I truly enjoyed reading Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future. There were certain ideas presented in the book that I was surprisingly already familiar with, such as gaming as a way of learning, and making meaning to lead a happy, successful life. I liked how the book was arranged. The first part of the book describes how the brain works, which is something that has always fascinated me. I enjoyed reading about the functions of the brain because it is interesting to find out why we do things we do, as well as why others behave the way they do. In part 2 of the book, Pink introduces the six senses that all humans possess. They are: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play, and Meaning. These senses, according to Pink, are increasingly becoming more important and necessary in our society. I agree with Pink’s idea that being prepared for the future requires more than what standardized testing is preparing us for. Being truly successful and happy in the future will require skills that cannot be taught via computer, and being able to do things that computers are not capable of doing.
I am glad that I chose this book because I feel like I already agree with a lot of the ideas that Pink presented. As a teacher, I know that content is first and foremost, but sometimes certain students need the human connection before they can be guided to learn anything else. Throughout the credential program we have learned that students are not always allowed to express themselves in the manner that is beneficial to them. Unfortunately, I think that our schools do limit students and that the effects are everlasting. I'd like to be the kind of educator that creates opportunities for students to express themselves in any way they choose, whether that way is left-brained or right-brained. If we can help students develop their emotional intelligence, as well as their academic intelligence, our world will be in a better place.
I am glad that I chose this book because I feel like I already agree with a lot of the ideas that Pink presented. As a teacher, I know that content is first and foremost, but sometimes certain students need the human connection before they can be guided to learn anything else. Throughout the credential program we have learned that students are not always allowed to express themselves in the manner that is beneficial to them. Unfortunately, I think that our schools do limit students and that the effects are everlasting. I'd like to be the kind of educator that creates opportunities for students to express themselves in any way they choose, whether that way is left-brained or right-brained. If we can help students develop their emotional intelligence, as well as their academic intelligence, our world will be in a better place.