Ouch…I shifted my paradigm
“Trying to meet the future with what they did in the past...” - Sir Kenneth Robinson
When I first watched Sir Kenneth Robinson’s TED Talks presentation, How Schools Kill Creativity, I was smitten. His focus was on presenting the idea that while schools work toward education reformation for the 21st century, they often plan for a future with a blueprint from the past. Sir Kenneth believed that a true paradigm shift in education focuses on creating an educational system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.
At the time that I saw his presentation, I was researching for a class that focused on foundational educational theories and thought his perspective was so refreshing. It was good to hear amidst all the rhetoric, that something so simple as attending to creativity in the classroom could change the dynamics of education. I decided to use it within my own research as a way to bridge theory to practice. If the overall goal of my degree program was to work toward advocacy for non-traditional populations, Sir Kenneth completely aligned with my belief.
I decided to embrace his words in all aspects of my education. For each class I took, I tried to keep his ideas in mind and think about, “how does this fit in within my own belief system?” I wanted to grow in my beliefs and wanted to use my degree as a way to support my efforts. Out of that perspective, I learned two things: continue to seek out information beyond what is given to you and attend to creativity.
Seeking out information
I remember reading an article that spoke to the idea that what you learn in school has an expiration date; therefore, schools must focus on teaching students how to be curious and remain lifelong learners. So true! Theories continue to develop, best practices will always change and technology will forever evolve. If I wanted to remain within the field of education, I knew I must continue educating myself beyond my degree. What I ended up taking away, was how to become an explorer of sorts, how to research, dig in and find answers to my questions. Remaining in touch with current practices is essential in development and offers opportunity to enhance prior knowledge and practice or even abandon current knowledge and practice. Often, the things I believe to inspire my work are not even within mainstream practice and policy but having the tools to know how to research theory and put into practice means I am prepared to be a lifelong learner.
Attending to creativity
While much of my work does not require technology, I sought out ways in which I could develop my skill and find an outlet for creativity within academia. With so much educational software, tools and online resources, it would have been hard to ignore that classrooms have the capacity to be infused with technology. Exploring methods and areas of technology has given me the opportunity to be creative, find ways to match students’ interest and develop curriculum that can accommodate various learning needs. Technology forced me to be creative and made me ask, how could I make instruction more exciting and relevant to my students? Coursework provided a safe place to explore and develop skills that I would later be able to use in my own way. Within an ever-changing landscape, I felt I was able to build a foundation for using technology as a creative outlet and have the basic skills necessary for continued lifelong learning.
Future as a Learner
When I began working toward an education degree, I didn’t anticipate a paradigm shift. I wanted to grow and develop skills that I knew would help me achieve my professional goals and believed my degree would scaffold on my prior experience and knowledge. My educational shift happened when I realized I didn’t want to use my blueprint from the past; I was ready and open for new ideas and challenging perspectives. This shift is a blueprint for my future as a learner.
When I first watched Sir Kenneth Robinson’s TED Talks presentation, How Schools Kill Creativity, I was smitten. His focus was on presenting the idea that while schools work toward education reformation for the 21st century, they often plan for a future with a blueprint from the past. Sir Kenneth believed that a true paradigm shift in education focuses on creating an educational system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.
At the time that I saw his presentation, I was researching for a class that focused on foundational educational theories and thought his perspective was so refreshing. It was good to hear amidst all the rhetoric, that something so simple as attending to creativity in the classroom could change the dynamics of education. I decided to use it within my own research as a way to bridge theory to practice. If the overall goal of my degree program was to work toward advocacy for non-traditional populations, Sir Kenneth completely aligned with my belief.
I decided to embrace his words in all aspects of my education. For each class I took, I tried to keep his ideas in mind and think about, “how does this fit in within my own belief system?” I wanted to grow in my beliefs and wanted to use my degree as a way to support my efforts. Out of that perspective, I learned two things: continue to seek out information beyond what is given to you and attend to creativity.
Seeking out information
I remember reading an article that spoke to the idea that what you learn in school has an expiration date; therefore, schools must focus on teaching students how to be curious and remain lifelong learners. So true! Theories continue to develop, best practices will always change and technology will forever evolve. If I wanted to remain within the field of education, I knew I must continue educating myself beyond my degree. What I ended up taking away, was how to become an explorer of sorts, how to research, dig in and find answers to my questions. Remaining in touch with current practices is essential in development and offers opportunity to enhance prior knowledge and practice or even abandon current knowledge and practice. Often, the things I believe to inspire my work are not even within mainstream practice and policy but having the tools to know how to research theory and put into practice means I am prepared to be a lifelong learner.
Attending to creativity
While much of my work does not require technology, I sought out ways in which I could develop my skill and find an outlet for creativity within academia. With so much educational software, tools and online resources, it would have been hard to ignore that classrooms have the capacity to be infused with technology. Exploring methods and areas of technology has given me the opportunity to be creative, find ways to match students’ interest and develop curriculum that can accommodate various learning needs. Technology forced me to be creative and made me ask, how could I make instruction more exciting and relevant to my students? Coursework provided a safe place to explore and develop skills that I would later be able to use in my own way. Within an ever-changing landscape, I felt I was able to build a foundation for using technology as a creative outlet and have the basic skills necessary for continued lifelong learning.
Future as a Learner
When I began working toward an education degree, I didn’t anticipate a paradigm shift. I wanted to grow and develop skills that I knew would help me achieve my professional goals and believed my degree would scaffold on my prior experience and knowledge. My educational shift happened when I realized I didn’t want to use my blueprint from the past; I was ready and open for new ideas and challenging perspectives. This shift is a blueprint for my future as a learner.