Ken Robinson-Schools Kill Creativity

In February 2006, Sir Ken Robinson gave a speach regarding the education system around the world. His main point is that "creativity is as important as literacy and we should treat it in the same state." Robinson all presents the idea that educators are teaching for the future (students starting school that won't retire until 65 1971); pointing out that we know very little about what will happen in five years, let alone 65. In it he claimed that the current world wide system is killing creativity. The process of education from before elementary school through after secondary school stops teaching children to use their bodies and furthermore hinders their creativity. Modern examples of that today, are that many students who learn through movement are put on various types of medications to help them focus. Another example is the famous choreographer, Gyllian Lynne, who struggled with learning because she wasn't able to sit still. After seeking medical help, a doctor finally told her mother to take her to a dance school where she would better learn. Eventually she danced successfully through her education and did the choreographer for both "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera".

Robinson's beliefs are very important to keep in mind. Each student learns and succeeds differently; and as a future educator I need to prepare my students for the future. While repetively enforcing the already known concepts of math, english, reading, and science is important; the students also need to be able to be creative in case something happens. They'll need to be able to think out of the box, and textbooks won't be able to accomplish that. Creativity is a natural talent, that needs to be trained and toned.

I agree with Robinson's beliefs about education. Students need to be more than book smart and be able to be successful in an instant. He makes great points that are reinforced by the examples he gives you. Students learn in different ways and as teacher you need to be able to accept and work with these differences.