The Surprising Truth About Learning In Schools

What if Teachers Practiced What They Believed to be True About Learning?

Today I watched one of the most inspirational and inspiring Ted Talks about education that I have seen, it was Will Richardson's Ted Talk "The Surprising Truth About Learning in School". In the Ted Talk, essentially what he talked about was that often schools don't practice the values that they believe in, and that leads to unproductive and unimpactful learning. 

Beliefs vs. Practices 

Teachers often wish for classroom learning experiences that incorporate real relevance to the kid's lives, no time constraints, passion, flexibility, problem-solving, and not excessive emphasis on grades over true learning, this is what we believe. Yet, what we practice is strict classroom hours, time-sensitive assignments, lectures, emphasis on grades, memorization, and conformity. So why don't our beliefs align with what we practice? Most of it has to do with it's what we are comfortable with and nostalgic for, not only teachers and administrators but parents too! However, times are changing so rapidly that our education system is fast becoming too far outdated and useless. 

The Truth

The truth is that schools today are not built for learning. The education system we know now was built for a time that no longer exists; therefore, we must adapt and change to be able to move forward and help out children truly learn. A recent study shows that SAT scores have been declining over the last decade and that they have now hit the lowest point they have ever been in the last 10 years, all despite our best efforts. But how can we change? What can we do better? We can practice what we believe. We know so much of what kids learn they will never retain even 5 months later, much fewer years later, because it isn't fascinating or useful to them. So what if teachers were able to teach the basics of each principle subject math, science, english through areas of passions kids already have. Learning through what kids already love and have passions for by using that skill to co-teach them these fundamental principles. Like learning science through criminology, physiology, animal care, etc. This would cause the kids to be passionate, curious, and excited about learning, in turn causing them genuinely to want to learn more. It creates a productive system of education and installs a love of learning, not a dread.