does our education system need a change?

While completing my final year internship I got the chance to attend a curriculum development workshop.

During some down time to get the mind off the work to get done, the teachers, principals and the various specialists in their fields took a few minutes to watch this video. It's a animated video that was done to accompany a speech by Sir Ken Robinson who is a creativity expert, educator and the winner of the RSA Benjamin Franklin award.

He speaks about the fact that the current system is designed based on the past needs of our world, and that that with the 21st century upon us we should take into consideration the differences between then and now. He makes mention of how we sometimes alienate students through testing and classification and he makes a connection between the increased instances of ADHD and the rise in standardised testing in the United States.

In addition, he discusses how the education system places more emphasis on standardization than it does on the individual needs and abilities of students. He also spoke on the deterioration of divergent thinking and suggested various things that educators should take into consideration.

As a student I often had difficulties learning subjects and topics that were mostly theory and had little or no technical/practical aspect. During prep and high school some teachers were understanding and accommodative, making adjustments where necessary so I could get it. Other teachers were quick to assume that I just wasn't as 'smart.' When the time came for me to select a university, Utech was the obvious choice, not only because the program offered more options, but also because the university places emphasis on a balanced program mixing theory and practice.

Honestly, my 'unusual learning methods' is one of the main reasons why I entered the field of education. Interestingly enough, in my first year of university I learnt about the different types of learners which opened my eyes and made me notice that I'm not 'unusual'....I'm just a part of that approximate 5% of the population who are kinesthetic/tactile learners! (ie a student who learns through hands-on teaching/learning methods).

Based on my own experiences, knowledge gathered through university and after seeing the video, I've honestly begun thinking about how we really educate our children and whether or not our methods are really effective.

Now in a position to get into the system and help make a change, I've continued to think through some of the things that we probably need to consider changing so as to benefit the students in the 'system.' I haven't gotten there yet, but I know that in time I'll be a part of the movement to change the education paradigm and provide better education opportunities.

Making steps towards the change!