For those of you who know me, Sir Ken Robinson was one of my all-time heroes, I struggle to write the word ‘was’ as it acknowledges that his life has ended. For those of you who have never heard of this wonderful man I urge you to seek him out, if you care about our children and their future, then I urge you to pause a while with the endeavours of this gentleman.
Today, I met up with a dear friend and university colleague to talk about key pieces in the learning/education puzzle. The meeting was set in the walkway of a shopping mall, where all around us were wearing masks, but we, the chosen few, were fortunate to be outside of the Corona virus affected area… How? I hear you ask. Well we had opted for a coffee and for some reason the virus does not affect those who make a purchase and sit with it, I digress.
Do schools kill creativity? Was the title of the TED talk that would put Sir Ken onto the world stage, if you haven’t seen it, then please click the link. Although recorded in 2006 it’s as relevant today as ever it was. The step that was discussed this morning was around what separates the good teachers from the bad? Also how do we get learners to retain information? This is the kind of conversation that should engage the minds of other educationalists, great thinkers, creative minds alike. What is the spark and how is it struck?
Listening to Sir Ken Robinson speak, if you have a soul, then you can not help but to be touched by the warmth, sincerity and humanity of this educational giant. For me, I have two words that can answer the above questions, oh how I wish to have had the chance to share my thoughts Northerner to Northerner with Sir Ken.
Should Curiosity be killed?
Word number one ‘Curiosity’ unless curiosity is engaged, the learners mind will not open. Therefore, retention will be at a low ebb, owing to the fact that the information never entered into the learner’s mind. Seek first to provoke the curiosity of the person and then the learner will appear.
Word number two ‘Stewardship’ taking care of something for others, without self-interest. Where would you find a Steward today? Our politicians fail miserably at attempting stewardship, yet, it should be the most crucial reason for them being elected.
Sir Ken Robinson has handed the fragile chalice to us, the few left awake. A steward that inspired curiosity. He never forgot his humble beginnings, using them to drive his thoughts forward into a world that so desperately needed his insights. If you are feeling alone at this moment, lost in the sea of misinformation take heed from the words of Sir Ken…
“If I didn’t piss somebody off, I’d probably be doing something wrong but I don’t set out to do it.”
Sir Ken Robinson
Now, put your mask back on, trust your government, do as you are told and remember only dead fish swim with current.
