A Whole New Educator...

I recently finished reading Daniel Pink's book, "A Whole New Mind." I was inspired to read this book because I am a huge fan of Pink's most well known book, Drive. I highly encourage you to read both of these books if you have not yet.

"A Whole New Mind" illustrates the transition we are experiencing from a society that values left brain thinkers, to a society that will value the right brain thinkers even more. The left side of the brain "handles logic, sequence, literalness, and analysis," while the right side "takes care of synthesis, emotional expression, context, and the big picture." (Pg. 25)

As an educator, I was especially interested in how this applies to the educational setting. Pink provides this excellent graphic which helps to describe how our society and civilization have been changing over the centuries:

If we are approaching (or already in) an age of conception, meaning we are a society of "creators and empathizers," what can we and should we be doing as educators to make sure our students are prepared? I think it is appropriate that we should first start with ourselves, the educators... Pink outlines six main aptitudes that need to be mastered...six main aptitudes that need to be mastered for the "whole new educator."   

Design - The whole new educator will no longer teach something purely because of its societal functionality. The whole new educator will teach about concepts that are aesthetically pleasing and inspiring. The whole new educator will encourage students to create and design products that are "beautiful and emotionally engaging," while simultaneously serving a functional purpose. (Pg. 65)

Story - The whole new educator will make sure information and data are part of a narrative. The whole new educator believes that information and data alone are worthless, and as such information will need to be a part of something contextually greater. The whole new educator will both practice and teach the art of "persuasion, communication, and self-understanding." (Pg. 66) 

Symphony - The whole new educator will see how individual pieces fit together to form the big picture. The whole new educator will both practice and preach the ability to synthesize. The whole new educator will no longer see things for what they are, but rather the whole new educator will have the ability, awareness, and perspective to see things for what they can become.

Empathy - The whole new educator will model and teach empathy. The whole new educator emphasizes the importance of being human, and consequently a whole new educator will attempt to put students in the shoes and lives of others. The whole new educator sees empathy as a crucial piece to developing and establishing strong relationships.

Play - The whole new educator will bring a classroom to life with games, laughter and humor. The whole new educator sees the value in making sure that everything is not always taken too seriously. The whole new educator recognizes the educational and health benefits of living life.

Meaning - The whole new educator will present educational content as more than just isolated pieces of information. The whole new educator will present educational content as a way to helping each student find greater meaning and purpose in life. Education will become a means to finding "purpose, transcendence, and spiritual fulfillment." (Pg. 67)

All quotes are from Daniel Pink's book, "A Whole New Mind."

Follow Daniel Pink on Twitter: @danielpink