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| Sir Ken Robinson |
In my family and extended family, I count at least nine members who are involved in various fields of education, either as teachers,
instructors, or some other capacity. Across the same family there are members
who sing, play musical instruments, paint, write poetry, and dance. One is a
screenwriter, and another is currently undertaking a film making course.
I myself, am a singer-songwriter with a couple of albums to
my name, and I guess I can add video maker to my credits if I include the
numerous short videos I have put together documenting my various travels. It
goes without saying then, that questions examining the nexus between education
and creativity are of great interest to myself, and other members of the
family.
Today’s TED on Tuesday features a talk by Sir Ken Robinson,
who makes an entertaining and forceful case for creating a modern education
system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.
“I believe this passionately: that we don’t grow into creativity, we grow out of it. Or rather, we get educated out if it.” ~ Sir Ken Robinson
Posing the question: Why don't we get the best out of
people? Sir Ken Robinson argues that it's because we've been educated to become
good workers, rather than creative thinkers. Further, he argues that students
with restless minds and bodies―far from being cultivated for their energy and
curiosity―are ignored or even stigmatized, with terrible consequences. Or
worse―diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder), and medicated into submission.
Sir Ken led the British government's 1998 advisory committee
on creative and cultural education, a massive inquiry into the significance of
creativity in the educational system and the economy, and was knighted in 2003
for his achievements. His latest book, Out
of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative was published in January 2009. He is also the author
of the best selling The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything.
Take a look as Sir Ken Robinson delivers one of the
most popular TED talks on education and creativity:
