Ken Robinson: Education Innovation - Conversations from Penn State

Twelve years of teaching taught one man an important lesson -- the world's educational systems are in trouble. Years of "teaching to the test" have left both students and educators disillusioned and frustrated. Sir Ken Robinson wants to change that. Robinson discusses the need to recognize different learning styles, why creativity isn't just for artists and what it means to find your "element."

[@hipposeeds]

I had two teachers who saved my academic life and therefore self esteem because they bothered to pay attention to this shy quiet student who could have easily slipped through. i remember them to this day and worship them.

[@edithkanyesigye2979]

Ken Robinson must have been a horizon boy since his childhood. What a great man!

[@Nightstarsvoice]

Even English, beyond learning to read and write, it becomes more vague, curriculum is about analysing books without even teaching you how you can use the tools from those texts in your own writing. In art too, you're sort of left to your own devices, "draw this still life" without even teaching you things like keeping your wrist locked to draw straight lines. I didn't even find out about tone and shadow until I researched it at A Level on my own. Being self taught is the new future, not degrees.

[@Worthitprojects]

as a creative person, this resonates with me so much. I wish Gove would listen to this!!!

[@drb_physix]

Sir Ken is brilliant and inspiring.

[@gordonshing4707]

Throughout my 10+ year teaching I TOTALLY AGREE LIFE IS DEFINITELY NOT LINEAR
I agree 100% arts, music are just as hard! I know cuz I’m into music too
IN A SENSE the sciences are similar to the arts
I love what I do now (Teaching Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics FULL TIME)
Been teaching part time for 10+ year
It’s NOT EASY going against the crowd

[@theSpicyHam]

Great logic in words, it's very clear and understandable

[@Beetrecca]

this guy speaks a whole heap of sense...

[@jasondavey8147]

I teach metal fabrication and welding and I see a lot of "teaching to the test", my students become accustomed to this style, so when I use the approach of "testing your knowledge not your memory" the students are somewhat daunted at first, but after the assessment they are remarkably surprised at what they had retained from the teachings.

[@emiybrady9368]

Right On!

[@MrTrompwn]

I would prefer to be playing trombone or composing music right now but I unfortunately only have a 30 minute break from mathematics, english, spanish, biology, and history homework, and if I don't complete that I "wont have a future"....

[@handytjoa]

I STUDY ARTS IN SINGAPORE, YAY!!!

[@freshprinceofbalham]

Where does this leave the people who just came out of this educational farce? I guess all we can do is use our frustration to make change for our own children but I still feel a bit lost and lied to.

[@lordofgingers]

somebody from the upper 1% of American society did lol

[@Nightstarsvoice]

I think he's missing a point here. Maths and science have more attention in school, not even cos they're easier to teach but because they're easier to *standardise*. Apart from practical workshops in science, they're mostly theory, easier to test, you can learn most of it from sitting at a desk and reading a textbook, it's easier to conform to memorisation.

[@lurchpappy]

That's what happens when we over emphasize/idolize athletic teams; we overlook the actual contributions of research Universities. And when people like you dwell on the past, it delays in a small way the chance at progress.