Seth Godin, author, marketer, and innovative thinker, recently published a 30,000 word manifesto in which he imagines a different set of goals for education. His e-book, "Stop Stealing Dreams," is available to the public free of charge; it's thought-provoking and intended to spark important conversations about educational reform. Check it out (and download the e-book!): http://www.squidoo.com/stop-stealing-dreams.
Godin's manifesto mirrors the gadfly-of-a-question posed by 17th century mathematician and astronomer, Johannes Kepler: "Why are things the way they are and not otherwise?" Godin argues that in the current education system students are like cogs in a capitalist machine: learning how to become productive, obedient workers and maintain the status quo of a failing system. Students learn how to pass standardized tests and jump through hoops at the expense of exploring their passions, creativity, and leadership skills. And what kind of life have we lived if we've only ever done what we're told (#snoozefest!). Godin also discusses the repercussions of a society in which intellectualism and independent thinking are on the decline, and fear is on the upswing. !No bueno! The manifesto is intended to generate conversation and ideas. !Bueno!
Godin's blog is also worth checking out: http://sethgodin.typepad.com/. It rivals this magnificent new, cutting edge, upcoming blog called blueworld10.blogspot.com. Also, Seth's blog made me realize that when it comes to blog posts (and many other things in life), brevity is beautiful.
Addendum: WWJD? What would the Jesuits do? Service is another important educational goal!
No comments:
Post a Comment