6/8/23 – Sir Robinson shares that we need to look at a revolution in education and not a reformation because the education model widely used today is broken. Thus, we cannot “remodel it” or “reform it” but need to “transform it” (Robinson, 2010). That philosophy resonates with me. When I think of fixing something, I do not usually think of a new thing, but go initially with improving an old thing. This causes me to view the issues of education differently.
I also appreciate how Robinson states that presently we have a “linear path” for education when “life is organic”. Thus, education doesn’t pattern itself after life and living. He also states that there is too much “conformity” in education, and that we are not “customized” to the needs of the learner. Comparing education to unhealthy fast food versus healthy made-to-order food is a novel thought (Robinson, 2010).
That is one reason why I appreciate what a virtual charter school can bring to the table. When I was there as a teacher, it was where students could work at their own pace in their own way at their chosen time with the parameters of a curriculum and guidance by a learning coach. They had all school year to get through the curriculum and were measured by progress and growth. They could also redo the assessments for mastery. It still isn’t a perfect education model, but it is more organic than a traditional brick and mortar school.
Daniel Pink’s thoughts on motivation add another layer to the work in a learning environment where students have “autonomy, mastery, and purpose” regarding their work (Pink, 2010). I think my district’s work in Blended/Personalized Learning is moving in that direction. Its new mission this year encompassing “People, Purpose, and Promise” embodies a focus on changing our learning environments to meet the needs of today’s learners. I enjoy being apart of this work, and it is very motivating to me.
Robinson, Ken. (May 24, 2010). Learning revolution. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/r9LelXa3U_I
Pink, Daniel. (April 1, 2010). Drive: The surprising truth about what motivate us. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/u6XAPnuFjJc
Wings and a Wand 