In his TED Talk, Ken Robinson argues for the importance of creativity and describes how the demands of society over time have shaped the way the education systems of the world are built. There is a global trend in the ranking of importance of subjects: mathematics, sciences, literacy at the top and the arts at the bottom. Even within the arts there is a hierarchy of importance: the "traditional" arts such as painting and music are given prevalence over dancing and theater. Robinson, however, argues that each of these subjects are important in their own ways - and that on the path to honoring only the "highest" of the disciplines, we crush the creativity of future generations. His most profound example is that of the woman who went on to choreograph the musical Cats; in her childhood, she had struggled in school. She constantly fidgeted and distracted other students; when taken to see a doctor for her "problems," the doctor realized that this particular child was made for dancing. She flourished in a school for dance; she found people like herself, and brilliant talent was allowed to shine. Within every person is the potential for great things, gifts undiscovered or left without nurturing care.
I do not want to argue the importance of any one subject over another. I believe that different learning disciplines are meant for different people and different gifts. I often think about my future as a teacher and wonder how I can possibly serve so many children at one time, when only a single child has the potential to do great things if this promise can be found and nurtured. I remember that I am not the only person who can help this growth to happen, and I feel encouraged. However, I believe that the education system has a greater responsibility to realize the natural talents that children have and to help them find the way into a life of happiness and fulfillment that only comes from living the life of doing what you love.
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