assignment 2-Taught how to be a fool

Ken Robinson says schools kill creativity | Video on TED.com

Title: Taught how to be a fool

It was a warm, sleepy day when Mr. Garrioch turned on the video related to the education. I'm pretty concerned about the education and how it should be developed, so I was somewhat interested what Ken Robinson was talking about. He contended that current education is killing children's creativity, which is extremely important and valuable for society development. He stressed that the world is leveling the children with one standard, 'academic study'. He keep pointed out that most part of the world is neglecting the significance of arts and sports that are essential to our lives and other ways to succeed after profound research. Even though my suggestion about education is somewhat different than the perspective he looks into it, I mostly agreed to his opinion.

It is obvious that current education system, especially in Korea, needs to be modified. Lots of Korean teachers are pushing their students into assignments and exams by just cramming the knowledge into children’s head. But cramming information is meaningless and a big waste of energy since students’ won’t remember as time passes and not be able to practically use what they learned. Also, questions and exams based on only ‘academic knowledge’ will make students’ do hasty preparation right before the tests, which cannot be evaluated as desirable study method. In addition, they will be bothered due to lack of experiences because teachers forcibly put the information into the heads, not help them to learn through body and mind.

Advocates of present education method believe that input of theoretical knowledge and memorization of information are indispensable for somewhat degree. It is true that having basic level of knowledge is essential, however, use of ‘cramming method’ is being already overused in Korea. Moreover, proponents of current Korea education claims that classes are working well based on textbooks which have accurate analysis about phenomena and detailed explanations. However, the contents included in textbook are too decisive and firm so that students’ imaginations or creation of new solutions to solve the problems may be impeded by those inflexible concepts or inelastic solutions toward questions.

Now, the government should help students to learn academic things by experience so that they won't forget information. For instance, schools have to arrange more facilities in science laboratories and gymnasium. Second, teachers must consider the new curriculum with extra hours of physical education, art and music. Teachers should encourage the students to improve their talents, not obligating them to study. We have to show that there are diverse ways to succeed and be happy. I wish the government to admit that every subject is equally valuable so that they should support and encourage students to be specialized and creative in their favorite fields.

Ken Robinson emphasized that “If you are not prepared to be wrong, you’ll never come up with anything original.” Children have infinite possibilities and potentials. Contemporary generation should build up conditions that can encourage children to fulfill their destiny through talents and efforts. Let’s not limit or try to manage them, but stimulate to go forward. We should teach them developing slowly isn’t a thing to be embarrassed, but quitting the work that they were doing is the real thing they should be embarrassed.