The Myth of Average: Todd Rose at TEDxSonomaCounty

Summary

In his TEDx talk, Todd Rose explores the shortcomings of the educational system by paralleling it with the U.S. Air Force's cockpit design challenges. He argues that designing for the 'average student' leads to significant talent loss, particularly among gifted individuals. Highlighting the concept of 'jagged learning profiles,' he illustrates how personalized learning environments can better nurture individual potential. By advocating for the abandonment of average designs in education and embracing technology, Rose emphasizes the opportunity to create inclusive classrooms that can unlock the capabilities of every student, ultimately benefiting society.

Takeaways

• ✈️ The Air Force's issue with cockpit design highlighted that designing for an 'average' pilot resulted in ineffective solutions.
• 🔍 Gilbert Daniels' research showed that there is no such thing as an average pilot; every individual has a unique 'jagged size profile'.
• 🚫 The Air Force responded by banning average designs and demanding cockpits that accommodate a range of body sizes.
• 💡 This shift not only improved pilot performance but also expanded the diversity of the pilot pool.
• 🏫 The education system mirrors the cockpit issue, often designing for an average student and neglecting individual learning needs.
• 📉 There are significant problems in education, such as declining test scores and a high dropout rate, partly due to poor design.
• 🌟 Many talented students, including those who are gifted, are lost to the system because of designs that do not cater to their unique needs.
• 🧩 Learning environments should be flexible to nurture the potential of every student, recognizing their jagged learning profiles.
• 🔧 Simple technological solutions can have a profound impact on education, similar to adjustable seats in cockpits.
• 📈 By demanding educational materials that cater to diverse learning needs rather than an average, we can unlock talent and enhance overall educational outcomes.

Q & A

What problem did the Air Force face in 1952?

The Air Force had good pilots flying better planes but was getting worse results, leading them to initially blame pilots, technology, and flight instructors.

What was the key finding of Gilbert Daniels' research?

Gilbert Daniels found that there was no such thing as an average pilot; every pilot had a unique 'jagged size profile' across various dimensions of size.

How does the 'jagged learning profile' concept apply to students?

Similar to pilots, every student has a jagged learning profile, meaning they have strengths, average skills, and weaknesses across different areas of learning.

Why is designing for the average student problematic?

Designing for the average student often leads to creating environments that do not effectively support any student, as it ignores individual differences in learning needs.

What evidence does Todd Rose provide regarding dropout rates in education?

Rose mentions that over 1.2 million students drop out of high school every year in the U.S., and at least 4% of these dropouts are known to be intellectually gifted.

What is the proposed solution for improving educational outcomes?

Rose advocates for banning the average in education and designing learning materials that cater to the edges of dimensions of learning, accommodating individual needs.

How did technology play a role in the classroom example provided?

In a fourth-grade classroom, basic digital science curriculum technology allowed students to engage without the assumption that they were all reading at grade level, enabling individual success.

What transformation did Billy experience through the new learning approach?

Billy, initially a below-average reader, became the top student in his class, showcasing how tailored learning environments can reveal and nurture individual talent.

What does Todd Rose's personal story illustrate about educational design?

Rose's journey from a high school dropout with a 0.9 GPA to a Harvard faculty member demonstrates the talent wasted due to educational environments designed for the average rather than individual potential.

What is the ultimate goal of reimagining educational systems according to Rose?

The goal is to create flexible learning environments that nurture the potential of every individual, thereby expanding the talent pool and enhancing overall competitiveness.