Bring on the learning revolution! | Sir Ken Robinson

[@lisakim143]

As a student, I'm very thankful that there are people like Sir Ken Robinson who legitimately care about our education.

[@supermassiveblackgizeh6499]

"Everyday, everywhere, our children spread their dreams beneath our feet. And we should tread softly" ... Everytime I hear this .... man my heart ...

[@omkardeshpande6129]

Me too

[@gayeonko3932]

I've watched the other two of his talks a couple of years ago, so I have no idea why I haven't come across this earlier. Anyways, I started college this year, and I feel like I'm in the wrong place. Not that I am against schooling, but going to college right away was definitely not my first choice and it felt quite rushed. My parents, peers, and even my doctor pitched in when I told them that I wanted to take a year off that it was a bad idea. So, seeing this gave me a sense of relief in knowing that not all adults want me to get an education to secure a steady job. I thought there was something wrong with me, and I teared up a little because he said things that I've wanted to hear for so long. I have no idea what I'll be doing, but I know for a fact that I want to live doing the things that excite and resonate with my spirit.

[@niamhwrenne]

+Gayeon Ko Hey, your comment really spoke to me, I hope you are doing well and that the decision you made was right for you. I didn't stand up to my parents, and did go to college immediately after school, and yes, I became a 'first year drop out stat'. It was devastating, Not only did I not know what it was I wanted to do, I had to deal with a lot of emotional baggage that came with it. A few short years later, I went to University and got my Science Degree, and loved every minute of it. There are loads of options. It's not a race. Listen to your heart, and do what's right for YOU! Good Luck.

[@iulianbendrea9010]

+Gayeon Ko I'm so feeling you, bro!

[@asunciondiezarce1828]

I amo totally agree with Mr.Robinson

[@ishtiaqchowdhury2648]

It's been four years since you commented your story, so I'm sure your life has changed a lot since then. If you see this, I'd love to know how things are turning out for you :)

[@Nii-Armah_Quaye]

Preach!!!

[@dumanyasin]

He should also do a stand up. A brilliant guy with a great sense of humor.

[@abitv8490]

I've never heard it better said. (11:35) Conformity is the enemy of greatness. Standardized education is to the mind what fast food is the body.

[@CharlieDB96]

I hope I'm not the only one that watched that wonderful animated short after his speech

[@LeonardNguyenSchyen]

+Doctor Professor Damn that short film struck me hard. We need to revolutionize the school so it fits everyone!

[@avillp]

I paused at the end of the talk to read some comments and then leave. I'm glad you commented this.

[@dolphone6748]

tbh, i didn't really understand it

[@zanthax1]

There's a reason this man has been knighted. #tedtalks

[@benedictifye]

because he'll be called upon to defend the crown in time of war?

[@paulsawyer3068]

Almost...he will slay the dragons.

[@vib2119]

He'll more likely befriend those dragons with his talks and sense of humor

[@edaphic4515]

This man is amazing. This revolution needs to start now, the education system we have now is atrocious.

[@greenlablz]

I am on it

[@AmeyaBenare]

True words.

[@kissesfromkalise]

Archie Walters what are you gonna do? Enlighten us on your master plan

[@greenlablz]

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Education. I plan to specialise in Steiner and Montessori systems as well as Indigenous Perspectives. Education is most effective when children have a decision in how they learn. The teachers job is to design learning activities that are developmentally appropriate and support children's growth to be balanced and radiant peoples. My efforts lay in the fine tuning of the most holistic pedagogical approach to make this happen on the largest scale, specifically with Indigenous peoples.

[@edaphic4515]

Good on you Archie I'm glad someone's trying to make a difference.

[@traceywilkie5728]

Amazing views on education, passions, talents,...let's get started today! Im a teacher who was buried in the frustrations of a conforming system and I love to educate. I love to educate about what I am passionate about... I want to have an agricultural model where children can do just that too. Who's with me, and Ken, and...?

[@adrianasgari1150]

Tracey Crosswell I am. The contention I would find with you is that to educate is detrimental in any model, no one other than yourself should be held responsible for your learning. I would rather you be passionate about inspiring curiosity and facilitating the resources to learn for that is what would guarantee knowledge. I just left my last year of college (aka high school) and, in my frustration, am trying to devise an alternative model.

[@Artan102]

I always wondered why schools don't teach agriculture, growing your own food in your own home. Children need to learn how to be self sufficient and independent; to learn and explore the world through travel, learning other cultures and learning to become owners, thinkers and leaders. Agriculture model is very important but major grocery stores and food retailers don't want that.

[@mariagoncalves8008]

Tracey Wilkie Não seja tão tapado assim. Assista ao Ken Robinson. O mundo está em rebelião educacional.

[@samaremara8747]

This is the best talk I've ever heard in my life!! Every phrase he said is a treasure!! All teachers around the world should listen to this. Thank you Sir Robinson, I hope I have the honor to meet you and talk to you some day!!

[@TheBoBCompany11]

This brought me to tears... I'll be spreading this message around as much as I can from here on out. Thank you Ted Talks and Sir Ken Robinson!!!

[@MrOnairos]

definitely one of my favorite speakers. he doesn't have the solution, which is why he's talking to a room of problem solvers to help him out a little

[@dkdzyn]

Clearly brilliant! This is exactly why my wife and I homeshcool our children. To do their dreams a service and the tread lightly on them.

[@thelastshadeofgrey]

The point made about the fireman is so true, everybody has talents, everybody has so many things they are great at, sometimes it just takes a little exploration, looking deep into ourselves and balls to do what we gotta do!

[@shadowranger937]

What he is talking about I see as sort of yet another effect of the underlying cause. Many people say that it's not just one problem with education, it's a lot. But I know the problem that causes all of the rest. There is no freedom in it. He's saying we need education that adapts to the kids. If there was freedom in education, the kids would adapt it to themselves for us. It would also destroy the system of there being one company in an industry. All schools would act as separate companies competing, rather one company. When there is one company for an industry everyone needs to be a part of in some way, they can raise the prices as much as they want. They can also make the product the worse possible without consequences. This is even more true when it's required by law for people to use that industry. Freedom in education, would allow people to choose their schools, and suddenly the schools have to compete for the children. That makes them better. Turning it from what it is to a competition, with the consumer having freedom will fix schools overnight.

[@thereisnospoon9059]

+Alex Gluch (ShadowRanger) YES! someone gets it! It's all about freedom, it would solve most of the problem. The other problem that is not just for education but for working people as well, is the common view that the high end of life is living comfortably, there is so much more. Most people only go so far as to concern themselves with deficiency needs rather than growth needs "I need what I lack" but once you get all you lack there are more things to look forward to thereafter (look for Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs for more info). If peoples high end of life mindset changed and the freedom children can have would increase the majority of modern problems would be solved, including education and work.

[@bmcnerlin]

I've just been given a link to this one. I've just started teaching farmers a qualification called Agricultural Business Operations and have had truly great fun because it was all done by the students as they found ways to show me they knew all this already - just nobody had asked them to prove it before! I use audio, video, & a whole range of assessment methods depending on what the farmer wants to use. 49/49 passes, 3 months of sheer enjoyment, ages from 17 - 39, here in Northern Ireland. I'm still smiling and Ken Robinson is so right!

[@joeherald7319]

This guy is a total joy to listen to. I was so glad to hear him mention W B Yeats and Maude Gonne. Yeats pined over Maude Gonne his whole life. Understandable, Ms Gonne is one of the most fascinating women of her time. Really quite an interesting story.

[@xander7ful]

At age 36, I had myself tested at the Johnson O'Connor Research Foundation Human Engineering Laboratory. I had read in books how this program helped people to find their niche and follow their talents and passions. Due to a personal situation, I've not been able to act on the data I got from being tested. But many are and finding more fulfilling lives. I once told someone about the Johnson O'Connor labs & she said "They should put them in every high school." BRILLIANT.

[@AmeyaBenare]

I just...just love this guy!

[@kdhd100]

This guy should have gotten a Nobel Prize long back..... His contribution in the field of education is far greater than the top works of major scientists put together..... You are the true Jedi Master..... We will remember you always.....

[@MaddSTATIC]

Call me crazy but I think places like Africa are the best place to start with such a revolution. Mainly because most of our people haven't been exposed to the traditional model of education. I know there are a few holes to that idea but I'd love some feedback :)

[@MrElectricVibration]

Would depend on the country in Africa but i can see what you mean. There would be less pushback from existing dogma's about education. I'm from belgium and Educational system is the new Religion here ...

[@PaulSmith-gi5bf]

Sir Twinkeltoes exactly, critisizing school is madness in my country. Even students won't accept the fact that school is flawed, because they're scared of being wrong.

[@indie1act]

I think that this is a gross over generalisation. As someone who was educated at a school in South Africa, I know that schools are very invested in the dogmatic and traditional mode of education - a lot of South African schools have a deeply entrenched Colonial British way of doing things . I also know that schools vary in terms of resources so individual schools are going to have to be tackled in a personalised manner - income inequality is a big problem here. I also only come from one of the 54 countries on the continent so I think that this comment doesn't recognise the diversity of experiences in regions, countries and even provinces/states in different nations. I also think that this comment doesn't reflect on the history of our continent and the unbelievable impact colonial education has had on us. Africa didn't develop in some kind of vacuum - it's trajectory is very much tied to all the global trends including on the matter of education.

[@ferventidakwo]

no generalisation is absolute. this one is largely true. many African countries do have structured schools but many of these structures are not so rigid.... so the point remains

[@aliimad2520]

i wouldn't say Africa but it is almost exactly what i was thinking about the other day, most lack and educational facilities and financial support. this modern system will not be as expensive and for those who would be skeptical, it is still better than having no education at all. talk about war zones talk about people who are far away from schools, those who don't have time, but problems, this can save their lives

[@willterryart]

Ken- You've been my champion and hero for about 5 years - I was broken by our public school system - Becoming a professional illustrator gave me my self esteem back. The system said I was worthless but I was one of the lucky ones - how many don't find their talents???

[@bhushith]

There is magic in this man's speech! flawless!

[@tdosit]

Sir Robinson has a most profound insight into the key issues facing contemporary education. He also delivers his thought in a simple and straightforward manner. The world should take note.

[@hamzanasirr]

Subtitles are wrong. Please update.

[@TantaTinta]

They are still wrong... one year later. Please. (Somebody read those coments?)

[@davidedgar8999]

Yes, they are out of sync by around one and a half minutes!

[@maulanalaser4748]

I'm here to tell you from the future that it's not fixed yet.

[@MrsMoonMrSun]

@@maulanalaser4748 ahhahaah

[@maulanalaser4748]

@@MrsMoonMrSun The video rock, isn't it? :D

[@belaz1234]

I've heard recently Christof Wiechert say something similar to Robinson at 13:55. "A good teacher is not someone who teaches a child how to read and write, but someone who creates an environment in which a child can teach himself how to read and write."

[@AtlasBlizzard]

On the watch issue: it's way quicker and more convenient to check the time by glancing at your wrist than it is to dig into your pocket, remove your phone, take it out of sleep mode and finally see the time. I had a two-week period where I had no watch and it was so frustrating.

[@davidguerranunez3586]

+SethBlizzard "Take it iut of sleep mode"?!? Amybody under 30 can whip out their phone, turn it on, check the time, and put it back in their pocket in at most 10 seconds.

[@thesmileshow9651]

@@davidguerranunez3586 It alone takes 10 seconds for me to turn ON my phone :/ I find watches more convenient because it also makes it where I can't play video games and get distracted instead of doing my homework, lol.

[@NicolaLarosa]

I'm 56. I stopped wearing a watch in the '90s, when I started carrying around a pocket computer (a precursor to smartphones). I had no use for it anymore, it just weighed on my wrist. That's the treatment I try to give to all my beliefs, every day in life. Question everything, especially about yourself.

[@thelastshadeofgrey]

Woooooooooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!! IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT WE REFORM AND REVOLUTIONIZE THIS EDUCATION SYSTEM, JUST THE THOUGHT OF THIS HAPPENING WARMS MY HEART, I SO WANT TO ME A PART OF THIS! IF ONE THING NEEDS A REVOLUTION NOW-DAYS, ITS THIS. OLD SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE SHATTERED SO A NEW ONE CAN BE BUILT. Respect Sir Ken Robinson.....

[@dcpln7]

I talked to some primary school teachers few weeks ago, and most of the feedback i got from them are students are over stressed by exams and it compromise their chances to develop their own interest in certain subjects and enjoy learning. Anyone have the same thought on this issue?

[@GorkemAkdenizUysal]

+Dik Low yeah man

[@AyodelePompey]

g

[@MajimeTV]

As someone going into teaching: many teachers arent passionate about it. They are in it for the benefits and comfort the job gives them. Especially in USA, teachers would rather promote a student than hold them back for inability to pass tests. Teachers do this because 100% promotion makes THEM look good. They stop caring about the students. I worked with an 8 year old who couldn't spell much more than his own name. He was very ill tempered & I believe teachers continued to promote him because of it. I learned his parents don't care much for his academic success. Eventually I was able to coach him into reading 2 grade levels above his classmates. All he needed was someone to TEACH him.

[@celloprof]

+knuxiefan1994 I totally agree. The funny thing is someone like me who was in Resource class decades ago got put in it for pretty much the exact reason, some so called learning disability, LOL!!!!!!! I mean if teachers treated me like a person who wasnt stupid, I might have actually learned something. OH and putting me in with students in that class who fooled around and distracted me didnt help either. In a way, my teachers were dumber than I was.

[@MajimeTV]

+celloprof thank you for sharing your story. My fiance was also labeled as having severe developmental issues but he just has a learning disability affecting his speed in thinking. Teachers just didn't want to spend the extra time to teach him mental math in the first grade.

[@englishclassteacher]

I don't agree that this speech "isn't saying anything." On the contrary, it is saying quite a lot. Bear in mind the audience. The TED audience (and many watching here on KZbin) are conceptual thinkers and innovators. This speech is inspiring these thinkers with big, visionary ideas and symbolic frameworks. Their combined intellectual force will now start to work out the details. What Sir Ken is talking about is a process that will take many years. A necessary process. I say bravo, Sir Ken.

[@manka6]

anyone else wondering about the random full cartoon at the end? It's purr good.

[@e-vee]

I could watch this again and again. Sir Ken is by far one of the most inspirational speakers I have ever heard. Absolutely love this.

[@virginitadesparrois6574]

Wish I had him as a teacher before I actually had to learn what learning actually meant instead of what I had to pay for.

[@Alterwill]

Keep coming back here once a year. One of the best speeches ever.

[@reynaldolopez3060]

For me it is incredible that the most essencials bad things of the education system are related to the capitalistic way of seeing life... We are humans, not production machines to make money..

[@bobby8012]

First try understanding capitalism instead of making such a ignorant claim

[@RosBetts]

I'm enjoying watching these talks by Sir Ken Robinson. Tony Schultz

[@Bharathan241]

Great stuff!....we need the Learning Revolution not just for governments but for Organizations as well!

[@jtscreenit]

I love this guy! I could listen to him all night :) I love how he isn't telling everyone HOW to do this, but inspiring us to all get creative, use our own talents, and start to change the communities around us! It's about time speakers try to inspire and not dictate to it's listeners

[@laurenbailey8533]

Absolutely inspirational 💜 and so, so wonderful! Thank-you 🙏🏻

[@Freakonomics89]

Sir Ken Robinson is by far the best TED speaker. "Do Schools Kill Creativity" was the very first TED speech I saw, and it is still my favorite! This speech was great too and I definitely agree with him that education needs a revolution not reform.

[@Lorendrawn]

Eric Clapton doesn't make jokes half as good as Ken Robinson though.

[@tyinykiller5]

I am from the United states and let me tell you the reason why I like the program. You see at our school in California we have a very capable woman as head of our IB program and she has done much to achieve that revolutionary education. We are bending the rules dramatically, much more then you could in Poland due to your proximity to IB headquarters. I can tell you, having both AP classes and IB classes that IB is far superior, mainly because I actually learn and not just focus on acing tests.

[@DOCzullaful]

This is brilliant I wish and pray something changes

[@omsatija]

He nails everything. This must be shared to schools and education systems in all countries. Starting at school level and then building up will be the best thing...

[@JessicaMaynardTheMainNerd]

I really enjoyed and agree with this talk!!

[@lVlonkeyman]

As a 16 year old in high school, i have to say this man gives me hope and inspires me to fight for a superior model of education. With the continuous obsession with college and standardized testing, i'm surprised i haven't gone insane quite frankly. Everyday, i grow more and more frustrated with the lazy teaching ,curriculum, and lack of opportunities for divergent thinking. i just want to be a productive and valued member of society. nothing more nothing less.

[@cuanamar]

brilliant and true!!! thank you sir!!!

[@mophead2345]

He's a great speaker. I like his part about college not being for everyone. Some people have an autodidact nature. They love to learn, but on their terms and not the terms of someone else.

[@PapiDaddy]

Bring on the Revolution!

[@JermaineGordon]

He speaks my heart, great revelations, Sir Ken, a man for the season

[@luker8342]

This talk was 6 years ago and still things haven't changed a bit. I'm a dropout myself and for these exact reasons.

[@BLPdevelopment]

I've lived every bit of what this video says, I went through school, I went in smart (fluent in English at the age of 5, this being my Second language) and school spit me out: barely capable of going through collage, with little social skills, Scared stiff, criticizing myself, wondering "why don't I fit?" and "how can i be like everyone else?", thinking of myself as mediocre, average, and after 12 years of education not having a dam clue who I really am. He described it all perfectly.

[@j37j2]

Please fix the CC. Otherwise, great talk.

[@sharastar8806]

The cartoon at the end... The elderly guy at the end is far respectful compare to all those stood and saw laughing at the passer by who kept falling... Gosh... Nice talk on the education on every child to be catered to their own growth of education. The quote on a 6 year old is not half as a three year old sure fits the society on belittling experience and knowledge with age. Thank you for the talk ❤

[@ninjaxstickman9721]

This is so true! But how can we make this revolution happen??

[@PassportGods]

That's the tough part...easier said than done.

[@Charleezy]

well since school starting next month i got a plan btw this video came out in 2010 nobody did nothing yet its like they talk but do nothing about it and we need groups of people to help change the system

[@JSparo-TotalWarMachinima]

Some governments are already considering a new kind of education, especially in Scandinave countries. I think this revolution will happen before the next 30 years. And internet will be a major reason of this.

[@mattgabsta]

l love ken robinson, his use of the english vocabulary and his no nonsense approach is logical. You can never argue with logic, one day l hope to be a teacher who can work in an organinic process with my students

[@AbhijitZimare]

Wrong subtitles

[@mahi687]

His mind if absolutely phenomenal! I am absolutely jealous but unbelievably thrilled to have found this orator!

[@MrSarcism]

I am studying to be a teacher. Im not agreeing with the current state of the education system. Im going to try and change that, but I dont know what obstacles I will come across. But I'll do my best, because this current system is like 100 years outdated

[@deansapp4635]

The school systems need 1000s more like you. I hope you succeed

[@ddunford6189]

You can. If you're in university/college, search the subjects you are studying. A giant library of lectures, documentaries and learning channels are on youtube. I have been using KZbin since my first year in university, pure unfiltered awesomeness!

[@marieduran6286]

College begins in Kindergarten? Gee, we don't put pressure on them do we?

[@becomewhoborntobe]

Agree. This is exactly what I've been trying to do in my business - align your natural talents with ur burning desire. Unfortunately, the school systems are stuck in their old way of doing things. Not only do they not "get it" but r unwilling 2 look @ a different way of doing things. There is 2 much emphasis on grades. Good grades don't guarantee success or happiness. The things that aren't tested carry more weight in life like people skills. People can c what others r good @ but not their own.

[@maryamesmaeili7592]

A revolution not an evolution! great idea

[@erikavalencia-mendoza2950]

I love Sir Ken Robinson's way of deliberating on education with his great sense of humor. We really need to modernize education by personalizing it. It is time to make it happen, and educators have the solution.

[@mattgrant4867]

I'm currently thinking of starting up a group at my school that will help teach some of Mr. Robinson's speeches to fellow classmates and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on what I should do with it.

[@22masz]

Take also a look on memory techniques ted does have a few talks about it. It's quite interesting

[@anneliesatchley]

Every human being, parent and special teacher should listen to this.

[@amazonove798]

Wrong subtitles!

[@omkardeshpande6129]

I think a teacher's job is to get the child interested in the subject that he teaches.. the human mind does the rest.. that last line about children laying their dreams below our feet just leaves us speechless.

[@catherine7593]

Whilst I agree with you, that is not what teaching is about these days. Teaching, as a craft, has become about enhancing skills and knowledge to pass the test. This is what kills innovation, curiosity and creativity. Sir Ken is correct, we need a revolution in education and schools need to stop being the mining grounds for universities that they are.

[@rh001YT]

more Ken R rubbish. People, let's be honest, most do not have any significant talent the fruits of which anyone wants to pay for. It has always been that way - nothing new. But if you are to survive on some artsy talent, or massage therapy, where do you think the money will come from? It all comes from petroleum & coal, and a tad bit of renewable energy. It is the high energy density of carbon fuels that makes it possible for most in the West, Japan, Singapore, etc to survive without being a farmer or fisherman. The fuel makes it possible to shift the type of work, and many find much easier work than farming, but the energy level per weight of the fuel is not high enough for everyone to live unproductively. So if you don't like your job you probably would not like farming either -I mean farming without fuel. The fuel alllows a shift to different kinds of work but not necessarily easier or more likable work. Still, a large percent do find easier & more likable work - they are the clever ones. Socialism has failed as it could not provide all that was promised w/out borrowing huge sums of money which could not be repaid. Look at the failure called Greece, also Argentina & Venezuela. One can imagine anykind of society, with unicorns and such, but can you fuel it and fund it. Come on, it's not that hard to understand how the world works and why things are as they are. Stop paying attention to these wreckless pied pipers and get real.

[@ProjectMoff]

Just because most do not show signs of talent doesn't mean they have no talents, and why do you think talent has to be to do with only 'artsy' things, Its a talent to have a good scientific mind, a talent to solve problems, and I think you have a completely twisted view of money, money is not important to human life, it has been made important to human life which has caused more problems than it was designed to stop, using the sources of energy we use now can't continue or we are fucked, we need to get rid of our current system, if someone is passionate about something they wont give a shit if they are using equipment that makes it easier or not, like I say the monetary system is the problem, money should not be our incentive to do things, our incentive should be because it is the right thing to do, you are focusing on the wrong thing, you are not looking how the world works at all, you are looking at how the system works, it is actually you who is paying attention to the reckless pied pipers.

[@michaelwilliams7404]

I'm not so sure rh001YT is that far off. I understand what he is saying although I love this talk. It really is the high energy density of petroleum that allows us to do so many things so easily. I'm here looking for ways to implement new ideas into our reality. Mainly helping to reverse urban decay using better education and raising the aesthetic for people in lower income demographic areas.

[@rh001YT]

***** Yes, STEM is very much at the creative edge of creativity these days. Money is what keeps you alive if you don't own a farm. Few of us can own a farm, so we live on our ability to get money, which ultimately comes from energy. The more energy, the more of us can live away from the farm. Money from energy has made it possible to solve millions of problems, because we don't have to spend all our time growing food. Money from current sources of energy fuels the inventions that allow us to live more efficiently on the energy and will/is fueling the increases in renewable energy efficiency. Not enough people can agree on what is the right thing to do, so money allows for some variation in that. So a lot of people are working hard to perfect led lighting - they're almost there - that's what they think is the right thing to do. But they also do it for money. Now think about how much money making is in the historical background of all that has spawned the led lightbulb - getting the led beyond the brightness of a panel indicator was a major engineering feat, pioneered by many of the companies who for decades sold led panel indicators for money. Oh, those misguided money-grubbing semiconductor companies...shame on them! Money-grubbing is what drives efficiency- in 50 years the average Westerner will live on half the energy used today. The drive towards greater efficiency, and less usage of polluting energies, requires traditional education in which knowledge is imparted systematically in hopes that a lot of students will know enough & be sharp enough to contribute to smarter living.

[@rh001YT]

Michael Williams OMG, a sane person, or at least partially sane. I don't know how the really sane can like KR - he is detached from the reality of how most of us survive without a farm of our own. KR should spend a year living in the slums of Kolkata to get grounded. Did you know that urban decay is not happening in India - quite the opposite. The diff is primarily the people & their conservative culture - few children out of wedlock and the poor rarely use drugs. If you are interested in solutions many of such are known. For instance the Salesians in India have raised perhaps hundreds of thousands out of poverty. While the Salesians run traditional and trade schools in India, it is the Salesian method that makes all that work, as they also teach good grooming, common sense, physical fitness and morality. Try bringing those four aspects of life into parts of the USA suffering urban decay, like Detroit! It is those four which they reject! Check out Ashalayam in Kolkata (use you tube). Also search out Future Hope Kolkata on the net. These two orgs take in the slumdogs and other super poor kids and give them, or allow them to earn(schoolasticly) a new life. Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (search you tube) is another amazing example of what can be done. None of these known working solutions has required an education revolution - just trad ed with good grooming, common sense, athletics & morality.

[@rh001YT]

***** As for talent generally - it is rare that talent is not spotted in a child before age 12. For instance engineers, as children, will have been excelling at Lego and are known for taking things apart to see how they work. A talented musician will usually be playing well by age 12 - Sungha Jung of S. Korea - not a rich kid - see him at age 8 on You Tube. I bet the guys in the Black Keys were already playing by age 12. The talented athlete is already ahead of his peers by age 10 or 12. Singing... how about all those kids who sing Pie Jesu in talent contests? Math kids get A's in math and play chess. Sure a few develop later, but it is always obvious when they do, like Morten Lauridsen. (you can check out late-to-the-game ML on You Tube). As for the passionate and talented not wanting or using the best gear....have you been to the Guitar Center lately? Seen a modern digital camera? Video editing gear? And then there is everyone else. (also think about the fuel used by the talented & the consumption of their talent)

[@JC_Zondi]

There is a way this man speaks that makes you listen and want to change your perspective of things.

[@sumiyahyaseen3958]

Excellent speech... you never fail to Educate me Ken... For those who don't have the time... Please I urge you to listen to the end of Ken's words from 15 minutes and onwards... It's the crux....

[@cadets666]

I think another thing to look at is parenting as well. As a kid my parents forced me to try and do many things from playing instruments and playing sports. When parents try to force talents and passions on kids that they wish they had, it doesnt exactly work, and in fact i believe most kids find it to be a chore, i know i did. My mom nagging me to play guitar and practice, forcing me to sports camps. You have to try and make these creative pathways seem something exciting and not a chore

[@kevinatkins7717]

I love Sir Ken quoting Lincoln at 04:57. In the context of education and globalization this is the time to listen, think and act.

[@TheMaimoon75]

One of the best TED talk presentations- period. Hopefully this will be the spark of a cultural and educational revolution, Amen!

[@martinomedo3984]

Thanks to technology, we can listen to Sir Ken despite his absence on the surface earth. Continue resting in peace.

[@ZealousKiler]

I love how he does not bash any system, but simply open up people to new directions the insisting systems can take and improve upon.

[@atcaustralianteacherschron9193]

Another fantastic talk by Sir Ken. At about 12:00 he makes mention of 'Fast Food Education', and he's absolutely correct. My son doesn't fit the Fast Food model and is pretty lost within the education system, he's very bright, however the system has nothing real to offer him or a way of helping him find and develop his true talent or passion. He is continually told to stay at school and go to Uni! To study what?, he asks. Anything, as long as you go to Uni! Education inflation. It's becoming increasingly clear, you need a degree for jobs that used to require only a year 11 or 12 pass and some initiative. :) However, I do understand it's a way of culling the hundred of applicants for basic jobs, and why are there hundreds of applicants for basic jobs? Answer is the job market is screwed, and I believe we are in an economic downturn, they just haven't released the seasonally adjusted, indexed for inflation, and smoothed statistics to tell us we are in one. It's really tough out there, and it's hard to survive, even with education and experience. Life has been ratcheted up to where we all financially 'just' surviving, and that's about all, the world over. Only the big boys are making money. The Internet has also screwed up a lot of things for kids, however I'm digressing. :) One of the key things to take away from this talk for legislators of education, is stop talking to industry about what their needs are, and develop people, not develop a pool of laborers of all levels. Teachers are being pushed to their limit trying to keep up with this education inflation as well, by way of mandatory personal development and schools competing with each other by way of national testing on an uneven playing field. It's all wrong, for everyone. The Scandinavian countries are very progressive, we could learn a lot from them, however, we always seem to look to the US for all of our models and structures, the ones that are broken and don't work in the US, they are then re-branded and sold to us as gold. The Emperor has no clothes! The younger gen will have no idea what I've just said, and why don't they? It's a great story to teach kids about manipulation, or maybe that's why it's been put into the shadows? Maybe it's because someone who understands manipulation, isn't a 'good consumer', or isn't so easily controlled?. :) Let's start the revolution and go 'clean sheet' on how education is offered and delivered . However, I do know one thing that's proven itself over history, a revolution without finance is just an idea. :)

[@dhrubachakrabarty8260]

Since ages, the major mode of existence of human species on this planet is synthesizing the undivided wholeness, at the same time this is the major motivation of their survival also. Through this practice, unlike the other species on earth, they were able to perceive their respective forms and features as an integral part of the whole. But it is also true, that somewhere during such acts this derived knowledge has empowered them to forget to acknowledge the source or origin of such achievements. The deviation that has evolved at this juncture has led the entire mankind from the realm of perceptive knowledge to rational science and from there to the modern era of technology when the entire episteme* is being remoulded to the tune of rational and also instrumental configurations. Life is no more an accessory to the whole; it has now been fragmented into several spheres of definitive versions which are rigidly envious of each other. Such decadence, as history reveals have given birth to incredulities, self deceptive approaches among the human beings in their way of making themselves civilized. Quite obviously this situation has pervaded the natural process of gathering knowledge and consequently reality has become the more important phenomenon than actuality. Therefore, from the unbridled domain of knowledge the civilization is now under mitigation or structuralisation through information. Literally the word information is derived from in-formation, which clearly indicates that definitive norms and forms have replaced indefinite hypothetical notions or beliefs. Dear reader, in such perspective please read my research at journalspress.com/the-epitaph-of-episteme,this article is initiated to quest for the gap emanated so far between perception based knowledge and technology based information and also to contemplate the correlation of the physical sciences, mathematics, politics and economics along with their generative basis.

[@gaillongo1455]

Doctor Maria Montessori pondered this and took action to change theeducational system. I love the direction she took....she called it "The discovery of the child!" She challenged us to follow the child's interests and aptitudes....to observe and guide the child to be independent and enjoy the gift of human interdependence.

[@lindosland]

This man expresses what many of us have long known, but in a way that few others could, and with great humour thrown in. The real question then is; given that he's lived long enough to be knighted, and given that even this talk was now almost a decade ago, why is our country in such a mess still, and why are those with such opposing views still in charge of education?

[@TreesPlease42]

TED talks help me feel better when I have an incredible urge to learn or think or create. Sometimes, I don't want to 'guide' myself to create, so I let them do it for me. It's great. :)

[@pop9900]

This guy is absolutely right! my passion is for music, and i feel as if the school system almost looks down upon music in a way, because its not something cookie-cutter like becoming an engineer or lawyer or doctor. I wish they could take our passion and help us learn and become the best we can at it; everyone would be so much happier

[@OneGreenPear]

One of the best TED Talks! We need more people like Sir Ken Robinson.

[@quailstudios]

The education machine is moving along and won't want to change. It's like trying to change the direction of something large that's moving.. like a train or large ship. People in education will feel threatened because of these ideas. In 1991 I created an alternative Arts High School. It's still functioning today. My wife and I have home schooled our children. Best thing we ever did for them. Education needs to be transformed on a grass roots level.

[@FrikkenSpaceClown]

"We have built our education systems on the model of fast food. There are two models of quality assurance in catering, one is fast food where everything is standardized, the other are things like Zagat & Michelin restaurants where everything is not standardized, they're customized to local circumstances & we have sold ourselves into a fast food model of education & its impoverishing our spirits & our energies as much as fast food is depleting our physical bodies."

[@jenniferyoung5291]

Truly BRILLIANT. (Nothing wrong with a bit of humor...!) -J.YO' " ...Not evolution, but a revolution."

[@shnbwmn]

I love the way he speaks, and his points are spot on!

[@mgeorgeson]

Tread softly on our childrens' dreams, we need to give them time and space to develop their passions. Computers didn't exist when I was at school but now I earn my living from them - we need to figure out how we teach our children to become ready to fulfil roles that don't exist yet.

[@hugovanhove6947]

i considered myself to have a talent for maths and science. i watch a few of this guys talks and they make me cry because of the sudden realism that my future is being set, without me able to influence it due to the linear path before me. i have grown to like maths because it gives me recognition and not joy. hearing this has made me determined to change things, but i break at the thought of not being able to do so. my youth has been a whole lie i feel and is not necessary to go on like this. people think of me as weird when i listen to ted talks like alot but never has a speech given me such motivation and emotion. i'm hugo, 13 and believe me to sat that this is true, and the revolution starts now!

[@hugovanhove6947]

***** i cant even drop out in my school system, and there is not a replacement. i still need the basic education.

[@990805jl]

when you're older you'll realize that 13/14 is young! seize the moment! school education is still useful but just remember you can learn anything you want or do anything you want on your time if you're passionate enough

[@catherine7593]

How did you go, Hugo?

[@heysteve84]

I have never found what I really wanted to do in life because I was always too busy with my homework. I just graduated from college with a degree in accounting this year-- I do not like accounting, but I felt forced to choose a field of study that would yield more security in our society and economy, because I just didn't feel "safe" choosing something more lucrative like art or music, even though I enjoy it immensely. I feel spiritually hijacked.

[@Dextline]

He's still the most entertaining of all the TED speakers in my opinion!

[@bucinto]

I feel broken after this speech about education. Our generation is hopeless - I dan't see a fix for myself, but I believe we can save the generations to come by changing the whole system of education. This guy is just brilliant and so inspiring :3

[@smcmillan88]

Best speaker I've ever witnessed. I agree entirely, I think we need as a society need to start changing our perspectives on learning and raising our children.

[@francenefallick3204]

I have recently stopped wearing MY watch as a matter of fact ! Hooray !!!! I love Ken Robinson. He knows and speaks the truth....but now we need to DO !

[@RobMonty248]

"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." "Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school." (LOVE THIS ONE)!!! "The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing." All *Einstien...

[@burakakkoyun7803]

meanwhile in turkey we had a brilliant idea for the highschool choices for teenagers. everyone goes to the chool their home is near. not the school they wish or not the school thats gonna teach about what they want to become. you have no idea how much we need this man as our secretary of education.

[@JosuVaquerizo]

Ken Robinson is great! He should be speaking at every tedtalks!

[@XxDevl1666xX]

I must say, I wish I'd heard his speeches during highschool. I would changed my direction completely...

[@mastertheillusion]

IMO the best education is all about skill development. Skills such as logical thinking, critical thinking, creative thinking, empathic communication, writing, medical, engineering, design, etc Knowing about something is about to become very instant, and understanding comes with experience. We need an educational revolution starting with A platform to deliver it and I have an idea.

[@jackkevillemedia]

I'm 17 ... And i honestly couldn't live without my watch ...

[@tonythereader]

So THAT'S what the world was missing, more negativity and less creative ideas! Super helpful!