Schools Must Validate Artistic Expression

Sir Ken Robinson values creativity. He uses humor, sarcasm, and story telling, to make the point that this is an important part of education. Robinson states that Picasso once said that all children are born artists, but the trick is to remain an artist as we grow up. He feels we are educated out of it over time.

Another difference Robinson brings up between children and adults is the fear factor. Children aren't afraid of taking chances, while adults are afraid to be wrong. This fear limits our originality.

It was interesting to read Robinson's description of academic inflation. We need more and more education to get a good job these days. He feels the whole structure of of education is shifting and this demands for us to rethink our view of intelligence. He states that intelligence is diverse, dynamic, and distinct.

My favorite part of Robinson's article was the story about Gillian Lynne. He interviewed her for the book he was writing about how people discovered their talents. Gillian's mother took her to the doctor because the school thought there was something wrong with her. The doctor asked the mother to watch her child when they left the room. He put the radio on and she began to dance. The doctor's advice to the mother was to take her to dancing school.

The challenge as an educator is to meet the needs of all students at all levels. I think the best we can do is be mindful of all the different learning styles and make our lessons as interactive and stimulating as possible. And to also do our best to accept and celebrate the creativity of our students.