Education is a foundational experience that shapes us. Yet, do we ever stop to ponder the effects our school years had on us? Sir Ken Robinson, in his insightful talk on shifting educational paradigms, highlights several aspects of traditional education that have profound implications for our development and mindset. Understanding these influences can help us reassess our schooling experiences and rethink how we approach learning.

The Industrial Model of Education

Robinson emphasises that traditional education is modeled after the industrial revolution’s principles: conformity, compliance, and linear progression. In this setting, academic subjects are often prioritised over the arts, physical education, and social skills. Reflecting on how this model influenced you can be an eye-opening exercise. Did you thrive under its structure, or did it stifle your creativity and passion for non-academic subjects?

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Schools often adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach. The current system generally values uniformity and standardisation. It’s worth exploring whether this environment catered to your unique learning style and needs or if it forced you to fit into a predetermined mold. Such an examination may shed light on any frustration or disillusionment you felt during your school years.

The Value of Divergent Thinking

Robinson argues that our education system often undermines divergent thinking—the ability to see numerous possible answers to a question, to think laterally, and to see the interconnectedness of things. Were you encouraged to think divergently in school, or were you trained to seek the one ‘right’ answer? How did this shape your thinking patterns and problem-solving abilities?

Creativity Takes a Backseat

Creativity is often sidelined in traditional education models, with an overemphasis on rote memorisation and standardised testing. Were you given the freedom to explore your creative side, or were your imaginative pursuits deemed less important than your academic achievements? Reflecting on this could provide insights into how your relationship with creativity was shaped.

Fear of Failure

In many schools, mistakes are penalised, fostering a fear of failure among students. This fear can hamper risk-taking, a critical component of innovation and growth. How did your school environment treat failure, and how has this influenced your attitude towards taking risks and making mistakes?

The Hierarchy of Subjects

In most education systems, a hierarchy of subjects exists, with Maths and Languages at the top and arts at the bottom. Reflect on whether this hierarchy influenced your choices and passions. Did it lead you to undervalue certain skills and overvalue others?

Relevance of What We Learn

Robinson suggests that much of what we learn in school is disconnected from the real world and our real lives. Reflect on whether you found what you learned in school relevant and useful in your life outside of school.