Real Education is Relevant

Posted in Philosophy of Education on Nov 04, 2011 - 09:07 AM

Real Education is Relevant
And Relevance Is All About the Context

If we are going to talk about school reform designed to create meaningful education, we need to look at education within the context of the individual, her community, history, and the planet. And hopefully with as much sophistication as each context demands.

Today’s education reform narrative is filled with buzz words that are meant to capture the majority of perceived issues we need to address in schools. Most are about making today’s learners competitive in tomorrow’s job market. None does this better than “21st century skills.” I actually have little issue with “21st century skills.” It’s the common context and application that is more worthy of critique. They fail to appreciate the largest possible context within which education needs to be understood to be relevant.

Read more and join the coversation at Cooperative Catalyst

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Adam Burk

Adam Burk is dedicated to aligning himself with wisdom, health, and creativity to live well in his place with the local and global community. His professional efforts mirror this—in his current roles as educator, community organizer, event producer, wilderness guide, and digital organizer, and in his past positions as social worker, carpenter, and baker. He enjoys working collaboratively, experimentally, and reflectively with others sincere in their desire to do good. He was recently recognized as one of 40 young leaders in Maine shaping the future of the state. Adam holds a master’s in education from Goddard College and is a graduate of the Institute for Civic Leadership’s intensive program for facilitative leadership. An avid naturalist, Adam lives in Maine with his gorgeous wife, Molly, and their two dogs.

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