Do schools ignore talents?

An interesting interview with Ken Robinson and how the narrow focus of schools hinders us from unearthing children’s talents.

2 thoughts on “Do schools ignore talents?

  1. I can’t view this as I am at school but was only just reflecting that the AC is now so linear and so dense that there is just no scope to wander off the reservation and explore student strengths or interests.

    It reminds me of that experiment they did in Washington DC where the violinist played in the subway during rush hour for 45 minutes. Only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while and 20 gave him money but continued to walk their normal pace. When he finished playing and silence took over and there was no recognition or applause.

    The guy playing was Joshua Bell, one of the best musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written with a violin worth 3.5 million dollars. Two days before he sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats average $100. You could count the number of people in the world who could have performed that task on one hand.

    This is a slight oversimplifacation but for my learning area it seems that if Bach isn’t in the AC, Josh gets an E. How we foster critical thinking skills while rushing through the content is a challenge I am wrestling with as I try and plan for next Semester.

    • I think the point is just that Wardy. It is the system, not necessarily the fault of individual teachers, although no doubt there are opportunities in schools to foster student talent but often that is very narrow as well. The system and structure does not allow for the finding and nurturing of all student’s talent. If Ken Robinson had his way (and an unlimited budget) I am sure he would redesign the system rather than say to teachers now fit this in as well.

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