5 Ways Sir Ken Robinson is Revolutionizing Education
That's the title of Sir Ken Robinson's most viewed video on YouTube and one of the most viewed Ted Talks ever. The guy is leading an education revolution, and my husband and I were lucky enough to hear him speak a few weeks ago.
It was quite the event. I mean how often does a #TedTalkOG like Sir Ken come to your hometown. He was invited as the keynote speak for a local education conference titled, Learning Revolution.
Learning Revolution
Since embarking on my own journey to revolutionize education, I'm constantly on the search for ideas and examples of how we can radically change education. And let me tell you, Sir Ken had a lot to say on the topic. Every other phrase out of his mouth was tweetable. 🙌🏼 🙌🏼 🙌🏼
Seriously, this guy was dropping #truthbombs all over the place.
Sir Ken's Top 5
It was such an inspiring afternoon! I could have listened to a talk or a read a book on most of the topics he addressed. And I would love to share it all with you. But I don't have time to write about it all and you don't have time to read it, so let me just share the top five things Sir Ken has to say about revolutionizing education (#IMHO).
#ahamoment
We can't be frustrated if our children aren't innovative, independent, self-sufficient, critical thinkers, if our education system isn't actually designed to cultivate these qualities. (another tweetable)
So what exactly is our country's education system designed to do???
Can I get an amen!!!
Now let's not be naive and limit diversity to skin color. The world needs diverse thinkers with different experiences, passions, and talents. We can't get stuck in our habitual ways of living. We must actively seek (and cultivate) diversity and allow it to challenge and change us (no matter how uncomfortable it is).
School culture is everything. #fullstop
Wow, oh wow!
Isn't this exactly what we've done. Tragically we've told children they're only successful when they meet a super specific and small set of goals. In doing so, we're inadvertently created a vast focus of inability and failure. (another tweetable)
This was a reality check for my classroom - what are my standards of "success"???
Our students are precious, unique individuals - a fact that is too easy to forget. This quote is a powerful reminder to actively and intentionally seek to understand the world inside our students. In doing so, we learn how to connect the outer and inner worlds.
Moving Forward
I told you he was dropping knowledge! As inspired as I was during his talk, it isn't always easy integrating new concepts into my classroom, especially when it exists within a larger system.
But that's no excuse.
As I've had time to digest the wisdom of Sir Ken's words, here are five small things I am going to focus on as we wind down the school year...
1) Evaluate my classroom system.
Is the system I've created actually connected to the outcomes I want? If not, I need to make manageable changes to redefine the system.
2) Cultivate Diversity.
Too often I lead the class with my thoughts, my viewpoint, and my objectives. I need to integrate more open-ended questions and projects, led by students interests, passions, talents, and experiences.
3) Focus on school and classroom culture.
It starts with me. I need to set a standard of empathy, respect, and kindness and settle for nothing less.
4) Redefine what "success" means.
Growth, grit, progress, determination - this is what should define success because this is what brings real life success »»» watch this video
5) Know my students.
And not just their stats. I need to actually know my students. I need set aside time to listen to them, take interest in their passions and let them lead the conversation.
Change doesn't happen overnight. But subtle, yet intentional, changes day after day after day will ignite a revolution!