Reforming Education: A Paradigm Shift in Modern Education System

This essay delves into the evolving paradigms of education, examining both sociological and individualistic perspectives on the problems plaguing modern education systems. It highlights the economic and cultural reasons driving the need for educational reform, referencing Sir Ken Robinson's assertion about the unpredictability of the future economy and the importance of cultural identity. The essay critiques the modern epidemic of Attention Deficit Disorder, suggesting it may be a misdiagnosis stemming from a lack of engaging curricula. It further explores the social causes of educational failure, particularly the lack of divergent thinking and collaboration in classrooms. The analysis extends to the American education system, pointing out the lack of regard for arts education and its potential impact on creativity and innovation. The essay concludes by advocating for a paradigm shift that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a broader understanding of cultural and economic factors in education.

Running head: CHANGING EDUCATION PARADIGM 1
Changing Education paradigms
Student’s name
Institution Affiliation
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CHANGING EDUCATION PARADIGM 2
Causes of education problems
Sociological imagination
It has been asserted that there are two main reasons behind every country’s reforming
public education. One is economical where people are striving to educate their children to take
their place in the 21st-century economies because people cannot expect how the economy may
look like in the future based on the recent turmoil (Stephenson, 2010). Sir Ken’s assertation that
people are unable to anticipate what the economy will look like in future presents a crucial
foundation driven by Sir Ken regarding his position that no one knows the future (Robinson,
2012). Such an argument depicts how the academic enterprise is corrosive as the education it
advocates is for the wrong people based on the age as it was developed during the industrial
revolution which is way back many centuries ago.
The second is cultural where the sense of educating children so that they can recognize
cultural identity and cultural genes can be passed to them while they are part of globalization
(Robinson, 2012). This is chaotic as the new generation has conformed to the technology and
things revolving around (Stephenson, 2010). For instance, the culture where children were
encouraged to work hard in school so that they could go to college and then get a job seems
obsolete to them. Today, having a degree is good but not a guarantee.
Individualistic explanation
The modern epidemic seems to be misplaced and fictitious according to Sir Ken.
Attention Deficit Disorder is subjective as its existence is not apparent (Stephenson, 2010).
However, the worrying this is that children suspected to be suffering from it are subjected to
conventional medicine yet they are living in the most exciting moments in the planet’s history.

CHANGING EDUCATION PARADIGM 3
The change of curriculum should be used to draw the attention of children to enable them to
concentrate and focus on their studies.
Social causes for educational failure
Divergent thinking is lacking which is essential for creativity. The ability to have
multiple possible answers to a particular question lacks in today’s system as children are taught
that there is one answer at the back of the book limits innovation and creativity in the classroom
(Robinson, 2012). Also, the lack of collaboration as a prerequisite for growth is highly
discouraged, yet it could help in improving the cognitive ability of students.
Problems with the American education system
Lack of regard for arts
It is approximated that more than 6 million children have no access to arts education. The issue is
exacerbated by the fact other 6 million have limited exposure to art.
References

CHANGING EDUCATION PARADIGM 4
Robinson, K. (2012, January 20). challenging orthodox thinking about education technology.
Retrieved from Ed Tech Now: https://edtechnow.net/2012/01/20/sir-ken-robinson/
Stephenson, A. (Director). (2010). RSA ANIMATE: Changing Education Paradigms [Motion
Picture].