Today's post was written by Jim Kaufman, as he reflects on the issue of educating the creativity out of young learners.

I recently started reading and listening to a well known international creativity author & expert Sir Ken Robinson. And, honestly, he is one of the most entertaining, thought provoking speakers on the topic of education I can imagine having the pleasure to hear. Far from sterile, academic or “expert” sounding, he makes his points with wit and enthusiasm in such a way that his arguments are that much more compelling and emotionally resonant.

One of his key points is that modern western educational systems have become so focused on training people to become “good workers” that creative thinking becomes a quality in students to be “broken.”

Sir Ken tells a story about someone who is world famous in her field who was having trouble in her school because she “would not stand still and concentrate” on her primary school work. After taking her to a number of MD’s to diagnose her “problem” so that the proper medications could be given to help her fit in at school, she finally and fortuitously ended up in the offices of a consulting educational psychologist who pronounced her diagnosis:  “My child there is only one thing ‘wrong’ with you – you are a dancer!”

Many decades later, this individual has become a world renowned dancer, choreographer and encourager of other children who just can’t stand still because they must express themselves with their bodies.

Sir Ken’s goal for his academic audiences is that they begin to view their “job” as educators to be one of helping students discover their life passion.

So, with that brief introduction, I would encourage anyone with a few minutes and a desire to learn more about developing their own or their children’s creative powers to give a listen to this most worthwhile and engaging person. The Technology, Entertainment & Design (TED) Conference folks have a most useful summary page about Sir Ken as he is a frequent speaker at their various global conferences:

http://www.ted.com/index.php/speakers/sir_ken_robinson.html

Good success discovering or re-discovering your own creative passions.