Zombies en la escuela | Juli Garbulsky | TEDxRiodelaPlata

Summary

In this reflective talk, a recent high school graduate shares feelings of entrapment experienced during his education, highlighting the monotony of traditional learning methods focused on memorization. He contrasts this with more engaging experiences, such as participating in math olympics and interactive history debates, which fostered critical thinking and creativity. The speaker argues for a reimagining of education, advocating for more choices and real-life challenges in the curriculum to inspire genuine interest in learning. Ultimately, he calls for a shift from rote learning to exploration, aiming to transform schools from places of boredom into vibrant spaces for discovery.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many students feel trapped in a traditional education system focused on rote memorization and standardized testing.
• 🛩️ Personal interests, like a love for aeroplanes, often remain unaddressed in school, leading to disengagement.
• 📅 A repetitive cycle of 'board, file, test' creates a monotonous learning environment that fails to inspire.
• 💡 Engaging activities, such as the maths olympics and history debates, demonstrate the value of creative and critical thinking.
• 🔍 Real-life problem-solving is often neglected in favor of formulaic approaches to subjects like mathematics.
• 🙋‍♂️ Students often lack the freedom to choose what they learn, resulting in a disconnect from their passions.
• 📚 Reading assignments in school rarely reflect students' interests, contributing to a lack of motivation.
• 🏫 Teachers who break away from traditional methods can foster a more dynamic and enjoyable classroom experience.
• 🚀 A call for educational reform emphasizes the importance of incorporating exploration and choice in learning.
• 🎉 By transforming the educational experience, we can create an environment that excites and motivates students to learn.

Q & A

What emotions did the speaker associate with their high school experience?

The speaker felt trapped, bored, and exhausted by the repetitive nature of school life.

How did the speaker describe the typical classroom experience?

The speaker described it as entering the classroom, listening to the teacher, copying notes, and preparing for tests, leading to a monotonous routine.

What interests did the speaker feel were neglected in school?

The speaker had a passion for aeroplanes and felt that there was no room in school to explore personal interests or engage in related activities.

What was the Maths Olympics, and how did it differ from regular math classes?

The Maths Olympics allowed students to engage in creative problem-solving and thinking, contrasting sharply with the rote memorization and repetitive exercises typical of regular math classes.

What was one of the puzzles the speaker encountered in the Maths Olympics?

One puzzle involved identifying which of nine identical coins weighed more using a balance only twice.

How did the speaker's participation in the Maths Olympics impact their view of learning?

It helped the speaker appreciate that learning could be about creativity and exploration rather than just memorization, transforming their approach to education.

What teaching methods did the speaker find engaging?

The speaker enjoyed history debates and hands-on activities that allowed for critical thinking and personal expression, breaking away from traditional teaching methods.

What did the speaker suggest about the freedom to choose in education?

The speaker suggested that allowing students more choices in what and how they learn would increase their motivation and engagement in school.

What does the speaker believe about the relationship between motivation and school?

The speaker believes that a lack of motivation in school can lead to disengagement, resulting in students choosing their paths based on elimination rather than passion.

What call to action does the speaker present at the end of their talk?

The speaker calls for collaboration among schools, students, and parents to create a more engaging and exploratory educational environment, moving beyond rote learning.