In this lesson we were given a Ken Robinson video titled "How to escape education's death valley", followed with questions after. Ken Robinson talks about the culture of education. Although this was a really short lesson, Ken Robinson teaches you alot in just a few short minutes.
EDUC 2120 – Lesson 10 – The Culture of Education
Ken Robinson outlines three principles crucial for the human mind to florish. In your own words, describe EACH one.
One of the three principles that Ken Robinson mentioned was how human beings are naturally different and diverse. All of us are different in so many ways. We think different, dress different, and have different interests. We all are different and diverse in many ways. Second principle that he mentioned was curiosity. Curiosity is the key to education. If you can spark curiosity in a student, nothing else has to be done, they will want to learn. The last one is education is a human system, not a mechanical system. It's all about the people (teachers and students).
How does our current culture of education work against these principles? Describe.
I think it's because our current culture of education is focused on a more mechanical system than a human system. Now, education doesn't really focus on the people as much as they should. I think that's why the education system isn't as productive as it should be. The system takes away from the people, giving them what they should think, instead of letting them think for themselves. When things start to get out of hand, it needs to be turned back to the people to let them decide.
Do you agree or disagree with Ken Robinson? Why or why not?
I completely agree. I think that Ken Robinson knows what he’s talking about in terms of education. I believe that everything he said, everyone should take to heart, and the head, and apply it.
In your opinion, describe ONE of the most important things you could “take-a-way” from this talk?
I think the first principle, personally, is very important. Teachers, and future teachers, should always be reminded that their students are different individuals and they think differently. We should always treat our students as individuals, instead of students as a whole.
Summary
I enjoyed listening to Ken Robinson’s video. He kept my attention the whole time and that made the video not seem as long as it really was. He was also really funny, so that made it even better. Ken Robinson knew what he was talking about, and I enjoyed every bit of it. I thought the three principles were interesting and I think all teachers and future teachers should know about those principles.
Research Question
How can teachers make sure that they treat their students as individuals?
Reference(s): http://theinspiredclassroom.com/2014/06/make-students-feel-valued-individuals/
Research Analysis
As we all know, treating our students as individuals is very important. We want our students to know that we value them as them. One way to do this is to be our students “champion”. If a student knows that you are there to cheer them on through the tough times and all of their assignments, they are going to WANT to do better for you. It’s important for teachers to show that they genuinely care about them because if they see that you don’t care whether they pass or fail, they won’t try their best.
Getting to know our students as individuals and listening to what they have to tell us is another strategy. As all teachers should know, learning who our students are as individuals is the most important. We need to show them that we care, and they can come to us for anything, that we will cheer them on the whole way.
Being consistent, encouraging and rewarding your students for good behavior or grades is another important strategy in learn how to treat your students as individuals. Being consistent is important because you don’t want to show your students that you care about one person more than another student. If you praise one student on a good grade, you need to praise the next and the next. Be consistent with your actions. Encourage and reward your students. Every student likes to be encouraged in some way, even if they are the top in their class. Rewarding your students after good behavior or good grades will motivate them to do better so they can be rewarded more.
Research Summary
I thought my research was really good and something that I will take into my classroom in the future. It’s always important to treat your students as individuals. I thought all of the things that were mentioned in the article would help with treating students as individuals.