I have been reading a book for a book discussion in my Joint Principal meetings. We will begin the small group book talks this week. The book is called, "A Whole New Mind- Why Right Brainers will Rule the Future" by Daniel H. Pink.
As I have been reading, I have thought a lot about our students and how we can help them develop into the learner ready for the changing economy and world. It talks about how we need to move beyond the "industrial and analytical age" or otherwise known as the "left brained world". We need to help our students develop into designers, inventors, teachers, or even storytellers- a more creative and emphatic "right brain" thinkers.
The ideas in this book aligns with what we have been focusing on this year with the Marzano's High Yield Strategies...mainly focusing on the three higher question stems of Synthesize, Evaluate, and Analyze. It talks about the different ways to develop into the "right brained thinker" and how it will enable us, and more importantly- our students, to succeed in the ever changing job market and economy.
I have been involved in another book study already with the Elementary Principals and it is helping us to align ourselves to the same goals and expectations that will be found within each elementary school. It is also a great way to develop into a Professional Learning Community. We put in our school improvement plan that we would work toward being a successful professional learning community. We also mentioned doing a book study of Ruby Paines Poverty book for next year.
Would anyone be interested in doing a book study this year on "A Whole New Mind- Why Right Brainers will Rule the Future"? I would love to spend some time discussing these ideas and how we could incorporate them into our school. There is one part that mentions an elementary school in D.C. that is devoted to creating designers and inventors. I think that would be a something to give some thought too as we continue on our journey to help our students be ready for the future. Not that we would become a school like that- but it would be good to see what is out there and what we can add to make our program more successful.
Just a thought...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Here is a right-brainer that would love to do that book study! I think creativity has had to take a back seat to rote learning due to the pressures of NCLB. Personally, I am thrilled to see a turning of that tide...Any other takers?
ReplyDeleteI would love to read more about this as well. During my NCCAT seminar, we had the opportunity to read more about brain research and I would be willing to share the handouts- very interesting stuff.
ReplyDeleteI would be up for a book study like this!
ReplyDeleteGreat. I will get some books ordered (maybe 6) and we will plan to start after Christmas break. I will try to get the books in time for you to read over break- if you like.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to it. The book discussion we had today in my principal group was extremely interesting since we had all levels of administration there. I imagine the conversations we have at SF will be very different coming from the teachers/ local perspective.
Please, if others have any interest at all in this book- let me know. Even if you don't want to participate in the book study...the book is worth a read.
Trish