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Our education systems discourage creativity.
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The consequences are disastrous for the individuals and our communities.
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We need a more holistic approach that nurtures the talents of all or our children.
“We are educating people out of their creativity,” is a message in the most popular TED Talk by Sir Ken Robinson. Presented in 2006, it is the most viewed talk in TED’s history with over 36 million total views. It is estimated that over 300 million people worldwide have seen this video.
In this entertaining talk Sir Ken informs us that we are all born with immense natural talents, but by the time we get through the education system, far too many of us have lost touch with those talents. Many highly talented, brilliant people think they are not, because the thing that they were good at in school wasn’t recognized, valued or nurtured. The consequences are disastrous for the individuals and for our communities.
Sir Ken is concerned about education. Many of the education reforms are being driven by political and commercial interests and are being driven by people who misunderstand how real people learn and how great schools actually work. As a result they are damaging the prospects of countless young people.
He states that the we need a more holistic approach that nurtures the talents of all of our children. He states that the standards culture is harming our schools and he presents a different way of thinking about education. Changes are happening. All around the world there are many great schools, wonderful teachers and inspiring leaders who are working creatively to provide the students with the kind of personalized, compassionate and community oriented education they need.
Vanity Fair Magazine is quoted as stating, “In just 19 minutes his wry but eviscerating presentation gave voice to what so many of us are living through: our schools are failing to recognize creativity; we’re failing to prepare the next generation for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Sir Ken Robinson lead the British government’s 1998 advisory committee on creative and cultural education. He proposes the end to our outmoded industrial educational system. He recommends a highly personal approach to engage all students.
He states that we need a more holistic approach that will enhance personalized, compassionate and community oriented training. If you wish to watch this talk, you can click on it below.
I look forward to receiving your comments and thoughts about what we might do in our coaching programs.
Wishing you lots of love and laughter, as always.
Fred Jones
Victoria, BC, Canada
Fred Jones