that I already knew. Sir Ken Robinson brings up many intriguing ideas about education. Through these two videos he demonstrates how we are blind to how education has a negative effect on our well-being. This I do agree with. He seems to be pro-education but he does not agree with how we are educated. I also agree with these ideas. He brings up standardized tests a lot and questions if this is really helping to find the most "brilliant" students. Brilliance shouldn't be based off how well you do on a test, brilliance should be more than bubbles you fill in on a sheet of paper.
ReplyDeleteSir Ken Robinson also makes a valid point when he talks about how the pre school children were the kids who were at a genius level when they were asked for the uses of a paper clip. It shows how imagination and creativity has had a slow decline through a persons age due to education. This makes one wonder what if education was infused with marvelous creativity and constant visual and artistic learning. Would things be any different? It's a shame to say we may never know. But Robinson does give us a bit of hope for our generation. He is opening our eyes to the truth that we already know which is very important. I believe people are most blind to things that we have known all our lives. It's often you loose the things right in front of you. He shows us that we can be aware of our education and imagination because they are intertwined with each other.
After watching both of the Ted Talks videos inside and outside of class, I have come to an overall agreement with everything Sir Ken Robinson is saying. I know that not all schools can be held accountable for these flaws within public schools and modern education. However, I am now fully aware of how our society is degrading year by year and that there needs to be a huge wake up call, a change in direction, for later generations to flourish. To me Sir Ken Robinson was my wake up call, delivering creative points through comedy and reason, making this homework assignment very enjoyable. Saying that if you have trouble staying attentive, this does not mean you are mentally ill, but rather gifted and express your energy through constant movement. This idea sparked something in me as I got to thinking how there is nothing wrong with people who have social problems yet something unique and interesting that makes them special. If only our society could take differences and turn them into true awesomeness, would I wake up every morning and know I am living in a sophisticated world. I am watching this show called Parenthood with my mother and sister and have grown to adore this character named Max who has asperger's syndrome. He is brilliant with all subjects and has a gift wih photography, but no one at his public high school understands him. How would they? Our society has not brought us up to accept people like Max and honestly I do not know how to myself.
ReplyDeleteSir Ken Robinson also brings up an interesting point stating that we begin life with so much creativity and loose it as we grow older. I relate to this statement in the way that I never travel the world, or have superpowers any longer because my ability to constantly ply in my imagination has faded. Of course I could pretend that I am a flying Pegasus any day of the week, but from kindergarten to now I do not enjoy or really live in that pretend character. The fact of the matter is with creativity comes ideas that can expand our communities horizons and would excel our society if only our creativity stayed with us through life.
Lastly, Ken Robinson mentioned a great point about professors being regarded as superiors and a job the society regards as “ideal”. To me I can not even start to relate to this point because the only job fro professors is to educate individuals so that they can get a degree and more on and help the world. However the two things wrong with this is that one, the adolescents of this era do not even support the idea that education leads to a job. The second it that if become a professor is the ideal job then once you graduate college and just become teacher means you are only filling the shoes that need to push the incoming generations to advancing an excelling the nation. Sir Ken Robinson is a hilarious man who has many great points about our world today and is a pleasure to listen and learn from.
After watching both of the videos, I pretty much agree with Sir Ken Robinson and I think he makes some really interesting points especially when he describes all children with the quote by Picasso that "all children are born artists". I also agree with his point that subjects like Math and Science are enforced upon students rather than the arts and dance. These subjects are often viewed as a necessity for a bright future and successful career and job, unfortunately, there are side effects. Since Math and Science only have one answer, creativity is unable to be acted upon by the students. However, subjects like literature and art provide many variations with creativity leaving no necessarily "right answer" and that the results are opinion based.
ReplyDeleteFrom my own experience, I believe that you should get a college degree in a job that is particularly interesting and will provide a good amount of money. However, I believe that if you are given the choice to try something new and more interesting and you will be successful, then go for it. I want to be able to play in a rock band as a job for the rest of my life but if I still have not proffered a record deal, then I will result to my backup plan getting a job from my college degree.
For the second video, I found it interesting that education is all rooted to the economy and that public education can create more jobs and provide more given opportunities to people. I also especially agree with Sir Ken Robinson's point about ADHD. As a student that grew out of ADHD, I had taken ridulin when I was younger and although they do help focus by a lot and it works, it changes your mood completely and you tend to be more depressed or gloomy. Therefore, I agree that schools should induce more subjects indulging creativity as well as including the 4 major subjects. In other words, I believe that students should be more flexible with which class they take such as what topic of math class or choosing to have either to have biology or physics.
I agree with many of the points Sir Ken articulates. The epitome of modern education is, ironically, archaic and centered around ideals that are over 300 years old. Because the economy is an ever-changing field, the previous generations went by the simple model that education meant guaranteed employment. I believe that the problems in modern education lie in the fact that today's education does not conform to the demands of the never dormant economy. I've heard many members of older generations say that the newest generation is "lazy" and "won't get off of the couch and get a job." This being said, inflation and taxes have increased exponentially from when the previous generation was our age, meaning that the cost of being a functioning member of society is drastically more expensive. Also, the fact that the members of the "baby-boom" following the second world war are all retiring at the same time will put an extreme amount of pressure on our generation entering the working world because we will be the ones paying for their medicare, disability benefits, and pensions. It is hard enough to pay the cost of being a member of society, let alone obtaining a steady influx of money to be able to remotely cover those costs.
ReplyDeleteWhat makes this uphill battle even more difficult is the fact that very few benefit from mainstream education. As Ken Robinson said, the public school system is so ridden with conformity that it diminishes students who can not fit their mold. The few who can are the only ones who have access to jobs and greater opportunity. However, for the many creative minds squandered by strict conformity, they are taught that they will never be successful in doing what they love. We base students’ merit on how successful they are rather than their potential. Although highly debateable, I agree with Robinson’s views on ADHD. Medication and reduction of creative ability is how the school system deals with kids who do not fit the mold. The school system also drills into the heads of the students that a given problem is limited to a single, “most correct,” answer. This eliminates any potential for creativity because students, by being forced to select and the best answer and penalization for being incorrect, has led to a widespread fear of being incorrect. The creativity that needs to be introduced is that multiple, and sometimes incorrect, answers to a question exist and need to be accounted for. Students who don’t fit the optimum mold forged by the school system deserve a chance to flourish.
Sir Ken Robinson makes many diverse and controversial points in his speech to the audience in his first video, many of which I agree with, although I do think it is important to take many ideas that he introduces with a grain of salt. The culmination of his points support his contention: that our modernized system of education has essentially squandered all the tremendous talents that our younger generations posses. He believes that creativity is just as important as literacy and therefore should be treated with the same status and respect. I agree with his argument that if people are taught to be afraid of making mistakes and being wrong, they will never come up with new and truly creative ideas. Because our current education system is predicated on solely academic ability, and frowns upon nearly all expressions of creativity, we are building a society that will soon be incapable of advancement. I strongly agree with Robinson’s point that the fundamental principles on which we build our education system should be revised, though there are exceptions to this statement. I think it is immensely important to value those who may not be absolutely brilliant when it comes to test scores and general literacy, but have talents of other kinds, talents that could benefit society if they were allowed to develop and flourish. As I believe Sir Robinson is trying to convey in this discussion, our education system plays a crucial role in the development of the minds of our younger generations. To be successful and beneficial to society as a whole, this system should balance academics with ideas of creativity, opening up many options for young students to discover what they do best.
ReplyDeleteIn the second video, a visual depiction of one of Robinson’s speeches, different approaches towards attempting to reform the public education system are discussed. Sir Robinson explains how education is based on two main pillars: economics and intellect. The simple goal of education is to teach the upcoming generation how to survive and prosper in the economy of the future. This involves and excess of academic preparation an close to no creative work to stimulate students in a different way. This brings Robinson to his next point, one that I do not fully agree with. He states that ADHD is a fictitious epidemic. While I can’t disagree with the notion that it has been over diagnosed and over medicated in the past several years, I do disagree with the idea that the disorder is completely fictitious, and merely serves as an anaesthetic to the creative brain that gets children through education. However you choose to interpret the “epidemic” of ADHD, I think it all boils down to the idea that we should be waking kids up by engaging them in things they enjoy while simultaneously educating them. I agree that we should be traveling the opposite route of standardization, and instead educators should find ways to make the process of education beneficial and appealing to many different types of people.
Having said all this, I believe it would be impossible to create a public education system that complies with all the guidelines of Sir Ken Robinson. However, I do believe that with just a small increase in the emphasis of human capacity in replace of the severe focus on pure academic ability that makes up our education system today, we could produce much greater results, leading to a brighter and more creative future for generations to come.
~ Paige Lawler
Sir Ken Robinson in his Ted Talks says that our education system is focused on academics which prevent creative students from reaching their full potential. I found this interesting that he thought that education takes away our creative ideas away and education manly focuses on math and science but I do agree that creativity and education are equally important. But reading literature and learning math and understanding biology can have the creative parts of the brain as much as music and art does. Lately now a days the idea of being creative and learning are starting to blend together. Sir Ken Robinson notices that the idea of being creative is popping up a lot more often than it was before. The problem is in high school its challenging to find what you are interested in and what classes to take. It is the opportunity to take art or music and then all of your other classes which is a balance of academic classes and the arts. I also found it interesting how he brought the crowd in with his sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteKen Robinson brings up many valid points about our current education system during his ted talk. His main focus was that creative thinking should be valued just as much as intellectual thinking, which schools prioritize above all. Schools promote and reward students that are academically successful and don’t reflect the same on the arts. Scholarships and grants are mainly received to students with academic abilities rather than students who are centered in the arts. While his argument holds great validity, I believe there are schools, many of which are private, that strive to nurture a student’s creative thinking. These schools allow students to dictate their schedules and take classes ranging from various arts and sports programs of their choosing; instead of having requirements on the number of math or science credits a student must have to graduate. I agree with Ken Robinson that more school across the board should begin integrating programs that are based on the arts to have diversity in the student body.
ReplyDeleteAnother important point that Ken Robinson addressed was the importance that schools give to standardized testing and having high GPA’s. Lexington Public Schools are ranked as having the best MCAS scores in the state. But what does that say about our education system? All it tells me is that we are a student body capable of sitting in a room for three hours and completing math problems, reading passages and writing essays. These tests seem meaningless to judging the actual intelligence of the student. They don’t assess the process the student went through to answer the question, but simply mark it right or wrong.
Before we go pointing dirty fingers at the education system, it is important to consider that change can only occur if it spread throughout the community. Incorporating more arts programs and removing standardized testing are only small steps to helping students develop the creative thinking mindsets that society lacks.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Sir Ken Robinson that the world has changed dramatically but the educational system is still the same as it was 200 years ago. Society still sets high standards on students and tells them they are wrong when they are extraordinary.
ReplyDeleteSir Ken Robinson mentioned that as we get older, we lose creativity and become more afraid of failing, so we start following what other people do. This was interesting because I have experienced this when I went to schools in Korea. In most Korean schools, teachers do not see the individual student and often ignore their original thoughts. As a result of this, many parents expect their children to do what they want them to do, rather than let them discover what they are good at and express their true thoughts. The best way to appreciate parents in Korea is to be better than anyone else, not making any mistakes. Like Ken Robinson said, arts or jobs that are related with arts are usually on the bottom of this current society. People tend to respect people who work as lawyers or doctors, and look down people like artists or non famous musicians. The main point of his speech is that we should be satisfied with people's creativity and imagination, not expecting them to be equal to everyone else.
The most memorable thing about the second video is how schools work like factories, in which students are specialized into different subjects and put in groups of the same ages. This was interesting because I think instead of being with their same aged people, students should be interact more with people who are in the same level or have similar speeds of learning. It is important for society to stop making schools like factories so that students can learn more about what they want and express themselves.
- Amy J.
Ken Robinson's TED Talks highlight several paradigms of our current education system. More importantly, however, he addresses the potential consequences of this system, and why it might need an overhaul. Ken discusses something that I always found interesting, which is that a "black and white" classification of intelligence is actually easier to understand than a more dynamic mode. The irony in this is that as humans we are inherently different, and as far from classifiable as possible. What does this translate to in terms of modern education? It means that our natural tendency is towards a system where students can be ranked, and we can categorize and score intelligence. After all, we live in a world where so much of college admissions is two numbers: GPA, and SAT scores. How can two numbers tell so much about a person?
ReplyDeleteKen's proposal is not to disregard these measures or to reject someone who has demonstrated valuable intelligence on this trivial, mono-dimensional scale. Instead, he suggests that we expand our strict definition of intelligence to grow to include creative areas of the brain. This step is absolutely necessary not only for the progression of education, but for our attitudes as a society. The problem today is that we immediately revert to an explicit schema of intelligence in order to judge someone who we don't know. If you meet someone new in a business or professional setting, one of the first things you will ask them is where they went to school. Depending on if they said Harvard or UMass, we will make very different assumptions very quickly. Most people realize that the problem with this is that it fails to capture that person's character, BUT it also may fail to capture their intelligence!
Teaching with more of an emphasis on creativity is not just to inspire a generation of creative thinkers, it's to inspire a generation of open-minded people! Many students realize that the most important lessons we learn from school are not those about a specific academic area, but rather lessons about ourselves and the world around us. This is the essence of the underlying problem. Education's primary purpose is not to teach math, english, history, and science. It's to get students active and excited. This way, they can find pursue something that makes them happy, and help to make the world a better place for everyone.
-Josh Pachter
Although Robinson's perspective on our current educational system is very interesting and thought provoking, I am bothered by his inability to come up with a concrete alternative solution. In the first video for example, he claims that as children grow older, they begin to fear being wrong. As much as I agree with this, I can not see how we can avoid it. The reason children are unafraid is because they are oblivious to how the world views them, not because they are able to choose not to care. As they get older, they naturally become aware of how society judges them. I feel that this process is inevitable, and that even demolishing the education system could not prevent this. Education is being used as a scapegoat for the reality of how society functions. In addition, creativity may be important, but in many cases, there is in fact, one answer that is better than the other. It would be ignorant to disregard this truth.
ReplyDeleteRobinson also points out the flaws in the hierarchy of education. He argues that it is wrong to prioritize mathematics and sciences above subjects like art and humanities. I feel that it is important to note that his comment only applies in wealthy countries like the US. While art is important in human expression and giving value to life, it is important to remember that having life is a prerequisite to quality of life. The study of science and math is important to the advance of humanity. These fields are required when it comes to curing diseases, saving lives, engineering machines for comfort in our daily lives. Without these fields, humans would not be able to survive. Especially in poorer, struggling countries, advancements in say, the medical field are more important than art. They do not have the luxury of art when they are desperately trying to survive. Science and math are priorities not only because they will help us find jobs, as Robinson argues, but because they are necessary to mankind. Once that has been accomplished, art then comes in to improve our quality of life, and give meaning to our living. Robinson again fails to offer any alternative to this hierarchy, which leads me to believe that this educational system stands strong because it works.
In the second video, I was awed by Robinson's metaphor comparing our school system to a production line. I understand his points about how standardization harms our individuality. Yet, I don't see a way we can avoid this. This system of education has become so deeply imbedded in our society, it is hard to see it changing in the near future.
-Mandy Q
I agree with many of the points Sir Ken Robinson makes. I believe that the methods of schooling in the US have not changed since the Enlightenment age, and that the ways schools teach must change. Students are sitting in a classroom for close to 6 hours more or less a day listening to teachers lecture them and take about subjects that might not interest the student. Because of this issue students have been blamed for not paying enough attention in class, and have been put in the "ADHD" group. I believe that this attention disorder cannot be fixed by pills or medication but by stimulating the students more in school.
ReplyDeleteThis leads into my second point that I believe that schools do kill creativity. As Sir Ken Robinson says, creativity leads to original ideas that are important one way or another in our lives. This creativity can lead to solving problems differently and more efficiently, new inventions and so forth. But I think schools have cut out this creative thinking almost entirely forcing us to learn about nearly only non-abstract ideas and thoughts. For example in English, students have been writing analytically more than creatively due to the schools assignments. In this way and many others, schools have been killing creativity in students minds and thus must change the way they teach.
After watching the two videos presented while I felt entirely convinced of Mr. Robinson's theories and ideas I felt there too much of his aspirations are whimsical. In the second video he talks about how schools are built like factories, producing children in batches along an assembly line, and how this is wrong. And this got me very excited, thinking about all of the ways in which school could be organized. I was reminded of a class my friend told me he took in which the teacher said "Over the course of this year you will present me with five works of art. They may be whatever you want, you may work with whomever you want using whatever you want. But I must see five works of art." This kind of learning excited me. I wanted to be able to learn in an environment in which I was surrounded by people with similar interests as me and we were all working together to discover and create new things. But then I began to realize how much of pure fantasy that was. The kind of educational reform he talks about is almost revolutionary in how radical it is. And even on a more conservative scale, convincing a school district like Lexington to require as much dance training or sculpture classes as math or English would be nearly impossible. So while the thought of being required to take as many pottery classes as math classes excites me, I just think the idea is too radical for most people. Even if it is a good idea, change frightens people. As Mr. Robinson says, people are afraid to be wrong. Nobody is daring enough to attempt education reform this radical because nobody has ever tried it before, and everyone is too afraid that it won't work. Nobody will try simply because it is too foreign an idea; too far from what they know.
ReplyDeleteMy second observation is that I disagree with how specialized Mr. Robinson believes education should be. I got the sense he feels that if kids have a dream, they should have the ability to nurture that dream and only that dream until it is achieved. If a kid wants to be a painter he shouldn't have to be good at math. And if a kid wants to be scientist he shouldn't have to take dance lessons. Yet I feel like children to to experience a broad range of activities, because what a person wants one day might not be what they want the next. My father was a phenomenal swimmer when he was young. And like Mr. Robinson said he pursued what he was good at and what he loved and he excelled at it. And now his biggest regret in life is never taking the time to learn how to play a musical instrument. So while allowing kids to indulge in what they are passionate about it all well and good, we need to expose children to as many experiences as possible, because you never know what you might love until you try it.
Sir Ken Robinson’s TED talks highlights the flawed perspective on intelligence of our current education system, one easily identifiable in Lexington High School. Robinson discusses the automatic classification of intelligence’s established distinctions to which we abide, and which leads us astray from recognizing our true strengths. Fine and performing arts stand small under the looming core curriculum that defines our academic experiences, dismissing any possibility of rising to our own potential. By senior year we are merely defined by numbers – scores and GPA’s that determine whether or not we are worthy of going to college.
ReplyDeleteRobinson suggests that we expand our definitions of intelligence to recognize all areas of the brain which is necessary for the progression of our society’s education and outlook. We constantly make judgements based on the quality of our education: having just undergone the college process has opened my eyes to how distorted our perceptions are of how to search for colleges. Initial instincts are to review the competitiveness and the scores, this of course coming after the evaluation of how well known the school name is. But what of our actual interests? Those have fallen as the unfortunate last priorities – though we will be happiest due to our interests we seek prestige and empty statistics. More emphasis on creativity is a necessity in teaching. Many conclude that our most valuable lessons are lessons about ourselves and the world around us rather than academics. Robinson stresses the importance of shifting education’s primary motive to activating our complex minds, which I think is certainly a key to our education.
Sharon Ettinger
One of the things Sir Ken Robinson mentioned that "if you are not prepared to be wrong, you'll never come up with anything original." And I think this statement is very true. After adjusting to a society like Lexington, many competitive students here are afraid to be wrong, afraid to fall behind like the others, afraid they'll be behind in the "competition." But honestly, what thought process is the "right" one? There is no right thought process. Everyone thinks differently and analyzes differently. Honestly, I grew up afraid to be wrong, afraid to make a mistake, but sometimes that mistake leads to something so much greater. Take the Wright Brothers for example. They had to make many mistakes before succeeding, and they weren't afraid to be wrong, and eventually invented the airplane. In a modern society where competition is one of factors many students focus on, they seem to have developed the mindset of mistakes bringing them down in the competition.
ReplyDeleteThere was one point, however, that I disagreed with Robinson. When he said that people are brought up only to be university professors, that's not necessarily true. Yes, we must teach our knowledge to the next generation, but many people grow up to be much more. There are professions that saves lives, that inspires others, that brings joy to others, that argues for equality in the world. Some of the knowledge we learned in school, we'll probably never use again later in our life! To be honest, I don't even know why we learn some of this useless stuff (I mean who's going to be using the quadratic equation other than math teachers or professors?). Many students are taught to just keep studying and stuffing knowledge into their heads, but there are others who aspires to be different, pursuing their own goals. Many schools now are trying to develop other aspects of students' life. Lexington, even though the stress level is pretty high, has a pretty diverse range of students. We have athletes, musicians, artists, scholars... Though I do agree that the teachers should not only enforce ONE correct idea based on their own knowledge into the heads of the students.
One other point I'd like to point out is how Robinson mentions about the process of academic inflation, and the entire education system changing underneath our feet. I couldn't agree more with what he has said. It's so much more difficult to succeed than 30 years ago or so. A college degree does not mean much anymore. Society expects you to be amazing not only in academics, though they enforce that the most, but to have skills in other fields as well. They expect you to balance out everything that would make you a successful person. These high expectations set by society is one reason kids nowadays are afraid to fail, relating back to what I was talking about in the beginning. This restricts their creativity as well. Like Robinson said, we humans have the special ability to create things, and we have to put that ability to use. In schools if a teacher sees something interesting but different, instead of correcting, they should try to expand upon the idea and allow the students to seek for their own answers. The teacher should act as a guide, not an "absolute ruler."
One last thing I found interesting was the comparison of factories to the school system. I remember my friend talking to me about standardized testing and how a college shouldn't just look at that ONE test to determine your admission. If they do, then they're not a college worth going to. Who can predict how well you'll do on this test? And the next one? What about the one after that? As the schools try to standardize us, the individuals who fall out of that standard are not accepted. That does not seem very fair. How can one judge from one standard? The system of education needs to have a broader perspective and a more accepting view of different ideas and thoughts from students.
Aleesha Y.