What if the purpose of school were purpose? | Ross Wehner | TEDxEdina
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- What if we designed school specifically to help children thrive? What if learning meant feeling and doing as well as thinking? What if school were the ultimate platform encouraging students to embark on the two great human journeys: the journey inside to discover one's gifts, and the journey outside to contribute? Ross Wehner is a writer, teacher, and social entrepreneur who is Founder of World Leadership School, which “partners with K12 schools to reimagine learning and create next-generation leaders.” Ross also
co-founded the nonprofit TeachUNITED, which works to transform learning at rural schools around the world. Ross is guided by the question: how can K12 school become the ultimate platform for launching students into lives of purpose?
Ross began his career by working as a journalist in Chile and Peru
in the 1990s. He received a Master’s in Latin American literature and has worked as both a classroom teacher and a wilderness educator at the National Outdoor Leadership School. He has worked alongside executive coach Richard Leider, author of Power of Purpose, on leadership development programs for Fortune 50 executives around the world. He lives in Boulder, Colorado, with his wife and two children. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
I think purpose-driven education would be absolutely life-changing. World-changing, even.
The link between purpose and health is intriguing. If purpose-driven students are better stress managers and deeper learners, it's not just about education-it's about well-being.
I think the big switch we are seeing is putting children's humanity first and foremost and building up from there -- rather than a top-down approach where all children are treated the same.
"The problem isn't stress, it's meaninglessness" - damn, that hit hard. I think that applies to a lot of life, not just school. We all need a sense of purpose to thrive.
I agree 100 percent . . . this statement reframes the problem in an important way
The graph really highlights the importance of finding meaning in what we do. Definitely agree with Ross here, it's not just about getting through school; it's about finding our purpose.
I think by navigating towards meaning, students will "get through" school with a much higher level of learning. Thanks for your comment
The concept of "human first" in schools is powerful. Imagine the difference it could make.
it is a leap of faith that if we put humans front and center, we will prepare them for the world more powerfully. It's not an intuitive shift based on the way school has been designed.
This should be seen at every school board meeting across the country!
We are working hard to make that happen!
I'm a school counselor and I see every day how much kids are struggling with mental health and meaninglessness. This talk gives me hope that there's a better way. I want to learn more about how to bring purpose learning into my school!
The idea of creating safe, affirming communities in schools is essential. Everyone needs to feel seen.
yes, communities where everyone can relax and learn
The thought of redesigning schools to focus on human development and purpose really resonates with me.
Let's make it happen!
As someone who hires a lot of young people, I can say that the skills and qualities of purpose-driven students - creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, all that good stuff - are EXACTLY what I look for. Schools that focus on that are giving kids a major leg up.
Thanks for this affirmation . . . in an age of machines, being human will be more important than ever.
I love how you’re focusing on purpose as the core of education. When you talked about the 'golden thread' of purpose, it just made so much sense. It feels like that’s what’s missing in a lot of schools today.
Thanks Jon, I appreciate your comment.
This would be a beautiful thing for future generations. If we concentrated on their strengths and passions and built them up instead of tearing them down because they couldn't spell words perfectly.
"Developing whole children requires whole adults." Couldn't agree more. It starts with the teachers.
Thanks Ryan
I've always wondered why schools felt so disconnected from real life. This talk hits the nail on the head by suggesting a focus on purpose and human connection. It's inspiring to think of what education could become.
Thank you Leonardo
Purpose-driven learning sounds like the future. Love the idea of focusing on what truly matters.
I would say it's one possible future, which we have to make happen -- school won't just go there organically, we have to bend it in that direction.
I'm so here for the idea of schools being a platform to launch kids into purposeful lives. Like, yes please! That's the kind of world I want to live in.
Let's make it happen!
That quote about the "light behind the eyes" of purpose-driven students...I felt that. I want every kid to have that kind of sparkle and excitement about learning and life.
Thank you . . . that quote comes from Linda Nathan, who founded the Boston Arts Academy
@@rosswehner4364 it's really poignant, thank you for sharing!
As a student who's dealt with a lot of anxiety and depression, I feel so very seen by this talk. I've always felt like school was a big part of the problem, with all the pressure and stress and focus on achievement over well-being. I'm glad people are starting to talk about how to change that.
Know that a lot of good people are working hard to make school a place of belonging.
It's about time education caught up with the real needs of students.
Thank you Andre
"The problem today is not stress, the problem is meaninglessness." Damn.
I agree 100 percent . . . this statement reframes the problem in an important way
your passion for creating purpose-driven schools is inspiring! 🌟 Bringing humanity into education will be crucial for the future of our kids' well-being.
Agreed!
So many people out here feeling lost and disconnected because they're not living their purpose. This would make such a huge difference for so many lives.
Thank you for your comment . . . disconnection is a huge problem and can be solved by strong communities, which are indispensable for nourishing purpose-driven people.
We need to stop the factories that are known as schools, we need to let these kids become the best of themselves. To chase dreams and build big things. This talk is a way forward.
Exactly, making kids like everyone else robs us of their potential.
@@lilibetdasterdon agreed, I think education has barely changed in the last century
The inertia of school design over the last century is staggering alongside the dramatic changes in technology, work, etc.
Just fabulous. A focus on purpose combined with rigor would change everything for the better in our educational system.
Thank you Shannon. You are doing ground-breaking work at The Grit Institute.
This would be such an amazing approach to creating members of society that contribute in a way that is both important and fulfilling!
I do think that school can play an incredibly important role in shaping our children to make consequential or beneficial contributions to our world.
We should all be advocating for a human-centered approach to education.
Agreed
Brings back memories! Wish my school had these purpose-driven methods. It's never too late to change, right? Better late than never. Kudos to the forward-thinkers
I see so many schools creating caring and connected communities, which nourish purpose-driven students, and many schools that are factories.
Even though I was homeschooled, I could relate to a lot of what he said about traditional schools not meeting the real needs of kids. I'm glad there are people out there trying to shake things up and create more human-centered learning environments
Homeschooling is an important mechanism for allowing children to get the learning they want regardless of the local school options
Absolutely because when you uncover your purpose everything in life becomes so much clearer and easier... makes total sense to start that process as early as possible.
Ahh I love what he says around the 15:50 mark about creating communities of whole adults and how that helps to create whole children. This is a brilliant thing to strive towards.
That is taken right from Valor Collegiate and I agree wholeheartedly
Ross - it was an honor to be a fellow TEDx Speaker with you! You and your work share an approach and perspective on school environments and design that is critical for the social and emotional learning of our children. 🙏🏼
Thank you Jen, I hope to see you again soon
The idea of schools as platforms for launching kids into purposeful lives...I mean, COME ON. How beautiful is that?! This is the kind of future I want to help create.
Thank you
Ross makes a compelling case that by fostering curiosity, creativity, and a sense of agency in students, we can help them develop the skills and mindset they need to lead fulfilling and purposeful lives. This is an important message that challenges us to rethink our assumptions about education and what we hope to achieve through it. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the future of education!
Wow, Ross really hits home with his perspective on redesigning schools to be more human-centered. It's so true that many of us have experienced discomfort and even fear in school. I totally resonate with his example of hiding in the library just to avoid bullying. School should be a place where students thrive, not just academically, but emotionally too. 🙌
Agree 100 percent. No child should have to hide in school, or want to feel "invisible."
This talk gave me so much hope for what education could be and what our kids could become if we cantered purpose in schools.
Thank you Sue! I appreciate your comment
Real talk about the mental health crisis among students is much needed. It's good to hear him bring light to this issue.
I've experienced this crisis first-hand in my own children, and so many families I am close with. It's real
@@rosswehner4364 truth, thanks
His story about hiding in the library was literally like he was describing one of my memories from grade school.
Hi Keith, I'm sorry to hear that -- so many of us out there
The story about his daughter really hit home. It shows just how much schools need to change.
Agreed, thank you
I agree purpose is probably the most important thing a person can find in their lives. Would be incredible if this was the focus early on.
The Common Application asks purpose-driven questions of students when they apply to college. We need to prepare students for these questions ahead of time.
Thanks so much Ross for sharing your insights in such an inspiring manner. The real life examples of improving our current education system comes from a genuine source of empathy, compassion and true desire understand the evolution in how we learn!
Thank you Dru, I know you as a parent understand these pressures kids are facing today.
Valor Collegiate academies sound amazing! Creating safe spaces for open conversations is key for personal growth. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you Alex, Valor is indeed amazing because of the place they started -- putting purpose at the center of the design.
Terrific and revolutionary approach for our most valuable resource - our children. Purpose driven youth are the future leaders of the country and the world. Well done!
Thank you Greg, I appreciate the comment!! The most powerful thing in the world is a purpose-driven person embedded withing a safe, supportive, and affirming community.
Thank you Ross for this magnificant program you have created! I am very supportive of Montessori school's and the like but have always wondered why we can't integrate this wisdom into main stream schools! You are doing it! Well done and thank you!
Well, I am trying . . . still have a long ways to go before purpose is infused into our current educational model! :)
Aditya's journey is so relatable, and your purpose map activity is a game-changer. Schools should indeed focus on developing the whole child. Great insights!
Thank you for the response, so often schools say "whole child" without much specificity. We're trying to bring this concept into greater focus.
It's cool to think that purpose can be woven into everyday activities instead of being seen as this big huge thing we have to work towards
Exactly . . . it's a slow and subtle shift, not an overhaul
I've always believed that education should be about more than just preparing students for tests. It should be about preparing them for life. This talk reinforced that belief. I hope we see a change sooner rather than later!
Agreed: who will our children be in 20 years? That is the question.
I agree, absolutely it is not an exaggeration to say this is the most important thing we can do for young students and for our future
Agreed!
The concept of purpose-driven schools aligning with the science of purpose is fascinating. It's intriguing to see how integrating purpose into the education system can have long-term benefits for everyone's mental health and overall well being!
Thank you for watching . . . I truly believe that the science of purpose has important implications for school design and youth thriving.
I totally get what he means about feeling uncomfortable in school. Middle school was like a battlefield for me. Can't say I miss those days! Can't say it's gotten much better either...
Despite your social media handle, you are not an "average student." You have a story that the world needs
Ross's passion is evident, and his approach to schools as platforms for launching children into purposeful lives is compelling. I think it would also be way more rewarding for teachers, seeing their students flourish in a way that syncs up with who they are
Thank you Desi!
I couldn't agree more with what Ross is saying here. Our school system has needed a change for a very long time.
School is changing little by little, I see it everyday -- and in most cases we're moving in the right direction.
This is such a refreshing approach and quite frankly the education system is in dire need of a holistic overhaul.
Thank you Nikolai, change in schools is incremental and I can already see the change happening. I don't believe in big revolutions or overhauls as there is no historical precedent to support it (apart from COVID, which was only temporary change in many respects).
Ross's talk brings up some crucial points about the need for change in our education system. I can definitely relate to the issues he mentioned, especially the pressure students face in today's world.
Thank you for your comment, we can change our educational system -- and it's already happening in many schools.
The idea of purpose as a golden thread running through one's life is profound. It's empowering to think that schools can play a pivotal role in helping students discover their gifts and make meaningful contributions to the world.
Thank you Diego, I do believe that this thread is stable though the chapters in our life change. Putting words to this thread can be surprisingly hard and surprisingly powerful when one succeeds.
your personal story about hiding in the library due to a stutter hits close to home, I used to hide in the library because I was bullied as well. It beautifully emphasizes the need for schools to evolve and become more empathetic spaces, fostering a sense of belonging for all students.
Thank you for this response . . . this is why I am a big fan of advisory. When students are in small groups they can see each other past the appearances, and realize that every one has struggles, and a story. Everyone is a world of wonder until him or herself.
I can already picture purpose maps becoming the new trend in schools. Students comparing their purpose statements like trading cards and proudly displaying them on their lockers!
I love that idea!
I'm not an educator but this talk made me wanna become one lol. I mean, imagine being part of a school that's all about helping kids thrive and live meaningful lives! I feel like that would add a lot of meaning to your own life as well
Absolutely! Being a teacher is the most magical job in the world.
I agree that it's important to create safe and affirming curriculum for students, and I think purpose driven education creates the opportunity for communities to get involved with empowering students.
Community partnerships are an exciting part of Purpose Learning. Thanks for the comment!
This thing that he says "The problem today is not stress; the problem is meaninglessness." absolutely wrecked me. Maybe because I can relate to it so well but also to think that so many other people are also feeling that way.
In an age of machines, purpose and meaning become a superpower.
Affirming communities in schools are like the ultimate support group. Imagine a Circle where you can spill your secrets, reveal your quirks, and still get a virtual hug from your teacher. That's the kind of school I wish I had!
If we can give students a space where the feel seen and heard even for 30 mins per week, their whole school experience will change.
The breakdown of the purpose map and its impact on Aditya's life is profound. I can see how it's not just a tool; it's a transformative process that helps students develop a positive narrative about themselves, combating negative self-talk and stereotypes. It sounds so empowering I kind of want one for myself!
This is a really interesting concept! Imagine the impact on mental health and student engagement if every school adopted this model... could make the type of difference that is desperately needed at the moment
It's a subtle shift where relationships are prioritized over the demands of the system
Yes! There is such significance in the importance of diversity and equity in education, it is way too often overlooked!
Thank you for this, agreed!
I'm gonna be honest, I was a little skeptical about all this "purpose" talk at first. But the more I listened, the more it just made sense. It's not about being soft or whatever, it's about thriving through real human development and that makes a lot of sense to me
You are right! I always say this work is not soft, woo-woo, therapy . . . rather it's about being crystal clear about what we stand for and what we will not stand for. It's about being strong.
The Mental Health crisis in our youth is a serious concern, and addressing it through purpose-driven education is a brilliant approach. Let's prioritize the well-being of our children!
Thanks Emma for the support, changing our school system is hard but doable!
I'm blown away by Ross's dedication to reshaping education for the better. Purpose-driven learning makes so much sense when you consider the Mental Health crisis our youth are facing.
Thanks for watching, agreed!
I love the idea of helping students discover their gifts and use them to make a difference. It's about time schools focused on more than just grades.
I would say it's a "both and." Grades will still be important, and relationships with trusted adults even more so.
I think Ross really nails it here - there is such a need for change in education and a focus on purpose would be amazing.
Thank you for the comment
@@rosswehner4364 thanks for the reply!
Every single human, from their child years and on, have a unique gift and talents to offer, we truly need better education programs to help nurture our future generations.
Every child has a spark and related gifts. The tragedy of our current school system is that much of this talent is wasted and never realized
How cool would it be if every kid got a roadmap towards something they really wanted to be? I think showing them at that age how you can achieve your goals by taking small steps would really help set people up for life
We all need road maps that can change with the circumstances
Wow, yes, sometimes it's nothing short of heartbreaking to see our children struggling with the pressures of school and if there was some part of it that actually catered to their passion and purpose that would be wonderful
It is heartbreaking . . . the only way out of the sadness in my view is doing work that makes a difference
I don't know about y'all but I'm gonna start doing purpose mapping with my own kids at home. Never too early to start cultivating that sense of meaning and direction!
I do this process every year, and I did the purpose work with my own children in high school. It formed the basis of their college applications.
I can't stress enough how important it is for schools to focus on developing skills beyond just academics. Creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking are essential in today's world.
Agreed, thanks for viewing!
Ross is insanely correct. He finishes with a great point - that a shift in mindset (flip the pyramid) is what schools need. Thanks Ross for your insights and great delivery.
Thanks Jack
This is really inspiring stuff and I agree that focusing on developing whole individuals rather than just academic achievers would be an incredible shift for our society but that initial transition phase will definitely be tricky.
Hi Janice, thanks for the comment. I don't believe in any kind of a school revolution, or revolutionary change, but I see small steps everywhere. I am optimistic about the future of school.
Growing up school terrified me. There were rules for everything and bells that rang all the time. I sometimes still have nightmares of being late for maths.
Ringing bells is an odd feature of school -- only factories have those mechanisms for organizing time.
I've often thought this!! If we could hone in on a childs passion and interest and then cater to those things (as well as teaching them all the basics) plus getting in some socializing... I really agree it could make the school phase of our lives so much more valuable
thank you Bonnie!
It'd be wonderful to see this in all schools not just those special few "alternate learning" schools you hear about
That is the key -- independent and charter schools serve a fraction of students. How can we get it into the public schools that serve more than 90 percent of all kids?
Can we talk about how REFRESHING it is to hear someone in education say that the problem isn't just stress, it's meaninglessness?! Like, yes, finally, someone said it! Now let's do something about it!
Exactly - we need to get to the root problem and not get confused by symptoms.
Purposeful learning leads to not just academic success but also to well-rounded individuals. Your emphasis on human development in schools is refreshing and hopefully something that gains some traction
Thanks for watching, agreed!
Man, the mental health crisis among kids today is no joke. I'm glad he is addressing how schools can be part of the solution by helping students find purpose.
School is an important place to address this crisis.
There are so many good points about why this should be more widely adopted - I think the mental health crisis alone warrants it.
Thank you!
Wow, I wish I had a purpose map when I was in school! It would have made deciding on a career path much easier. Kudos to the students who are already on the path of finding their purpose!
This talk is so powerful! I hope all schools move in this direction. What a difference that would make!
Thanks Ashley!
Needs to be seen by many - thank you
Please feel free to post!
I have @@rosswehner4364
The graph depicting the different student archetypes based on meaning and action provides valuable insight into the challenges students face today. The 'crisis of meaninglessness' is something that really needs to be addressed and I agree that purpose-driven education could help massively.
I like that graph because it's a coaching tool, helping us understand where children are and what interventions they may need.
Thank you for what you do, Ross! There's so much potential in designing a purposeful learning environment for children to thrive.
Thank you Kathleen!
Poor guy with a stutter. I can't imagine how tough that must have been. But hey, he made it through and now he's making a difference!
Thanks, my stutter has vanished
Purpose maps and coaching quadrants in schools? Who knew these business tools could be so useful in education? Innovation at its finest!
I learned about much of this work in corporate environments. The way corporations build leaders offers powerful tools to schools as well.
I never thought about how backwards mapping in curriculum design might be part of the problem, but it makes sense. If we start with the inner lives of kids and build from there, everything else will fall into place more naturally.
Backwards mapping is still a valuable curriculum tool but we have taken it too far by organizing whole school systems around it.
Sounds like a much better system than what we've got at the moment...
So inspiring Ross! All schools should follow your inspirational lead for transforming educational institutions.
We're working to make that happen!
Purpose-driven schools have the potential to revolutionize education. By focusing on students' unique gifts, helping them discover their passions, and connecting them to meaningful actions, these schools can cultivate engaged and fulfilled individuals.
Each student is different, and uniquely gifted, in his or her unique way.
I completely agree that schools need to evolve and adapt to the needs of today's students. The old-fashioned approach no longer works, and it's time to prioritize the social and emotional aspects of learning.
Yes SEL is a critical part of learning
i wish i had someone putting forth this kind of stuff when I was in school! It's taken me my whole life to figure out what I'm passionate about and I still have no idea how to turn it into a career...
Purpose is an abstract thread that runs beneath our activity, and is reflected in our passions. How can you make that purpose come alive in your current work?
This is an awesome talk, my brother is studying to be a teacher and I'm definitely sharing this with him
Thank you!
I think even just a push for people to _understand_ how important purpose is would be helpful. You can see the difference in people who do and don't have a sense of purpose in their lives.
Hi Regina, thank you for this thoughtful comment. So many people do not believe they have any gifts, or a particularly interesting story. This is never true! When we step into our stories, we step into our power.
This is awesome, would make such a huge difference in so many students lives
Thank you Peter
Ross's perspective on purpose-driven education is intriguing, and I appreciate his efforts to reshape the education system. But I'm curious about the potential challenges in convincing colleges and universities to recognize and value purpose-driven graduates.
The college admissions process is a major obstacle for sure, but two forces are heading in the right direction: standardized test scores are ebbing in importance, meanwhile story is increasing in importance via a new generation of Common Application essay prompots.
Ross's story about his daughter's experience really struck a chord with me. The emotional struggles that kids face in school are often overlooked. But I'm curious, how exactly does Ross propose schools should be redesigned? Is there a clear plan or strategy he's suggesting?
Thanks for your question. We have developed audit tools to help schools see where they are on a purpose spectrum, from phase 1 (the beginning) all the way to phase 3 (purpose-driven). In this audit tool, we examine key items like leadership, faculty culture, schedule, etc. This is the starting place for building a road map, which varies for each school.