The Art (& Science) of Great Teaching: Sam Chaltain at TEDxYouth@BFS

Summary

In this inspiring talk, the speaker reflects on the evolution of the teaching profession, highlighting the current challenges and excitement due to rapid changes. Drawing from personal experience, they explore the tension between freedom and structure in education, advocating for a balanced approach that combines the art of teaching with the science of learning. They emphasize the importance of fostering democratic freedom in students, as envisioned by John Dewey, and suggest that the scientific method can serve as a model for educational environments, aiming to equip individuals with the ability to find and fulfill their unique purpose.

Takeaways

• 📚 The speaker began their teaching career in Brooklyn and reflects on the significant changes in the teaching profession over the past 16 years.
• 🌟 The current time is described as the most exciting and challenging to be a teacher due to ongoing massive changes in the field.
• 🤔 The root cause of discomfort in teaching is identified as the re-definition of freedom for both teachers and students, which is causing tension.
• 🏛 The concept of freedom is central to American identity, yet it is complex and can mean different things, such as freedom of conscience or freedom of choice.
• 🔄 There is a historical shift from viewing teaching as an art form with complete freedom to a more structured, science-based profession.
• 📉 The speaker's personal experience highlights the transition from a lack of standards and assessments to a system heavily influenced by certifications and test scores.
• 🧠 Technological advancements, like skin bracelets to measure engagement, indicate a push towards making teaching and learning more observable and measurable.
• 🔄 For students, there's a shift from a structured, tracked system to one that emphasizes individual freedom and differentiated instruction.
• 🏫 The challenge for educators is to balance the art and science of teaching, avoiding extremes of either pure freedom or rigid structure.
• 🌱 John Dewey's perspective on education is cited as a guide, emphasizing the development of self-control and the pursuit of a unique purpose in life as the essence of freedom.
• 🔬 The speaker suggests that the scientific method, as well as principles from ecology and quantum physics, can offer insights into organizing educational environments effectively.

Q & A

What is the main theme discussed by the speaker in the transcript?

The main theme discussed by the speaker is the concept of freedom in the context of teaching and education, and how it is being redefined for both teachers and students in the current educational landscape.

What does the speaker suggest is the root cause of the discomfort felt by teachers?

The speaker suggests that the root cause of the discomfort felt by teachers is the ongoing redefinition of what it means to be free in the teaching profession, which is swinging in opposite directions for teachers and students.

How does the speaker describe the change in the teaching profession from 16 years ago to now?

The speaker describes the change as a shift from complete freedom and pure art to a highly structured and scientific approach, with increased emphasis on certification, standards, and assessment systems.

What is the speaker's view on the current state of public education in the United States?

The speaker views the current state of public education as being in the midst of massive changes, with a focus on bringing teaching practices into the light of day and measuring effectiveness through various means, including technological advancements.

What does the speaker believe is the ideal balance between art and science in teaching?

The speaker believes that the ideal balance lies in finding the art and science of teaching, where teaching is not just an art form but is also informed by scientific methods and data.

How does the speaker relate the concept of freedom to the American identity?

The speaker relates the concept of freedom to the American identity by stating that freedom is at the core of what it means to be an American, with people often gravitating towards the word 'freedom' when asked to describe their American identity.

What are the two concepts of freedom mentioned by the speaker, and how do they differ?

The two concepts of freedom mentioned are the democratic concept of freedom, which is freedom of conscience, and the capitalistic concept of freedom, which is freedom of choice. They differ in that the former is about the right to express oneself, while the latter is about the right to do whatever one wants.

What is the speaker's opinion on the current direction of student freedom in education?

The speaker believes that the pendulum is swinging towards more freedom for students, with reforms like the elimination of tracking and the expectation for teachers to differentiate instruction. However, this also brings challenges for teachers in delivering effective education.

What does the speaker suggest as a model for educational environments to achieve the right balance?

The speaker suggests the scientific method as a model for educational environments, emphasizing the importance of asking questions, conducting research, and adjusting responses based on data and analysis.

How does the speaker interpret John Dewey's view on the purpose of public education?

The speaker interprets John Dewey's view as the purpose of public education being to help people understand what it means to be free, specifically in the context of developing the capacity for self-control and fulfilling one's unique purpose in life.

What does the speaker propose as a way to re-make public schools for the 21st century?

The speaker proposes a balance between art and science, individual freedom and group structure, and a deeper understanding and appreciation of what it means to be free in the democratic context, as a way to re-make public schools for the 21st century.