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[…] I’m personally interested in the development of free schools, a government project under-way in the UK. Here lies an opportunity to re-write the script and even though their are many possible pitfalls, I have the hope that through the ups and downs education will change for the better. Clipped from http://www.missiontolearn.com […]
ReplyI stumbled across this post doing a bit of research for a paper. I echo your feelings and thing that change is inevitable, even in the face of the unflappable “industrial age” leadership of the current public education system in this nation. Times have changed radically yet the school system still operates in the distant past.
ReplyMelissa – I think “as parents” is key. I’ve also found that, while certainly parents are mentioned, their role in improving education does not get nearly the space you might think it would in much of the writing about educational reform.
Paul – “Perhaps the biggest problem facing education is the education system itself and those who are controlling it.” Yes, indeed! And I agree completely that changing the thoughts of leaders is much easier said than done. Significant change seems inevitable, but it may very well come in spite of rather than because of current thinking and leadership. Also, I feel certain that – as you say – teachers support the idea of helping kids lead fulfilled lives. At the same time, I don’t think much teacher training focuses on what might actually make that possible.
I need to find out more about the free school movement. Thanks for “amplifying” this post!
Jeff
Reply[…] I’m personally interested in the development of free schools, a government project under-way in the UK. Here lies an opportunity to re-write the script and even though their are many possible pitfalls, I have the hope that through the ups and downs education will change for the better. Amplify’d from http://www.missiontolearn.com […]
Reply“I’d say we should focus instead on helping people find what will make their lives as fulfilling as possible, and then support them in excelling at it. Let’s figure out the best possible role the schools can play in achieving that outcome.”
There is a wave of change and it’s being driven by social learning via the internet. How long it takes for institutions to adopt these new concepts is based on many different factors. Perhaps the biggest problem facing education is the education system itself and those who are controlling it.
Kids are not stupid, they know that once they complete their ‘education’ a job in their chosen interest is not guaranteed, especially in today’s climate. Motivation is therefore dampended and as a direct result happiness and fulfilment are negatively affected .
Tomorrow’s knowledge workers need to gain new skills. They need to learn from Master learners who can teach them how information can be curated, stored, re-found and shared. It is no longer necessary to memorise everything, it is more important to know where to find the answers and from whom.
Building communities of practice and allowing those communities to find their own solutions plays a large part in the future of education. If the future of schooling is to be heavily based around the social internet it would make sense for education to adopt as soon as possible.
“Is it possible that as leaders we need to be thinking differently?”
For leaders to think differently leaders need to change their thoughts. From a cognitive perspective, this is easier said than done. If leaders are unable to change their thoughts, technology will eventually become disruptive and cause change without choice. This is probably the most likely outcome based on the difficulties of changing core foundational upbringing.
I don’t there are any teachers whose personal ambition isn’t to ensure kids are fulfilled or happy. I do think teacher’s hands are tied though and from their own professional perspective, ensuring their students hit targets is, in effect, their main priority.
I’m personally interested in the development of free schools, a government project under-way in the UK. Here lies an opportunity to re-write the script and even though their are many possible pitfalls, I have the hope that through failure innovation, education will change for the better.
I also clipped this post to my Amplog… thanks for sparking thought 🙂
Replyvery good insight on our current educational standards. i completely agree that aside from students trying to attain good grades , as parents, we should also try to make sure they are happy with what they are doing and support them. To be happy and passionate in doing your work yields better results emotionally and professionally.
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