The most exciting email came to me today! The sender invited me to attend a presentation (in PA) in which Ken Robinson will be the keynote speaker. I couldn't believe it; I can sit in a small audience listening to someone who, two years ago, changed the way I teach and develop instruction.
Who is Sir Ken Robinson?
He is a writer, innovator, motivator, leader in the quest to develop creativity in education systems. He has worked for major organizations such as: the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, J. Paul Getty Trust and he was a Professor of Arts Education.
What is his message?
In 2006 I came upon a video of Sir Ken Robinson titled, "Do Schools Kill Creativity." This video was posted on the TED Conference site. The following is a description of what TED is (taken directly from their site) "TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from those three worlds. Since then its scope has become ever broader."
This video inspired me to find ways to allow students to express themselves, even if it is unpopular among some of the "old-school" teachers. Since watching this video, I have sincerely tried to find ways to give students choice, and allow them some artistic freedom, especially in video projects. It has also prompted me to develop online courses that promote creativity.
I would highly recommend taking a few moments to watch this video. It will likely change the way you think about education. It is quite entertaining too, since Dr. Robinson has a great sense of humor. It will be time well spent.
Related Links:
TED Conference Site
Sir Ken Robinson's Homepage
His Book - Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative
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4 comments:
Wow, that was an interesting video! He makes many valid points about educating only 1 side of the brain. Thanks for posting this.
I agree. Schools do sometimes kill individual originality and style. Kids need to be able to express themselves within guidelines. Some students tend to take it to the extreme. But schools also take restrictions to the extreme. Good video.
That Ted Talks site rocks! So much good stuff there!
Thanks for sharing! Ted makes many valid points. Often times we hear how the levels of creativity are being shut down because we are drilling students to build test taking skills in order to meet NCLB requirements, but what we are really doing is shutting down the mind. We are building cookie cutters instead of inventors, creators, designers, etc. Hopefully this will inspire all of us in education with ways to bring our district on board with seeking the desire to inspire our students in their world of creativity!
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