Papert Chapters 6-10 « JadySkaggsWeblog
I like his statement that ” there is no real crisis in education after all, since people with a will do find a way to learn what they need!” That statement struck me hard, because our technology coordinator and I had just had a conversation about how to get faculty involved in using technology. He finally stated that if they want to learn they will find a way to do it.

I, too, think Papert has done some very insightful research over the years.  The statement you quoted above hit home with me as well.  I think people learn when they realize a need to learn….learning cannot be forced onto someone, nor can they be tricked into learning using some gimmick or game.  When a person realizes the need to learn, they do.  I think the problem we have as educators is that we don’t realize that students are learning just becuase we don’t see them learning what we think is important.  Take for instance a student who has poor grades in your Alegbra class….chances are he may have poor grades in another class or two….but then check the classes he really likes….auto mechanics or computer networking….and see how he is doing in those classes!  Bet he has an “A”.  Somehow, some day schools must change their mindset from a “one education fits all” mentality to that of an individulaized program so that John or Jane leaves school prepared to further their education in a field, or else is ready for immediate employment in the field they are interested in.  And even when we have seen schools try to go this route, they still can’t let go of the traditional education approach….requiring these same students who march in a different direction to submit to the same old tests and expectations that have been in place since the beginning of time!

My personal vision is that, if the public school is to continue to exist well into the 21st century, we must start focusing on the individual needs of students.  So does that mean we throw out math or chemistry?  No…they’re more important than ever, but it does mean rather than subjecting students to two or three years of useless content that they cannot connect to their real world, we teach them the math or science or writing sills that they need to do the career they have chosen.  Is a knowledge of Shakespeare really needed for today’s electrician?  Probably not…and that is not to say Shakespeare has no value…..it is to say that it only has value for the person who’s life it will apply to.  Before you hop on your soapboxes, remember….just becuase you or I think something is important DOES NOT mean everyone else places the same value on it.  And as we said in the beginning….if someone wants to learn, they will…so if the mechanic who services my car wants to study opera….he’ll find a way…..I just don’t think he should be forced to do so because you or I think it is important!