Sir Ken Robinson’s Keynote during PEN at the Giants Ballpark

On April 13, 2013 in San Francisco the 5th annual EdRev returned to the Giants Ballpark. It was a huge success. Parents Education Network, the producers of this model event, offered a wide variety of programming for those passionate about understanding, finding solutions, and resolving issues facing those with dyslexia, ADD/ADHD and other learning disabilities.  Students, parents, teachers and other were treated to a wide variety of new ideas, new technologies, new skills and much more. The energy at the event, gathering 2,000 people together, was very high.

There were two keynote speakers with a similar theme; the need for a different education process.

Sir Ken Robinson, an education and creativity expert and author of the New York Times best-selling book ‘Finding Your Element’ set the tone stating:

The challenge with the education system is a world-wide problem. One word describes the cause:   Conformity.  Currently the education process is based on the belief that everyone must conform to basic principles.  This denies the fact that we are all biologically different which means students are spending time on what they must do instead of what they can do.

A recent study has shown that 30% of students in 9th grade don’t finish the 12th grade. Many of these students end up in jail. The current solution is to pour more money into the correction system ($25,000 a year for an individual).   If that funding was redirected to the education system to address the learning needs of the dropouts, the costs to state government would decrease. Educating a student has the average cost of $10,000.  Cutting by half the number of dropouts from grade nine the net gain result in 10 – 11 years would be twelve Trillan dollars.

Sir Ken promotes three principles for an evolving education system.

1.  Diversity

Accept the principle that we are all different with unique talents.  We are different because we are biologically different.  Human life relies on diversity.  It is why human life is so interesting.  The reason the current education process is unsuccessful is its lack of focus on diversity.

2. Creativity

Creativity is at the heart of what it is to be a human being. The opportunity for each student to explore their creativity is essential. Our imagination gives us the ability to bring into mind what doesn’t exit.  Sir Ken asked us to remember that creativity is what has driven this country, the United States of America, to be successful.  It’s a national asset.  Now is the time to re-energize the education system allowing creativity which presents itself differently in different people to flourish.

We need an education system that supports students in finding what is their true talent, what do they love to do.  It will result in them defining who they are so they can discover a path that is satisfying and provide a lifestyle that supports their life.   The goal is to do something you have a natural talent for.  Something you get. It is time those administrators leading the educational process think differently.

In light of the above he offered a commemt about ADHD and the high % of students currently being diagnosed with ADHD. If students are required to sit and listen to boring things, don’t be surprised if they develop ADHD behavior.

3.  Life is organic, not linear

We can’t predict how a life will shape up. The key is following the passion that comes from creative exploration.  Keep the focus on what is it that you love to do.  It is the parent’s responsibility to help their child discover his or her talent, to encourage, support and expect it to go in different directions.  The path will not be linear. Remember, we compose our lives. It’s time to accept that one’s life is about diversity and being creative.

Summary

We have to press for a different education system. The academic world needs broad curriculum that embraces the fact that we learn differently.  We have to get governments away from trying to impose standardization.  Education has to be radically personalized so individuals can identify their special talents. There is no reason why students should do the same things every day. Conformity doesn’t work.

If you are teacher, parent or student take up the challenge and be the change you want to see. Collectively teachers, students, and parents are the ones who can change the system.  The movement is powerful enough.

And, don’t waste time on those who are stuck in the old model. They are never going to change.

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Sir Ken Robinson’s new book is titled Finding Your Element:  How to discovery your talents and passions and transform your life.