TEDxLeadershipPittsburgh - Sir Ken Robinson - 11/14/09

TEDx Talks17 minutes read

The speaker discusses the importance of human creativity, uncertainty about the future, and the remarkable abilities of children, emphasizing the need to rethink the traditional education system to nurture creativity and diverse forms of intelligence for a better future. An example of dancer Gillian Lynne showcases the importance of recognizing and nurturing individual talents, advocating for a radical reevaluation of intelligence to cultivate the full potential of children.

Insights

  • Education has a profound impact on individuals, comparable to religion or money, according to the speaker, who advocates for a reevaluation of the current education system's focus on academic ability to foster creativity and diverse forms of intelligence.
  • Children's remarkable abilities and innovative capacities, often overlooked in traditional educational settings, are emphasized by the speaker as crucial elements that should be nurtured to prepare them for an unpredictable future requiring creativity and adaptability.

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Recent questions

  • Why does the speaker emphasize human creativity?

    To highlight its importance in education and society.

  • What is the speaker's view on the current education system?

    Critiques its focus on academic ability and lack of creativity.

  • How does the speaker view the impact of education on individuals?

    Compares it to the influence of religion or money.

  • Why does the speaker praise the innovative capacities of children?

    To highlight their fearless approach to creativity and learning.

  • What does the speaker suggest about intelligence in education?

    Advocates for a diverse and dynamic understanding of intelligence.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"Revolutionizing Education: Embracing Creativity and Diversity"

  • The speaker highlights three key themes from a conference: human creativity, uncertainty about the future, and the remarkable abilities of children.
  • Education is a significant interest for the speaker, who notes the deep impact it has on individuals, akin to religion or money.
  • The unpredictability of the future is emphasized, especially in the context of educating children for a world that is constantly changing.
  • The speaker praises the innovative capacities of children, citing an exceptional example from a recent event.
  • Creativity is posited as being as crucial as literacy in education, deserving equal recognition and importance.
  • An anecdote about a drawing lesson illustrates how children are unafraid to take chances and make mistakes, a quality often lost in adulthood.
  • The speaker critiques the current education system's focus on academic ability, suggesting it stifles creativity and undervalues diverse forms of intelligence.
  • The hierarchy of subjects in education systems worldwide is questioned, with a call to rethink the traditional emphasis on mathematics and languages over arts like dance.
  • The speaker advocates for a radical reevaluation of intelligence, emphasizing its diversity, dynamism, and distinctiveness.
  • An anecdote about a renowned choreographer highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing individual talents, even when traditional educational systems may not.

16:25

"From Illness to Dance Success"

  • Gillian Lynne, initially thought to be sick, was discovered to be a talented dancer when she couldn't resist moving to music. She went on to have a successful career in dance, founding her own company and contributing to successful musical theater productions.
  • The speaker emphasizes the need for a new approach to education, highlighting the importance of nurturing human creativity and imagination. They stress the significance of rethinking the current education system to cultivate the full potential of children for a better future.
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