Sir Ken Robinson’s argument strongly resonates with me. I have two daughters, ages 19 and 18, and they are just now trying to decide what they’d like to do with their lives. Robinson is correct: the linear construction of our educational system has done nothing to help my daughters figure out and develop their natural talents or interests. This year, my oldest daughter has switched her college major from Environmental Science Technology and Policy to Chemistry, and now to being a Registered Nurse with a BSN. She’s searching for her interests and talents but doesn’t know what they are.
I’ve also taught Senior English the past few years and I’ve seen many students who simply don’t know what they’re doing next. They know they should move towards or look for a job that they will be passionate about and love, but many of them haven’t volunteered, worked, or taken courses that truly interest them. They’re left at the end of their compulsory education holding a bag that’s not filled with what they need to make the important choices for their next steps in life.
Our learning environments stifle and suffocate our children. Disrupting the march of traditional educational systems and the norm is a difficult thing. Most everyone in education sees the need for a personalized and unique educational experience for our children, but that old factory model holds on and moving away from it is a tedious thing. It’s frustrating to watch and while I can’t change the whole system myself, I’m realizing that there are things I can do to help changes occur in my own organization.
Our antiquated brick-and-mortar schools need to provide options for students. Why not offer blended learning? Flex classes? There are a few lucky high school students at my school who take classes with me (Flex) along with some traditional classes at the school. Instead of this being a small exception, this should be the norm.
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