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The teacher learns as much from the student as the student learns from the teacher.
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Young people’s dreams deserve high expectations is expressed in a TED Talk by 12 year old Adora Svitak.
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Youth need to find their voice.
This site is about coaching our youth. Does that mean adults know all the answers and we much teach children all our knowledge?
There is an often heard comment that I believe is very appropriate which states that the teacher learns as much, if not more, from the student than the student learns from the teacher. I know that I have learned an amazing amount from the participants in the programs in which I have been involved.
In a TED talk presented by Adora Svitak in February 2010 who at the age of 12 stated that kids’ big dreams deserve high expectations.
We should start with grownups’ willingness to learn from children as much as to teach children. The talk is entitled, “What adults can learn from kids.”
Recently I showed this TED talk to a group of youth and they evaluated and commented on her presentation. Overall, they were impressed with her presentation mentioning that she was very confident in front of a large adult audience and was extremely articulate for a 12 year old. They thought she could have slowed down and paused from time to time as she appeared rushed. However, they did think that she was trying to cover a great deal of information in a timed speech and, therefore, she was on a timed mission.
Some viewers may state that she has a sort of “know it all” tone, but really at the age of 12 in 2010 she is very bold, insightful and articulate. I enjoyed this speech as it does illustrate that our youth often are very aware of and think about subjects in more detail and depth than we often realize and they do need to find their voice.
We as coaches can assist them to find their voice.
You can view Adora’s presentation below:
Adora has continued as an outstanding advocate for youth. You can find updated information about her at:
https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Adora_Svitak&oldid=695328169
If you watch Adora’s TED talk, please inform me of your thoughts.
In addition, if you know of any others who might want to join in the conversation and / or become an Ambassador, please ask them to contact me. They can do so on the ‘Contact us’ form found on the Contact us page on this website.
Wishing you lots of love and laughter.
Fred Jones
Victoria, BC, Canada
Fred Jones