Brave New Education?

Earlier this week in AP literature, we watched a video by Sir Ken Robinson. The video consisted of Sir Ken Robinson’s view on education in today's society and the flaws it is based on. His beliefs were illustrated with vivid animations. Personally, the video was quite interesting and brought up some very good points. Throughout the video, Robinson criticizes education today and the road to getting a college degree and job. He explains that our level of creativity decreases as our ages increase. In Brave New World, creativity is shut out from an early age so that there is no such thing at all. Robinson also brings up the question of why we are taught in classes grouped by age. He throws out the notion that kids these days are being educated in the same way goods are manufactured. He says, "only thing important about the children is date they’re manufactured." This relates to the idea of Brave New World. The children are placed into a certain lifestyle before they are born. Humans are made to work and function the way that the leaders want them to. "Wheels must turn steadily, but cannot turn untended." This means that the people in Brave New World are being monitored so that they all function the same. In schools these days, kids are taught the same principles, and are tested on the same skills. There is no room for creativity, as Robinson points out in his video. As students grow older and learn about what is valid and real, they shut out creativity and the ability to see things that are extraordinary.