‘Schools Kill Creativity’ by Sir Ken Robinson

Original Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG9CE55wbtY

In this TED talk, Ken Robinson argues that schools are only teaching curriculums, not creativity- which is what he believes schools should be focusing on.

He starts off by talking about how all children are born talented, have creativity and are not afraid to be wrong, drawing contrasts between that and the change that occurs when teachers point out that a child is doing something wrong, and the child’s feelings of humiliation.

You might think that this is a good method of correcting a child- but it’s not. For instance, if a boy in year three makes a mistake and the teacher tells him off for it, he is bound to feel embarrassed because he might believe he should get everything right the first time around. This little boy may then say to himself ‘I will not make a mistake ever again’ and adopt the belief that if he makes any mistake ever again, he is a failure. Due to the fact that he is just an eight year old boy with an undeveloped brain and the fact that he is human, it’s natural to make mistakes: it’s how we learn. So he makes a mess- mistake after mistake, and as he was taught that there is only one correct answer, he will refuse to think ‘outside the box’. This forces his view to just one point rather than explore other possibilities and strips children of their ability to think creatively and originally.

Whilst NES promotes original thought and creativity, I cannot help but agree with Sir Ken’s point of view; I do think that the education system all over the world is undeniably flawed with plenty of room for improvement and that we should take action and help our future generations. In the meantime, do not be afraid to colour outside the neatly drawn lines when you can- but do not forget that your teachers are still there for guidance, and that the advice they give you may very well work in your favour.