Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The death of creativity?


In the Riz Khan interview with Sir Ken Robinson, we find discussion of curriculum around the world and how most of it is focused on the basics of mathematics and sciences. Although these subjects have very significant roles, I agree with Sir Ken in his saying that we must institute other forms of expressive learning for the creative mind.
Towards the end of the second half of Sir Ken's interview he states, "There isn't just one way to think, there isn't just one way to communicate." which I believe is the basis of all his judgements. This statement leads us to acknowledge that not every person is the same and not all are going to succeed at the same things. This is very obvious but just because we are not all having success in the same area does not mean that we are not brilliant in our own ways. I could go on for paragraphs about Sir Ken's innovative mind set but I would rather like to show my personal experience with this changing educational outlook.
Where I currently attend high school I can actually see many of Sir Ken's ideas in action. Compared to the public high schools in the area, I believe we put them to shame. We provide almost every aspect of art and music you could imagine. Along with creating art and music classes that are required for credits in order to graduate. Although we do not have a required dance class we do have a dance club or specifically a step team. If that club is not suitable for you, your sure to find a way to express yourself with your body on the athletic fields where you are required to play a sport or stay active in some way each season. If sports aren't your thing you can get exemption by participating in the performing arts.
All of these options are so great but nothing without personal bonds by teachers and coaches. Sir Ken mentioned that the most important part of learning are the teachers. Whether a good or bad influence they will dramatically change your experience and your ability to be as creative and expressive as possible. I have found by speaking with other piers in different schools that my school is possibly the best in fostering the kind of friendship or teacher-student relationship that Sir Ken talks about. Overall i am pleased to have watched Sir Ken's interview and see that I am part of a school that is trying to move in the right directions for optimal education success.

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