David Orr on Education - Six myths and Six principles

As I continue learning varied perspectives in education and getting myself exposed to various leaders, educationalists talking about new ways of learning, I came across - renowned environmentalist David Orr and his book- "Earth in Mind". I am certainly not the person who gets easily carried away or impressed by anyone but David Orr's views and clarity of expressions took me by delight.

[caption id="attachment_316" align="alignright" width="128"] Earth in Mind - A must read book. (By David Orr)[/caption]

I think his book is one of the must read for all people concerned about education and well being of our planet. Davir Orr presents a very balanced, unbiased case of education. He takes a very organized approach and elucidates each of his views very clearly while substantiating them with credible examples and data.

Here is one of the essay that he wrote long back which is also featured in the book. ( Click here to Download)

Six myths of Education :

1. Ignorance is a solvable problem

2. Knowledge and technology alone can manage the planet well.

3. Increase in Knowledge implies increase in Human goodness.

4. We can easily restore all that we have dismantled.

5. Purpose of education is to give you means of upward mobility and success.

6. Our culture is pinnacle of Human achievements.

While this is not the comprehensive list of myths, it does offer window into some underlined assumptions of our education system.  There are certainly many other myths which can be included into the list like -

1.) Intellect is more useful, important than feelings.

2.) What can be seen, touched, experienced and explained are the only things worth learning.

3.) Everything can be taught to everyone in a similar manner, if they don't learn - there is a problem to be solved.

so on...the list can go on. However, what i really like about David Orr is that unlike most of the educationalists in the world who are experts in critiquing the education system but do not have anything to say when it comes to taking a way ahead or solving the problem, David Orr goes ahead to propose six principles to replace the myths.

Six Principles of new Education: What is purpose of Education?

1. All Education is Environment education.

2. The goal of education is not mastery of subject but of oneself.

3. Knowledge must come with responsibility.

4. Considering the effect of knowledge on real people and communities.

5. Reducing the gap between ideals and reality, between whats being taught and what's being exhibited or endorsed.

6. Improving the process of learning itself, going beyond classrooms, lectures.

I think this is by far the best proposal for a better education system that I've come across. It's quite elaborate and addresses lot of key issues with current education system. It suggests better alternatives, simple yet effective.  Ofcourse, this again is no elixir or the final testament but certainly a very good starting point.

Overall, I think David Orr offers lot of insights about current education. Perhaps, I'd like to make addition of more facets of real life like - feelings, spirituality, quest, expressions, art, compassion, love, friendship, relationships, humor and death.

We need to really answer the key question "What is education for? " David Orr, gives a perspective but - how complete is it ? We need to really go deeper into the question and the insights we get will lay ahead the road for us. It's not something that'll happen overnight but we all need to come together to decide , discuss - what we want the world to be ? how do we all envisage our future ? what we want our kids to value, do and know ?