Changing Education Paradigms

In the video, Mr. Robinson says, "We are educating people out of their creativity." It's a message with deep resonance. Schools try to teach students as they taught 100 years ago. Students need an education connected with reality. The perspective of the Education system is how teachers support each individual child by engaging, creating fun and positive lesson. Mr. Robinson gives a lot of positive feedbacks such as teaching the child that he or she should have a more divergent thinking, teachers should support each child individually or in smaller groups, and teachers should give more creating activities to keep them focused and interested.

I agree with Robinson’s message because the education system is definitely outdated and needs quite a bit of change. There is too much focus on these ridiculous standardize tests and not enough on engaging students. Everyone is unique in their own way and adapt and learn differently. That is why there is a thing called “steps.” Meaning there is more than one way to learn a topic and it depends on the child, which is best for them. Students should be able to have the freedom to explore their creativity and interest in life, not a system to robotically decide what they should and should not be.

What I liked about Robinson's talk was the visuals in his videos and examples he used to break down the education system. Also how he discussed and described ADHD and divergent thinking data of 3 different age groups.

In connection to my observations, I see how schools resemble a factory. In the school I observe, students must meet certain requirements especially on these tests and running records. If they don’t meet the criteria they are automatically categorized as a “special needs” student and/or have an IEP. I see the teachers struggling to teach the students different lessons under the required time. It is about that time for the board of education to take some responsibility for their industrialized system and stop blaming teachers and students.