"Are Schools Blinding Our Students? ????"
?? Phil Hart ??
Head of School @ British International School of Wroclaw, Poland |Advocate for Global Learning | Specialist in International Education | Keynote speaker on Organisational Culture | Author of ‘Education Exposed’.
Imagine a classroom where students diligently take notes, listen attentively, and follow instructions—but with blindfolds on. This is not an opening scene from a dystopian horror - but it is certainly more than a metaphor;
it’s a stark reflection of outdated classroom practice that prioritizes compliance over curiosity and memorization over mastery.
With this in mind it begs the quesiton...are we equipping students for the future, or are we merely training them to follow instructions without questioning?
From my own expereicne and after doing a bit of digging...it is possible to identify the following as examples of 'Best Teaching Practice' ?
Approaches that cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving rank highest. Some of the most effective practices include inquiry-based learning, which encourages students to ask questions, explore, and construct knowledge actively. Recently, there has been significant attention directed to technology integration - that is, leveraging AI, VR, and interactive tools to enhance engagement and accessibility for all students and learning types. Finally, actively embracing and explicitly teaching soft skills development, which includes but is not limited to communication techniques and emotional intelligence.
That being said, there are some notable barriers to implementing 'Best Teaching Practice' ??
Several roadblocks hinder widespread adoption of the above mindset and approach to teaching and learning. Many institutions remain anchored in traditional assessment-driven models, resistant to pedagogical shifts. Standardized testing and rigid curricula often limit flexibility and innovation, while educators may also lack the resources or professional development needed to transition to modern teaching methodologies. Additionally, parental and societal expectations equate rigorous, structured education with success, making progressive approaches harder to implement. It is also worth recognizing that there are real disparities in funding, infrastructure, and digital access both in, and between, schools which creates an uneven playing field for students around the world and an impaired ability to access and implement the above best practices.
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The Way Forward ??
To remove the metaphorical blindfolds from education, we must embrace a culture of continuous innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning.
Schools, educators, and policymakers must work together to dismantle outdated frameworks and build adaptable, future-ready learning environments.
The question remains: Are we ready to let go of outdated traditions and embrace the future of education? Let’s spark up a conversation! ????
by Phil Hart
Msc Leadership and Management, Msc Economics, BA Teaching, BA english Literature
Portfolio Manager, Children's Mental Health Programme @ Impact on Urban Health | Centre for Young Lives Play Commissioner
2 周In case of interest: Curtis Worrell Laura Bassett Luke S. Nicola Noble
IBMYP Coordinator & Middle School Principal
2 周Thank you for bringing up this important topic, which addresses the root causes of ineffective teaching and learning practices. I am a strong advocate of inquiry-based learning and employ a "learning by doing" approach in my Mathematics and Theory of Knowledge (TOK) classes. However, I am not always able to use inquiry-based methods in every lesson. At times, I resort to traditional teaching methodologies due to curriculum requirements and the necessity of syllabus completion. Introducing thought-provoking questions at the beginning of a lesson sparks curiosity, engages students, and increases a healthy sense of competition in the classroom. I fully agree that creative thinking should be at the core of teaching and must be a student-centered practice provided we are not constrained by the demands of syllabus completion. If we can prioritize this approach, we will be able to shape students into true lifelong learners.
(M.Ed) Global Educator ????
2 周I do concur!
Trust and Leadership
2 周Thank you for the provocation. Sadly, in Australia there is a strong push to Direct and Explicit Teaching (DET). Nothing wrong with that, but if it is the only approach to learning then frighteningly, young people's higher order thinking skills are ignored. This is frightening because the World Economic Forum's 2023 Jobs of the Future Report says that the No.1 skill people need is creative thinking. How do we ensure our young people secure a prosperous and hopeful future if we 'blindfold' them in the classroom? This is why a team of educators created ViVEDUS. Vivedus is a Learning Activation Model; pedagogies and assessment tools that activate every child's creative intelligence in every curriculum area in every grade level. Vivedus takes learning beyond DET, beyond the curriculum, and beyond the classroom. www.vivedus.com
Inclusion Specialists Master of Education in Rehabilitative Pedagogy
2 周Thank you for sharing and empowering us to share our thoughts and experiences- globally! After reading Daniel Sobel’s work on inclusive classrooms, I strongly believe that meaningful change takes time. It’s not something that can happen overnight, but we must start by focusing on students’ sense of belonging and their voice. Inclusive classroom strategies—like varied seating, tailored language and communication approaches, emotional intelligence, and a focus on well-being across the school—are crucial. At a recent conference in Poland and through global discussions, it’s clear we need to rethink how we teach and empower students. I envision having inclusion specialists on the support team, integrating inclusive programs into school curricula, and providing training for teachers on sensory processing and regulation. Creating spaces in classrooms that give students a voice is key to fostering holistic learning. Additionally, initiatives like play champions, student councils, STEAM projects, and life skills programs are essential in broadening students’ perspectives. Strong partnerships with parents, workshops, and community engagement, such as coffee mornings, can further strengthen our inclusive approach.