Moving Education into the Twenty-first Century and Developing “Whole New Minds”
Dec 23rd, 2007 by Ann Maher
“The future belongs to a very different kind of person with a very different kind of mind – creators and empathizers, pattern recognizers, and meaning makers. These people – artists, inventors, designers, storytellers, caregivers, consolers, big picture thinkers –will now reap society’s richest rewards and share its greatest joys.” (Daniel Pink – author of A Whole New Mind)
In this book, Daniel Pink presents his beliefs about the new age we live in – what he calls the “Conceptual Age”. He analyzes in detail the social and economic forces driving our global economy, organizing them under the headings Abundance, Asia, and Automation. He explains brain function, design, dominance in ways easily understood. “High tech” is no longer the recipe for success, he explains, Success now depends on a work force that embraces “High Concept” and “High Touch” – and mastering these for success.
I believe Pink’s work has important and positive applications for our educational system. In his book, Pink poses three questions that will measure survival in the Conceptual Age. In the chart that follows, I’ve expanded them to the educational realm for dialogue, contemplation, and discussion.
In part two of the book, Pink defines the “six senses” – essential abilities needed for success in the Conceptual Age and global society. These abilities are Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning. He offers a portfolio of exercises to explore and sharpen each sense. I find a fascinating correlation between Pink’s “six senses” and the six levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy. Again, strong implications for education – we acknowledge the need to have students do “high level thinking”. Pink’s work may be a catalyst for new conversation about instruction. Neither Bloom’s taxonomy or Pink’s abilities are linear – all levels are necessary for growth and learning to occur.
As our economy and lifestyle rockets into the future, our educational system plods along, fueled by its own beaurocracy and tradition. We all agree the system isn’t working well. Are we bold enough to embrace a new paradigm that creates excitement for both adults and children? We all possess the six necessary aptitudes –they are fundamentally human abilities that everyone can master. The question is – will we? We must, for the sake of our children, and our future. I invite you to join me, and everyone you know, in developing a whole new mind.
The Educational Application of A Whole New Mind
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Dan Pink’s Questions |
Educational Corollary |
Current Educational practice |
Shifting the Paradigm to the Future |
| Can someone overseas do it cheaper? | What will be the job market for our students presently? In 5 years? In 10 years?How do we help students learn about global opportunities? | Instructional design and delivery still in the tradition of the 20th centuryFocus of curriculum has narrowed to core content that can be assessed in printSuccess measured by test scores and quantitative measures | Link classrooms and learning experiences across the globeBroaden the curriculumPersonalize learning for each studentPrioritize inquiry-based learning
Measure success in multiple ways, judged by rigor,relevance and product |
| Can a computer do it faster? | How are we preparing our students technologically?Does our instruction align with or clash with the technology tools available to our students today?How can a teacher facilitate technology learning?What elements of instruction are critical in a field that changes continually? | Ipods and cellphones restricted in most schools; students use them anyway.Computer application courses follow traditional outlineAccess to educational technology varies widelyElementary students still “play” with the computer
Rather than view it as tool. Student use of laptops, web-based research expanding greatly Creative educational application of Podcasts and distance learning arrangements increasing |
“If you can’t beat them, join them” - Find ways to motivate learning through technologyIncorporate electronic communication into the Language Arts Curriculum.Develop standards for “email etiquette” and proper use of language skillsBring teachers to a competency and comfort level through professional development and consistent expectations.
Develop a culture of shared learning. Use affordable technology to create shared learning experiences across the globe |
| Is what I’m offering in demand in an age of abundance? | Are our educational offerings matched to what employers are now and will be seeking?Do our classrooms promote the six traits?How well does our culture reflect positive social norms? | Character education programs mandatedCareer Education and Guidance Departments available to studentsAP Courses available to students who seek themSchool/Business Partnerships Growing | Create a collaborative link between business and educationPromote diversity and divergent thinkingProvide mentorsCreate personal learning plans for every student
Use multiple modes of instruction |
