Review: Education for a new, functional society
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 16, 2012
Will Richardson has written one of the most thought-provoking essays on the direction schools should be taking. Scholars need to know HOW to access information and then critically review it, form ideas and share them in today's world of social media and technology.Why School?: How Education Must Change When Learning and Information Are Everywhere (Kindle Single)(is a short (14,000 word) essay, with a huge message.How many 'educated' students, today, need to know the capital of Paraguay? And their # 1 export? That information can be found in an instant with Google. Today's learners need to know how to solve the problems facing us in the next 50 years. How are we going to save the environment? How are we going to provide enough fuel for everyone in the world, so they don't live in poverty?Mr. Richardson addresses the need for group learning and sharing as the new paradigm for education. He makes a strong case against 'Core Curriculum' and using technology only to speed up the process of absorbing useless information.If you are tired of 'Friday Folders' that show pages of "make-work" accomplished each week. Pages that will pile 3' high in the corner of the bedroom and then never be looked at again - Will Richardson has an honest, practical solution for the 21st Century that will make life-long learners and problem solvers from our children. Instead of College Graduates that can recite facts and make coffee @ StarBucks, but can't produce anything workable and useful. Richardson's followers will be happy and productive and will contribute to the world. Not just caffeinate it.A 'Must Read" for any parent who cares where their child, and our society is headed.