I just tweeted some key quotes that really struck me listening to this talk (thanks to a colleague who sent it our way). Great fundamental question- “What is school for?”
And my new classroom mantra- “Go do something interesting and ask if you need help.”
via STOP STEALING DREAMS: Seth Godin at TEDxYouth@BFS – YouTube.
I have very mixed emotions about Mr. Godin’s thoughts on public schools. I tend to agree with most of his opinions about the purpose and history of school, but then I wonder about his purpose for sharing his thoughts. Almost seems like he’s trying to force himself into the school conversation, even though he lacks expertise and experience. Everyone thinks they can run a school, just because they attended a school. Yes, I’m being crabby and judgmental tonight. I spend 10+ hours a day in a public school. I don’t give TED talks about my perceptions of them.
Curtis-
I feel your crabbiness! But so many ‘so called’ reformers evidence no understanding of education history, nor much thought about the purpose of school. As a result most of their ‘reforms’ simply replicate command and compliance structures without thinking about what purpose is being served. At least he was asking the right questions.
The big thing he didn’t address for me was the issue of what happens when we collectively decide that students need to know things they aren’t that enthusiastic about. I think that is the real magic teachers create. That moment when a student ‘discovers’ a love for something they previously were uninterested in. I don’t think we are ever going to be able to do that without the real human interaction of schools.
Thanks for the comment as always!
-J