Author Archives: Patrick Turnbull

Education Systems

Posted on by under Theories and Philosophy

Sir Ken Robinson at the Creative Company Conference. Photo: Sebastiaan ter Burg

Earlier this year, Ashley Perry, co-ordinator of Communications and Social Relations at RMIT introduced me to Ken Robinson’s theories of education and creativity, through this RSA animated lecture video.

Not only do I think what the RSA have done with this lecture and a number of other lectures by academics and experts around the world is a great method of communication, but the topic of this lecture by Ken Robinson in particular is also very relevant and powerful in relation to my life and the lives of others I know.

To start off, Sir Ken Robinson is a world renowned expert in education, creativity and innovation, he has been involved in numerous international education projects and a number of organisations over the years.

 

Here’s some more detail if you’re interested in Robinson himself:

Sir Ken Robinson’s bio: http://sirkenrobinson.com/?page_id=10

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Robinson_(educationalist)

 

I’ve followed Robinson on numerous social media sites and have watched a number of his talks and presentations since seeing this video clip, and his theories and ideas make more sense each time.

Personally, creativity is something that I used to have redundant amounts of. After going through high school, that creativity was greatly diminished and replaced with superfluous amounts of knowledge that could be memorised and called on if needed in an assessment. While I’m not saying I learnt nothing from school (this is not true at all), I am positive that my own creativity and problem solving ability was stemmed as a result of the public education system.

It is interesting to conceptualise a public school running differently, using alternative methods of teaching, introducing the kinds of concepts that Robinson talks about frequently. Sure it would take a lot of work and it would be a difficult project to get up off the ground rapidly (our current education system has been built into our genes and culture for years), it could definitely work. The only way that this is going to happen however, is through action.

Upon entering my Bachelor of Communication (Media) at RMIT, I didn’t really know what to expect from Networked Media. Now that I understand how it operates, I am thrilled to have a chance and opportunity to take advantage of a method of education that is less about inequality between student and teacher and more about promoting creativity and knowledge. It’s an exciting prospect to think that this sort of education could eventually become wide spread, and while it’s not a complete reform to traditional tertiary education, it is definitely a step in the right direction.

Robinson also takes part in TED talks, a concept developed by the organisation TED. They publish all their organised presentations and talks online and promote discussion and critique of the content through online forms.

 

Here are two of his talks which are well worth a watch if you’re interested in creativity and education in any way:

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the Learning Revolution!

and

Sir Ken Robinson: How to Escape Education’s Death Valley

 

 

The Barbershop

Posted on by under Culture

 

Photo: slworking2

I have an interest in traditional and classic lifestyles and the ways of yesterday that sits nicely in my character alongside contemporary technology and media. While we are all caught up in new and exciting technologies and possibilities there are many forgotten practices of the past that are being left behind.

While modern society grants us opportunities to immerse ourselves in a far more varied and diverse world, a lot of the time the ease in which activities can be performed or services can be obtained takes away from the richness that has long been embedded in our existence.

One activity such as this is a trip to the barbershop. While Australia has never had such a robust engagement with barbershop culture as America, it seems very hard to get any sort of enjoyable experience out of a haircut (Well, for me anyway). With the price that you pay to get a little off the top (sometimes in excess of $20), shouldn’t we expect some kind of enjoyable experience?

In this video from The Art of Manliness, we see Brett McKay, the site’s creator, visit Razorback’s Barbershop in Long Beach CA. The video tells the story of the barbershop, and details the heritage that belongs to barbershop traditions and the masculine vibe that it carries. Traditionally, a barber was a male who was trained to cut men’s hair, using old school tried and tested men’s products that made you feel like a man.

To be quite honest, when I get a haircut I rarely find a barbershop (or hairdresser) that satisfies me. I end up looking nothing like I wanted to and smelling beautiful and perfumed. The worst bit is to get this result, I have to endure conversation and gossip about topics that I am not interested in talking about. It seems that the old traditions have been lost and the rich experience that used to be part of getting a haircut seems to have vanished.

It’s a shame sometimes, that we lose this quality of life and experiences. It’s something that I wish we held onto more as a society sometimes. It’s old school, most of the time, that is a good enough reason for me to give it a go or become interested. Luckily I have one barber that I found who can create a slight replica of this authentic experience. That will have to satisfy me while my search continues.

Double-Loop Learning and Relationships

Posted on by under Theories

I guess it’s sort of a link.. Photo: Pernilla Rydmark

Chris Argyris’ theories on Single-Loop and Double-Loop learning and his Model I and Model II are consistent with a number of ideas and thoughts which I have been exploring as of late. While these theories are conceptually designed to suit organisations, they are also entirely relevant to human relationships. Getting stuck in the habit of single-loop learning and using theories-in-use aligned with Model I has had a significant impact on the way in which I can creatively and emotionally grow and develop as a person, as I am sure it has for many people.

What caught me the most was the consequences noted for a Model I theory-in-use:

  • Defensive relationships
  • Low Freedom of Choice

After reading this, I felt a strong association between this theory and my own life and personality. The values that govern this model (win, do not lose and suppress negative feelings) are clear  indicators of an unhealthy method of solving problems and working through conflict and ones that I can relate to very much.

By actively attempting to take an approach to problem solving more consistent with the values from Model II, I hope to improve my creative and professional capabilities as well as my personal and emotional success in life.

The (un)Lecture?

Posted on by under The Unlectures

Building 80. Somewhat related. Photo: Pat M

What a strange concept and idea. A Lecture, that’s not a lecture. Why don’t we just stay home? Well, Adrian is a very convincing man, he’s got me. I’m very convinced. I am someone who has done well in the current education format in Australia, but I am also someone who hasn’t performed to their potential. Adrian has opened more doors for me that have been previously only left a-jar by distant dreams of changing education paradigms and education reforms.

I am glad that there are more people than I thought actively involved in advocating and pushing for alternative styles of learning. Employers wants employees who are fast thinking and creative, who can solve problems with ease and possess a range of skills. The problem is the current education system is not exactly accepting of this kind of person. Public education systems suppress creative and try and teach you what is right and what is wrong. They put the student at the bidding of their master (the lecturer, teacher or whatever trained educational drill-sergeant it happens to be) and create a power imbalance that is counteractive to creativity and motivation for the students.

I didn’t have a question to write down at today’s unlecture. Why didn’t I? Perhaps I was scared of what to say, perhaps I didn’t know what the question was meant to be about. The point is that I didn’t ask one, and what Adrian said is right. You should be able to come up with a simple (or complex) question to ask at the unlecture. There’s no way to learn if you are afraid of being wrong or if you are afraid to ask questions. I like the idea of the unlecture and look forward to more speculative discussions and question answering.

The Forest

Posted on by under Networked Media
Boreal Forest

Boreal Forest in Finland. Photo Credit: EtäKärppä

Adrian used the metaphor of the sea to describe networked media. I also think that it could be compared to a forest. A dark, snow carpeted, cold forest. It’s a strange world, one that you’re not used to living in. But it’s certainly a place you can live. Bears can do it, why can’t you? Inhabitable for some, habitable for others. If you know how to navigate it and know how to use the resources and land around you, you’ll make a fine living for yourself. To get a higher quality of life from it however, you must interact with it. You must adhere to the circle of life and understand the ways of the land. You must be able to use the resources around you; the wood, the earth, the water, to survive.

If you know what you’re doing, the reward for living in and becoming part of such a mystical and ethereal environment will be worth the work it takes.

The forest has always been something that has enchanted me. Perhaps because the closest I an get to one is a gumtree and some bush land. As I step into the forest that is networked media, I hope that one day I can visit and explore some forests throughout the world as well.

King Kong

Posted on by under The Arts

Two tickets to King Kong the musical.

On Thursday the 1st of August I’m going to see the Melbourne Production of King Kong at the Regent Theatre. This is exciting for me as I have not delved into the world of stage performances much, but have been to numerous school productions and read plays throughout high-school and enjoyed them thoroughly. From what I have read, the show is incredibly crafted and visually stunning.

King Kong Review – The Age

Most expert reviews have said similar things to this review from The Age, that it is an amazing show, however without the puppetry the show would not stand up on it’s own. I don’t particularly have any knowledge of theatre however, so I’m sure the show will be entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable. Perhaps even a first step into a long history of theatre-going.

Interestingly enough the review from The Age criticised the use and treatment of women in the production, saying that it was ironic from a story that critically commentated on the abuse and poor treatment of animals. This is something I haven’t heard yet, so it will be interesting to see how the show pans out. I will post my own “review” of sorts after I have seen the show.

Disclaimer | Background image: Emma Gawen
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