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Why these Pictures?
First, and foremost, I believe that education should be about growth. When you think about a plant growing, you need (or at least should) be thinking about the conditions in which it is able to grow. Rich soil, plentiful water, good sunlight. Without these things, a plant cannot grow (or at least grow well) and thrive. What do plants do? They grow towards the sunlight. And I think of this too with our children (young and older) and I think we should be thinking of those in particular through adolescence and young adulthood. They should be placed in conditions that nurture growth and be given the freedom to grow towards the light. What is the light, figuratively here. The light is where kids want to go. My grandson LOVES playing with Legos, and is totally enthralled with Pirate Ships, and still the superheroes – batman, ironman, Captain America, and so on. He can get on my iPhone and easily and quickly scan through YouTube videos landing where he wants to go. At home, he is free to roam and put together whatever legos he wishes to in whatever shapes and forms he wishes. He tells stories playing with the pirate ships, and his mind wanders, imagines, and creates stories. So that is what I think education should be about. But also guiding, when necessary. Gently. And also exposing our youth to other topics and activities. Projects. So that their knowledge and know how extends beyond what they simply know and know what to do now. Sitting in desks and rows is not growth. That is like putting a seed in some soil in a small styrofoam cup, and then placing it under ultraviolet light. This is make-believe growth, and no one is gaining from it. Or is at least gain far less than they could, fully engaged, fully nourished, meaningfully growing towards the light that beckons them. |
More ... What the purpose of education should be - by me Why Projects are so important What is to be gained through "real world" learning? What YOU should think about? How YOU can make a difference Join in with friends Start Small ... but START! TALK WITH OTHERS Think – How Can I do This? Rallying Support Why it is all so hard .... more to come |
Our typical schools do not do this, although if lucky there is still SOME of this happening in early elementary. By middle school and certainly into high school, students are planted in and then replanted in class after class, like being uprooted and planted in another styrofoam cup and then again taken out and replanted in yet another 45 minutes later, throughout the day.
This is not thriving. This is not deep engagement. This is not learning propelled by the student in deep, extensive ways .... where they are creating, making, and doing. And it is here where we learn best. I have always said. Where there is a lot of creating, making, and doing ... there is a lot of learning.
Finally, the picture of my grandson is to remind me the vivacious joy and fun he has everyday playing with me and his mom, and his aunties, and building things and role-playing with his pirates. What happens when his energy is diverted when he goes to school. Whta happens when he is told to sit tight. What happens when his imagination no longer has the freedom to run wild, because now he is being what task to do.
In short .... the need for change is here and now ... and, in reality, has been here for a LONG, LONG time!
Don't you see the energy sapped out of your own children. Don't you see their energy diverted. Wouldn't you like to see ... another way?
This is not thriving. This is not deep engagement. This is not learning propelled by the student in deep, extensive ways .... where they are creating, making, and doing. And it is here where we learn best. I have always said. Where there is a lot of creating, making, and doing ... there is a lot of learning.
Finally, the picture of my grandson is to remind me the vivacious joy and fun he has everyday playing with me and his mom, and his aunties, and building things and role-playing with his pirates. What happens when his energy is diverted when he goes to school. Whta happens when he is told to sit tight. What happens when his imagination no longer has the freedom to run wild, because now he is being what task to do.
In short .... the need for change is here and now ... and, in reality, has been here for a LONG, LONG time!
Don't you see the energy sapped out of your own children. Don't you see their energy diverted. Wouldn't you like to see ... another way?
Where to from here?
In this section of the site, I offer postings (thoughts, ideas, and resources) for you to consider when thinking about how YOU can make a change in education.
The growing list of links to such items will grow over time above.
And, if you should wish to ask me anything, you can. And feel free to do so. I'm looking for alliances and I am looking for those that I might be able to help. Feel free!
Just email me here at cunger.neu@gmail.com
In this section of the site, I offer postings (thoughts, ideas, and resources) for you to consider when thinking about how YOU can make a change in education.
The growing list of links to such items will grow over time above.
And, if you should wish to ask me anything, you can. And feel free to do so. I'm looking for alliances and I am looking for those that I might be able to help. Feel free!
Just email me here at cunger.neu@gmail.com
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