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Friday, April 12, 2013

The Growing Paradigm for Schools and Teachers


The industry of education is experiencing a shift. A “google” of “education” will reveal the enormous discourse which is growing about how to improve the current system. This shift is being driven by the invasion of technology into the lives of the young whom we teach. 

It is no longer possible to engage students with a pedagogy that is rooted in the cultural era of the industrial revolution. 
The 21st century has brought about the digital revolution. All sectors of society are adapting to the change. Subsequently,  education has been forced to acquire a new paradigm. The success of education depends upon it. 

The companies that succeed within the 21st century are those that promote autonomy and creativity. Google would be a primary example. Time and time again, we hear the message that freedom for an employee allows them to focus on their passions and explore new ideas. I believe that such an approach must be applied within our education system. Within my own limited experience, I am yet to see this in practice. 

Is it not possible to provide teachers with one day a week when they are free to focus on developing stimulating, engaging and relevant teaching experiences? Are teachers free to spend the majority of their time doing what they do best? Or are our teachers too burdened with duties that distract them from their core role?
I know that with this changing paradigm a lot of questions are being asked. I believe this is the right place to begin. The next step, however, is to ensure that the change does occur and that creativity and autonomy are released within the many facets of education. 

For a more detailed discussion of these issues, check out the RSA video below. It is extremely well done and very thought provoking.

   

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