The Answer is Not Found At the Back of the Book
James M Sims
Relentlessly Driven Executive | Transforming Teams to Propel Enterprise Strategies | Passionate Leader and Innovator Tackling Complex Challenges | M&A Projects | AI Evangelist | Senior Health Advocate | Writer |
In a world where creativity and innovation are pivotal to success, it's ironic how our education system seems to suppress these traits rather than cultivate them. Sir Ken Robinson, a renowned education and creativity expert, has repeatedly pointed out the flaws in our current education system, arguing that it is predicated on an obsolete model that no longer serves our needs. This article aims to question the status quo of the education system by advocating for a paradigm shift that values creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, illustrated by the classic "nine dots" puzzle.
The Current Paradigm
The phrase "thinking outside the box" has been overused to the point of becoming a cliché, often thrown around in advertising and as a slogan without much consideration of its deeper meaning. It refers to a process of lateral or divergent thinking, which involves examining a problem from different angles and discovering novel solutions. However, our education system is structured in a way that discourages this type of thinking by promoting the idea that there is only one correct answer, usually found at the back of the book.
This approach is problematic for several reasons:
Sir Ken Robinson's Critique
Sir Ken Robinson has been a persistent critic of the current state of education, highlighting several key issues that necessitate attention:
A New Approach
To rectify these issues, we must redefine our approach to education and embrace a new paradigm that values creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Here are some suggestions:
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The existing education system, emphasizing standardization, conformity, and a narrow definition of success, is ill-suited for the challenges of the modern world. We need a fresh approach that values creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. By nurturing these traits, we can equip students for success in a rapidly evolving world and ensure that they are not merely regurgitating answers from the back of the book but thinking outside the box to devise their own solutions. It is not enough to merely permit creative thinking; it is a prerequisite for success in today's world. Let's take a leap, embrace our creativity, and create a better future for ourselves and the upcoming generations.
Reclaiming Creativity: Unlearning Conventional Wisdom
'The answer is not found at the back of the book' is a phrase I use to remind my team to discard the limitations imposed by conventional thinking, which often becomes entrenched by the time we complete our education.
The process of unlearning conventional thinking and revitalizing creative abilities is complex. It entails a deliberate effort to alter ingrained habits and ways of thinking instilled in us from a young age. Here are some strategies to help discard conventional thinking and nurture creativity:
Final Note
Revitalizing our creative thinking abilities necessitates a conscious effort to unlearn conventional thinking and foster a mindset that is open, curious, and receptive to new ideas. By challenging assumptions, embracing uncertainty, practicing mindfulness, seeking diverse experiences, cultivating a growth mindset, exercising creativity, questioning everything, and creating a supportive environment, we can discard the conventional thinking acquired through our education and once again think outside the box. Remember, it is a journey, and taking small steps towards reclaiming your creativity is not only acceptable, it is imperative.
Call to Action
I invite you to embark on a transformative journey with the irresistibly engaging, eloquently articulate, and profoundly persuasive Sir Ken Robinson as he passionately argues for a radical overhaul of our education system. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and enlightened by a world-renowned thought leader in education and creativity. See his TED Talks here: https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity
I was in education for 19 years... public school, private school, homeschool, even in Morocco. Overall, private school in my experience allows a teacher to encourage more risk-taking and creativity in the classroom. Public school has so much standardized testing and emphasis on it, that it squashes the humanity of the students. (Sweden leads the way on almost no testing, and breeding creativity in the classroom, but they embrace more freedom in education that US seems to be ready to handle.) A few other soap boxes I'd put out are: 1. Education should be relationship based instead of performance based... this reflects the real world. When I am in good relationship with co-workers, I learn faster because I have people who believe in me. 2. Students should be expected to teach and help one another, including outside of their age set. Research shows you retain skills and information long term at a rate of 95% if you have had to help someone else get it. This is where expertise is formed. School is not structured in this way. (Some homeschool co-ops get this right.) 3. Investment into family counseling. Everything for a student starts and stops with what happens at home.
Global Vice President of IT at Gale Pacific
1 年I think there are nuances here that we should recognize. Culture and family, for instance, are the lens with which the world is seen and evaluated. Learned values and perspectives further refine that lens. So, while it is right to focus our efforts on a significant influencer (the Teacher), it’s not enough. The culture wars constraining the ability of a Teacher to widen that lens is an equally important vector. Challenging the scientific method, refusing to accept the precepts of journalism, limiting history to a narrow and biased view are factors that many Teachers struggle to overcome in shaping the education of their students.