by Lynn Barendsen
Last week, along with several colleagues from Project Zero, I participated in a conference in Washington DC. Our hosts were CASIE (Center for the Advancement and Study of International Education) and WIS (the Washington International School). Project Zero’s first “off site” conference! Very exciting for all of us, and a great opportunity to learn from passionate, creative teachers and researchers. I thought I’d share a sampling of thoughts that are still lingering with me:
Our first day was spent at the National Gallery of Art – a treat! Considering the idea of the museum, Shari Tishman asked us to consider the various “frames” we bring to our experiences. She referred to studies which demonstrate that most of us place a great deal of trust in our museums. Thinking through my goodwork “frame,” I wondered: what are the responsibilities that go along with this trust?
Our second day began with a plenary in which David Perkins talked about the Languages of War and Peace. Guiding us through how meaning is made, using phrases such as “regrettable necessity” or “zealous allegiance,” David enriched our understanding of what global competence means in the 21st century. As global citizens, whether or not we may agree with the actions of our nation’s leaders, we are all complicit in the societies to which we belong. A question Wendy and I have been thinking about for years, but one that seems to be getting increasingly complex: what does it mean to be a responsible global citizen?
Howard Gardner spoke about Five Minds for the Future on the final day of the conference. I always learn something when I listen to Howard, and this day was no exception. But what I found most moving was his response to a question posed by a participant. Attending the conference as a parent, not an educator, a woman asked how she might encourage new ideas in her school system. She is apparently up against a difficult school board, undoubtedly facing budget cuts, and feeling quite powerless. He offered encouragement, pointed to some examples of incredible “boutique” approaches (e.g. Reggio Emilia), and then pointed to what is really most important in our education system. We should not be focusing solely on test scores, or even on intelligence or knowledge. Education should be about teaching young people to be the kinds of human beings we want them to be.
Just a few of many ideas I’ll continue to mull over as Thanksgiving approaches.