Winchester Students,
You are ALL talented. Each one of you is unique and no matter who you are, you are talented at something and have something to offer. I’ve always believed this of my students. Which is why I ask you to please watch this video and let me know your thoughts.
Once again, we go back to the prestigious, invitation-only TED conference dedicated to “ideas worth spreading.” Here Sir Ken makes a highly entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.
He’s one of those rare speakers who is both funny and intelligent! It’s 15 min. or so long, but well worth it. I look forward to reading what you think.
You are ALL talented. Each one of you is unique and no matter who you are, you are talented at something and have something to offer. I’ve always believed this of my students. Which is why I ask you to please watch this video and let me know your thoughts.
Once again, we go back to the prestigious, invitation-only TED conference dedicated to “ideas worth spreading.” Here Sir Ken makes a highly entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.
He’s one of those rare speakers who is both funny and intelligent! It’s 15 min. or so long, but well worth it. I look forward to reading what you think.
Click here to watch: TED
27 comments:
Do read the comments posted below the video on the TED site. There are some very interesting points raised there.
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Wow. That was just... wow. That was brilliant.
Personal anecdote: I always did want to be an artist, but the reason I have decided not to be one is because I know that it takes an artistic genius to make a living out of it. And, let's face it, we need money in times like these. I like money, I like living a luxurious life - yes, I'm spoilt - so the thought of having almost no money to even pay my bills is disturbing.
After watching that video, I feel...resentful. Even though I have found out that I have a passion for something other than art, something perhaps greater than art, it does upset me that I wouldn't have been able to make money out of it if I had chosen it as a career part.
When I read some of the comments below the video, there was someone who said "science only gave us bombs and wars". While I think science gave us more than just that, it is true.
My older brother is an extremely talented musician and a wonderful vocalist, and I'm sure many other people should be able to relate to me when I say how much it tends to upset me when he broods about how he can't cultivate his greatest talent in such a way that he could make it his career. To be able to shape your creativity in such a way that it could be your career requires more luck than talent!
Is that fair?
Neiha,
Artists and musicians can make money too. (If bimbos like the Spice Girls can make it, anyone can make it). It all depends on how much dedication you put into it.
At any rate, I believe it's about how happy you are, not how rich. And if you follow your dreams, and do what you enjoy, then life will always be exciting :)
Mr Roberts,
That is very true, haha. I just got a bit carried away. Now that I think about it, yeah, if Posh can make a fortune and marry a football star, my brother can do so much more.
And, yeah... I would have been happy being an artist, but I know I'll be happier doing what I have now decided to do. Thank you, Sir!
That was one of the greatest talks that I have ever heard. It was so enlightening. But, the main point that struck me here, is we are actually programmed to beleive that academic intelligence is the only wau forward in this world. And I think advances in technology is to beleive. Evetyone seems to feel that dancers and writer are nothing compared to a literature professor or to a CEO. I mean how many students do you find, who are wonderful actors, but end up in a cramped up artist. And like the earlier commenter, I have an anecdote myself. My younger cousin, who's just 10, can draw beautifull pictures. But when he told his mom that he wanted to become an artist one day, his mom replied in exactly the following way:
"Are you crazy, an artist!! How are you going to feed yourself or your family. And who's going to recognize you as an artist"
This sounds really harsh doesn't it. But honestly, when I heard this, I didn't feel anything was wrong. That's how we've been made to believe that talents in art, music, or drama are considered secondary to that of academic intelligence.
I really feel that this must change. The way the world is going, I am pretty sure that school's will completely omit the arts from their departments'.
The first word that came ot my mind was hobbies. While Sir Ken was speaking about how secondary arts have become, we have given these talents a new name: hobbies. Not career paths. Not a way of life. Just a hobby. Something we're allowed to do only after we're through with the other "primary" subjects _ sonce we're speaking about students and schools-. Which is quite sad, isn't it?
It should've struck us by now however, that while a century ago, it was only a case of wrong prioritization, it has now become as dangerous as misdiagnosis. As given in the example, a talented dancer was thought to have learning disabilities. Doesn't that scare you?
Our unique intelligence is what makes us unique. So if you strip someone completely from this trait, this gift of theirs, what do you leave them with? It's absolutely idiotic if you ask me.
Also, stigmatizing mistakes is a real issue it really is about time we addressed. Look at the SAT's for example. You make one mistake in the math section, you lose marks. These marks could've been your ticket to college. It doesn't matter what you'd been doing throughout your high school experience, it all comes down to this test. Yes, universities look for well-rounded candidates, which is great. But who are we kidding, if your SAT score isn't qualifying, you won't get into college. Chances are, your application won't even be looked at.
Makes you think, doesn't it?
I really enjoyed this video clip
"Actually, you're not often at dinner parties if you work in education". Mr. Roberts, that's for you :P
"Shakespeare, stop talking like that, it's confusing everybody". Haha this guy is hilarious!
But anyway, I love the way he relates his talks to everyday things. But he's brought so much to my attention...why isn't Dance or Arts or Music as important as Maths?! Luckily, in this generation, we have so many more choices and fields we can go into.
It's sad that Maths and English are conseidered 'primary subjects'...but as our times have changed since the past, hopefully the future will too.
*considered
Ha ha! Actually Myra, only teachers invite other teachers to parties. No one else wants us around :)
Isn't it weird that you all have to look on the school's website to engage yourself into watching these things that you thought were so un-important, or irrelevant at the time?
That is proof of what Sonal said about his cousin, and, the main reason being that adults are, basically, brain-washed by society. It makes our lives difficult, it directs us to the opposite way we are meant to be going. You want to go to a party, but you have to go to a meeting, or you will lose your job, thus increasing stress, agitation, and affecting your brain in ever-more increasing amounts. I wont talk much, because if you really want to engage yourselves further, then go to youtube, or read some books.
And Nadine has raised a point that has been on my mind since I was 10 years old. I want to become a writer, yet i have to convince my parents I dont want to be an engineer, and they actually told me " make writing your hobby ". That's the main point here, because it leads to society and how we have changed our thinking.
Note: if I dont comment alot, or soon, it is due to my internet. I really need to slap someone from Etisalat. - Enjoyed the video.
brilliant concept
sir ken is amazing, his speech was really witty. it makes the video really enjoyable.
it really made me think when he said then people are gradually getting OUT of creativity because we're afraid of being wrong. quite an interesting idea
I really enjoyed hearing this speech! i always wondered why schools don't focus on more things like art and music as much as they do on science and math. Though history has always inspired some of my art and ideas. Still, big-shot musicians, make much much more money than someone who works as a business man or something.
On the other hand, even when art, music, dance, and so on are offered in school, there is still very much a cut on creative ability. For example, when i was in art class, we had very tight guidelines on projects, and got many points marked off, because the teacher said we did not draw the picture right, or our colors did not give her a good feeling, and just very silly little things. I felt she had been depriving us of the things that made it art.
but regardless this video was quite the inspiration to me, so thank you Mr. Roberts for putting it up :)
I honestly dont think i have ever enjoyed a speech/lecture this much! Sir Ken is absolutely amusing to watch as well as enlightening. It is so very true that creativity is being shoved down to the bottom of our education (that's only if we are lucky, because most schools LIKE OURS don't even bother to give lessons on music or performing or even dancing!!) I'd wanted to be an actor since i was 5 but my dream just kept getting shunted here and there and eventually becoming nothing more than a mere shadow of thought in my mind as ''wiser'' people around me always said that acting was a risky business with no future, so i had no choice but to choose the dominating illusion that has washed away all other dreams and desires - business. As Nadine very cleverly points out that these dreams have become hobbies not primary activities in our day to day lives. But why is this happening? Why is it so significant to learn Pythagoras' Theorem, but not Mozart's or Beethoven's pure intellects on music. Why should we choose Newton's laws over Picasso's or Da Vinchi's art? Would these be something that we will also have to pass on to the next generation? To cloak their dreams and to force them to choose the 'perfect' career? Of course, money will get you so far so that mybe you'd be able to reach the clouds, but wouldn't you want to be able to reach for the stars?
I agree with you Payam.
And, by the way, it's still not too late for you to be an actor. I believe if you do what makes you happy then it won't matter to you how much money you make. I'll take happiness and contentment over money any day.
So do your research, convince your parents and get yourself into an acting or theatre school. You only live once!
Sabrina,
Sometimes you should feel sorry for teachers. A lot of the curricula and teaching guidlines aren't in the control of teachers.
I was suprised and taken aback by the video!
Sir Ken talks about all the different types of creativity and how children are different from one another. I trully agree with him. I personally know children who are very interested in acaedemics as well as children who are hyper and restless.
I believe schools should come up with new ideas of finding out each child's own talent and nurture it. This will ensure that they do things which they are good at. Moreover, when they grow up they are doing what they like and enjoy. Some may argue that if a child concenrates on one type of talent and not others they are left with no choice in their careers. So the children should be taught everything but at the same time concenrate more on their talent.
I would like to end saying that I trully enjoyed watching the video!
Aw I'll invite you to my wedding dinner party Mr. Roberts, haha!
Yes, thank you Myra. And I can make fun of the groom :P
He really, really raises some good points. And I feel pretty stupid here trying to challange a man who was knighted for being... so intelligent.(Right?).
But he says we should bring some more creativity back into the educational systems of the world, and yet when he started he was speaking of how unsure we all are about the future. With many, many more creative minds in the world how fast paced would the world move and develop then? And if we were to completely focus education on Creativity then we would have a world that was just over flowing with... Creativity. What would happen then?
Although now, with an economic crisis with everyone having identical degrees but no jobs to suit them... And I'm sure if we were to adjust educational systems to suit Creativity we would have the same sort of problem. With to many creative people out there most will go un-noticed because unlike degrees and accepted qualifications how would you rate someone in thier creativeness?
I say just let things go their own way, change now would just create more problems, ones we can identify now and some which we never saw coming!
Duwane:["Let things go their own way"]
Do you really believe we should make no attempt at all to improve the present situation? What about all those kids who are led to feel that they are "stupid" because they aren't good at English or Maths? What about Art, Music, Dance, Theatre, and Literature just disappearing from the curriculum?
Surely we should address these issues?
Mystifying video, outstanding points raised….I didn’t know that there are people who have a phobia of being wrong..Appalling!!
The story of Gillian Lynn was really fascinating…a gifted dancer who was thought to have learning disability…
P.S. I recommend people to read witch of Portobello- Paulo Coelho because it all about following your dreams.
That was amazing! Really i was expecting it to be a long and boring speech about how flawed the system is but, it was entertaining,light and very informative. The part that really got to me though was when he was talking about the choreographer and said that had it been in the present age, she would've been given pills and told to calm down. How true but how sad and unnerving! He really struck gold with his analysis.. and i completely agree with him! I've always felt that art and dance, creative things, are undermined. Imagine all the great musicians,choreographers, artists etc we have lost thanks to our present day education system, and actually mostly due to the focus on making money.I have often caught my parents questioning why it's such a big deal that i got 100% in social studies when i've lost 4 marks in maths. I feel too much importance is given to math and science and not enough to others. Truth being, because of the way the world functions, i have totally given up on considering a career in dance (which i thoroughly enjoy) or the entertainment business, and will be the proud owner of a degree in practicing pediatrics. Ofcourse i'm ok with option 2, but it sucks that i'll always wonder what life would be like if i was a dancer or in showbiz. Well, if not our generation, i feel atleast the next generations should be spared from this. I hope this video is shown to the world so it can change the world, it has immense potential to do so.
Wow; this has been a truly enlightening speech. Sir Ken really does have a way of captivating his audience, and his different examples of what children have gone through was quite amazing. His humour and wit just made the speech all the more brilliant :)
Personally, I don't feel that I'm all that creative [I suck at art :/] But I really do hate that Winchester removed Music from its curriculum; Music was the one class I used to look forward to every week. What I didn't realize was that this wasn't only happening in our school, but all around the world. Artists and dancers are stereotyped into being people who 'aren't smart enough', while looking at a highly qualified IT professional would be impressing.
Duwane had a pretty valid point, but I don't think that's what Sir Ken's trying to say. We don't want the Arts to be considered BETTER than Math or Science; but just equal, on the same level. Subjects like music SHOULD be considered just as important as Math, but that's not happening.
If action does start to take place though, I can only hope that it doesn't get out of hand. Artists and others from the Creative industry should not be given higher priority over other students with degrees, and vice-versa. The world need's its fair share of creative minds, yet we can't be deprived of business/ICT [etc] related minds, or how will we move forward?
All we need is a balance. If only these two industries could co-exist in peace, no one more 'respectable' than the other. But that's not how the world works, does it?
Mehvash,
I bet you're good at art. What you need is confidence. Children are natural artists because they are not afraid of being wrong. You need to lose your fear of being wrong in art and I'll bet you can do good stuff.
With Art it's important to do your own thing. Be yourself, be unique, and don't care about what people think :)
You know what; I think I'm going to give it another shot :) Maybe not choose art in school because it's too late, but I can do my own thing.
Thanks Mr. Roberts :)
The talk was brilliant- I loved it!
I completely agree with Mr. Ken Robinson when he says that everyone is born with a creative side to them but it is stamped out in schools by the need to study math, languages, humanties and sciences more. We all have all been brought up to, not follow what we want to do, but to make money and live a prosperous life. While money is a neccessary part of the world today, I feel that it's a person's happiness that matters more.And it isn't only school but even parents play an important role in supressing creativity in children. Many parents stop children from doing things that they like and enjoy, for example, dancing or drawing or singing. This is wrong.
Then there are others who force a child to do something that they do not enjoy. In my family, the only talent that matters to the adults is music and singing. In our family get togethers, they often encourage children to sing, which is a good thing. But then there are people like me who are into dancing and do not know the ABC of singing, and it is very annoying and humiliating when we are forced to sing but do not know how to.
On the whole, cretivity is stamped out in many ways out of a person. Also I agree with Mehvash; arts should be given the same significance as other subjects. The fact that most of the schools in dubai (as far as I know), do not continue music lessons after 5th grade, art lessons after 6th grade and do no offer dance or stiching at all is lamentable.
Twenty minutes felt like five whilst watching this video.
I found the video quite facinating, especially the way in which he looks at things. To be specific, I am refering to the quote " If you are scared of being wrong, you won't come up with anything new ". I had never looked at being creative in that manor! Very Interesting and at the same time funny. I think his sense of humour kept me going for the course of the video!
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