Revolution in Education

  

Original Link:  http://www.techlearning.com/article/40844

When I think about the kind of education I want for my children, I'll refer to this speech given by Sir Ken Robinson.  Not only does Sir Ken Robinson provide a very thoughtful speech about education, I thought his speech in this video was relevant to our current educational system.  In his speech he makes the case for a radical shift from standardized schools to personalized learning. This does not mean everyone achieves the same personal mastery for the same standard tests and outcomes. Instead it means creating conditions where kids' natural talents can flourish.  When will we realize that the old way just doesn't work.  I have two children with very different sets of talents and skills.  One is a very creative and loves art, music and dance.  The other is finding is creative niche through technology and he loves puzzles.  They learn differently. They enjoy different things.  Why can't they both be given the type of education that will sharpen their talents and creativity?  Why do they both have to take classes they don't enjoy?  Take tests on subjects they have no interest in pursuing in the future.  The whole notion that we must provide the same education for every child is a bunch of nonsense.  The future has to better than the past or we fall behind.  I would like to see more smaller learning communities of schools that emphasizes certain  areas of interest for students.