Above the standard - intrinsic motivation.

Currently in New Zealand the National Government is encouraging schools to run more like businesses. They have introduced standard tests and they rate schools according to 'best standard performance'. These standards supposedly hold schools and teachers accountable for the work they achieve. The National Stardard tests and ratings supposedly show families which schools are the best schools.

The push to conform to standards is a rising tide that is drowning teacher's passions and squashing student's intrinsic motivation. Learning to a formula and rewarded with 'carrots' and gold stars will only create robots.

I think the National Government and 'Big' Business has it wrong.

What if the current business model (in big business and now in schools) strips people of their intrinsic motivation, and productivity decreases to a standard level? Dan Pink's TED talk makes a case against the standard business model.

What if the model changed to something more in tune with people's intrinsic motivation and passions - because we can't go on doing the same standard things for 'carrots' and gold stars.

So what are your children learning in school?
Why are your children learning the things they are learn in school? Is it enough?
Who is their motivator?

What is motivating them to learn more and rise above the standard?

 

MoMA Art Lab

Children's Collaborative Creation - Manaia Kindergarten

There are many creative apps for the ipad, but what is different about MoMA Art Lab ($4.99 NZ) is its link to the Museum of Modern Art (New York). Using 'simple' shapes and techniques children can explore colour, balance, shape whilst creating a work of art. Designs can be complex or 'simple' - and both stunning. Children can explore the processes of creating abstract modern art, and they can save their final creations to print and display. The MoMA Art Lab encourages group collaboration through the use of 'Create an exquisite corpse'. Based the age old game where friends draw different body parts on folded paper, children can create a surprise drawing together... ideal for a kindergarten setting. Above is the design created by three Manaia Kindergarten children. You can see them in action using the app together, on the Manaia Kindergarten blog - Drawing Together with MoMA.

The Art Lab tools that are provided for creations mimic techniques used by the Great Artists, and introduce young children to great paintings. Below is a YouTube clip highlighting many of the creative attributes of MoMA Art Lab for the iPad.

Hurve Tullet

Having been inspired from the efellow's masterclass, I have arrived home and continue to read, research, watch, listen, and explore ideas.

I have discovered a great blog by John Funk.  I enjoyed his recommendation of the book Press Here by Hurve Tullet.

I have previously heard about this book.  I thought I'd wait for the ipad app Press Here - LOL. However, on further research, I watched a youtube video of children interacting with this book. I realised that an ipad app would clearly contradict the message of the book. And, I believe, it would be a contradiction of Hurve Tullet's philosophy.

Hurve Tullet's books inspire me. I found a great video interview (2min) with Hurve Tullet, about his book Doodle Cook. As an artist and educator, this interview inspires me. I can imagine the possibilities with our children and I look forward to further exploring this artist, author and his books, with the children at Manaia Kindergarten.