Several portions of Sir Ken Robinson’s speech had my mind racing; interviewing 3-yr olds, fast food education, wearing a wrist watch. His examples, ideas and analogies build a compelling argument as to why reform is not what is needed, but instead our broken system is in need of an educational revolution. Little room is left to disagree with his idea that our linear approach to educating our children, calls for an innovative and unconventional system. You are left with the belief that the shift from standardization to customization has to happen.
Although I agree with the shift from a “mechanical process to an organic process”, I was left feeling overwhelmed as the talk continued. It wasn’t until he described the passionate individual who loves what they do, that transforming our current educational system appeared attainable.
During the talk, Robinson discusses his belief that the world is divided into two groups.
· Group 1: “People who love what they do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else”
· Group 2: “People who don't enjoy what they do. They simply go through their lives getting on with it. They get no great pleasure from what they do. They endure it rather than enjoy it and wait for the weekend.”
It is within the description of these two groups, that I was able to answer the question, ‘what changes would need to take place in order to realize his vision for personalized learning?’ The answer is simple; we must have the right people, in the right places.
Passionate educators, know, understand and value the importance of natural talents, which is what lies at the heart of Robinson’s revolution. They identify with the feeling of “it isn’t what I do, it is who I am.” They know what it feels like “to do something for an hour and it feels like five minutes.” They live it every day. These are the individuals who will embrace the importance of recognizing passion and natural talents within their own students, because passionate educators recognize how important it is within their own line of work. The revolution begins here.
We all would agree that not everyone who has chosen education as their profession is meant to be an educator. Discernment is the first big step toward instituting a new system. Current educators must honestly examine if they are a member of group 1, group 2 or if they fall somewhere in between. It is those who can’t imagine doing anything else, who will be able to embrace Robinson’s vision of personalized learning.
Even with the strongest conviction, passion can waiver. As a leader, it is important to nurture each educator’s sense of passion and continue to help others to renew their sense of enthusiasm and energy. As individuals, it is important for us to find ways to remind ourselves about what it is that we love to do. Invoking this sense of passion, within ourselves and amongst fellow educators, serves as a reminder to bring about the same sense of passion within our students.
Hi Rachel
ReplyDeleteI haven't listened to this talk but reading your response, it sounds quite interesting. I believe that there is definitely a difference in the quality, atmosphere and learning experience for a student to have a teacher who thrives on teaching as opposed to a teacher basically, just needing a paycheck and waits for the weekends, like you said. People really need to think about their professions before choosing, especially when it comes to education.
Having the right people in the right places is spot on. Sometimes it takes several years to figure that out, whether it be a move made by administration or a move of your own. There is no exceeding expectations from a student or teacher if both are in a disadvantaged spot. Only true and passionate teachers can relate and respect other teachers who love what they do. Teaching is a very important and rewarding job if it is done right. We teachers need to keep students motivated, interested, and challenged for them to succeed. We cant expect our future leaders to perform their best if we don't set a great example.
Hi Amie,
DeleteIt is easy to recognize fellow educators who share an enthusiasm for teaching.
Years ago, I read a book titled, Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire by Rafe Esquith. He describes the great lengths he would go to and unconventional methods he would use with his students- the title stems from a science experiment gone bad but serves as a point of inspiration for teaching like he was "on fire" each day. He goes on to describe former students, who would return with great stories of success, even though they had the odds stacked against them. I think about this in regards to your last statement, as educators we must be a great example for our own students if we want them to succeed in the future. Passion can truly serve as an inspiration for our students.