THE CHALLENGE
The current Western educational model privileges linearity, preservation, and uniformity. The unsustainable values that this model perpetuates are now globally pervasive. From this design, practices emerge like standardized testing that promotes norming, a lack of creativity and adaptability, and uninspired learning environments that drain educators and learners. Further consequences exist like a disconnect between learners and their communities, very few practices that foster healthy identity formation, and teaching methodologies that further a disrespect for the individuality of each learner and educator.
The result: young people are mostly "stressed, bored, and tired."
The current model can be slow to change, with innovations addressing the symptoms of a faulty foundation, rather than the stifling principles at the center of the design. Even though the process is complex and rigorous, with many unknowns along the way, the foundation itself must be addressed for transformation to occur.
The photo on this webpage was created by Springhouse learners and the Beehive Design Collective. Several years ago we collaborated on a project exploring how teens nationwide felt about their educational experiences. From that data, this mural was created.
The current Western educational model privileges linearity, preservation, and uniformity. The unsustainable values that this model perpetuates are now globally pervasive. From this design, practices emerge like standardized testing that promotes norming, a lack of creativity and adaptability, and uninspired learning environments that drain educators and learners. Further consequences exist like a disconnect between learners and their communities, very few practices that foster healthy identity formation, and teaching methodologies that further a disrespect for the individuality of each learner and educator.
The result: young people are mostly "stressed, bored, and tired."
The current model can be slow to change, with innovations addressing the symptoms of a faulty foundation, rather than the stifling principles at the center of the design. Even though the process is complex and rigorous, with many unknowns along the way, the foundation itself must be addressed for transformation to occur.
The photo on this webpage was created by Springhouse learners and the Beehive Design Collective. Several years ago we collaborated on a project exploring how teens nationwide felt about their educational experiences. From that data, this mural was created.