Recently at the e-Learning Guild’s Annual Gathering in Boston Daniel Pink was a keynote speaker. Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind: Moving from the Information Age to the Conceptual Age provides insight into why right brainers will rule the future.
During his keynote address Pink kept true to his theme of brevity, levity and repetition to emphasize six essential abilities needed to cultivate in ourselves and our students as we move into the conceptual age: design, story, symphony, empathy, play and finding meaning.
What does A Whole New Mind have to do in relationship to K-20 education? To create successful learners there is a need to create a generation of creative, innovative thinkers who think on their feet, outside the box, and see through a new set of eyes.
Considering our rote memorization focused curriculum as well as over-indulgence in high stakes testing; that means drastic renovation for our current curriculum as well as rethinking delivery methods.
Not to say that left-brain aptitudes are to be put aside; quite the opposite, in addition we should provide opportunities for project & problem based learning, hands-on constructivist learning activities, games and simulations for learning. These right brain activities will definitely increase the net generation’s chance for success.
Not only does Pink tell us we need to use creativity, be story tellers, have the ability to see the whole picture as well as the details, be empathic and humorous, and find joy and meaning in what we do; in his book he guides us through creative exercises to practice and sharpen our creativity as well as provide tips for books to read that will guide our search for meaning.
The Whole New Mind stresses how the need for practice, role playing, and creative play are critical in providing students with the skills they need to survive Abundance, Asia, and Automation in the conceptual age.
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