Nurturing Creativity in Education April 28, 2009
I first wanted to wish my sister Elise a happy birthday today, and as I think about her and the rest of my family, I realize that the family that helped raise me (my 2 sisters), as well as my new fiancee Aimee are all teachers. Teaching and education is certainly something that has interested me. Not just our schools and the way we are educated though, but I am fascinated by learning about the actual journey that we all take in life to discover what exactly it is that we become so passionate about that we actually decide to dedicate our lives to a particular trade, skill or study.
I do believe that education is of inherent importance to our well being and way of life, not only in this country, but around the world. I do worry though that in many cases, the education system in our country forces our young people into a course of learning that doesn’t provide them with a skill or trade that they are passionate about. As Sir Ken Robinson describes it in the video below: “Schools kill creativity” – and I think he’s absolutely right. Instead of nurturing our kid’s creativity in schools, we are forcing a course of study onto them that they (possibly) aren’t passionate about. For more on this watch the video – it’s totally inspirational (and pretty funny):
Progress in our society and culture depends on the creativity and innovation of our children going forward. Without it, we are nothing. So without attempting to sound conceded, I challenge our school systems and parents to do more to nurture creativity in their kids. Try to learn and accept what your children love to do and are passionate about – even if you perhaps don’t like the idea yourself. If a kid is getting a C in history but excelling at the violin after school and loving it, don’t make them out of the program just to improve their grade. Encourage them to do better but don’t kill their creativity by taking away the medium they possess to express it.
Perhaps someday I’ll find my self in the industry trying to make a difference. But until then, I hope for the best.
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