As Jerome Bruner died just a few days ago, I was revisiting a 2014 interview: "The main point of teaching and educating" says Bruner, " is to get them [children, learners] to think and share about their notions of 'where this leads'; to go beyond the information given …"
Jerome Bruner (Jerry to friends), dedicated psychologist was fascinated by the dynamic, optimistic processes of human learning, and overjoyed when he first encountered the work and qualities of the preschools of Reggio Emilia some 20 years ago.
Ken Robinson, in a 2013 presentation which happened to be sitting right next to this Youtube recording, also insists: "education is a human system."
They both talk about 'rules of learning': they are principles which we certainly agree with - I think you'll also agree when you listen to them: they are important friends for us to have.
Here they are: get ready for a good dose of clarity and optimism:
"The main point of teaching and educating" says Bruner, " is to get them [children, learners] to think and share about their notions of 'where this leads'; to go beyond the information given …"
"Are there rules in education? Yes, in general, maybe – but they should all be related to the domain of knowing; they should Not let you 'sit where you are' ... "
And here is Ken Robinson:
"The role of the teacher is to facilitate learning – that's it …
There are three principles of learning: difference, curiosity, creativity, Not compliance or standardisation.
The dominant culture (in the US and in UK) shaping education has come to focus not on teaching and learning but on testing", and children can't and don't cope. In places where the three principles inform what happens (his example is Finland), learning thrives ...