Sir Ken Robinson

Check out this video-- it will really get you thinking! (and it's funny)

In the last century, society has placed more importance on math and science than art and dance, and Sir Ken Robinson is finally calling us out on it. He explains how we try to make all kids fit the mold of future scientists, rather than allowing their interests and talents to place them where they are meant to be. He offers a critical analysis of public school systems and how some subjects are valued over others, to the point that some subjects, such as dance, are rarely ever taught, whereas others, like math, are required every day and every year. This is something that is so embedded in our brains that we all believe it. I don't particularly like science, but I have struggled through many, many years of science classes, even though I will not ever use it. However, this is totally normal to me, because I have been taught that it is a part of a balanced education, and if I'm not good at it, then there is something wrong with me. After hearing his talk, now I question why I have learned so much that is incompatible with my ways of thinking. Yes, it is good to broaden my horizons, because maybe I will discover something new that I like, and it is part of being a well balanced person. But I wonder why my general education classes require me to take a life science and a quantitative reasoning class, but not an art class. Who gets to decide that math and science are better than art? And are they really better? Wouldn't it be good for me to know more about art so that I would better appreciate a trip to Europe? But should I really be forced to take art if it is something that I don't enjoy? I think it is time for school administrators to take a good look at the education they are giving their students, and why they are giving it. This might make a difference in the lives of their students. However, it is also important for everybody to think about this, because what we have to do is change the culture of thinking in our society.

In my classroom, I actually want to teach math, and learning ballet may not be the best way to go about it. However, I can incorporate examples from many different fields into my lessons. I can use music and rhythm to teach fractions, photography to teach naturally occurring mathematical phenomena, chemistry reactions to teach multiplication... I can also realize that my students will not all learn in the same way, and I should try to teach them as many different ways as possible. This could include using blocks to demonstrate fractions or singing School House Rock songs to learn multiplication. I can encourage my students to try hard at whatever they are passionate about and I can ask the administration why requirements are formulated the way they are. I think it is also important to support my students in their activities by coming to the plays, watching football games, and attending art shows.