Divergent Thinking

The video posted below interestingly illustrates education in our modern society. In it, Sir Ken Robinson outlines how new technology clashes with the system of education created to mesh with the industrial revolution. This is a concept that is very integrated in gifted education curriculum, as opposed to convergent thinking. Divergent thinking, he argues, is the way to tap into our students' creativity. It's important to foster this throughout schooling, because it tends to decrease over time through traditional schooling. Think about it - we are constantly telling students that there is only one answer, and take away points when we deem their answer is incorrect. However, there are multiple ways to get to an answer, and we should encourage our students to think outside the box.