In his latest book, The Great Reset: How New Ways of Living and Working Drive Post-Crash Prosperity published by Harper (April 27, 2010), Richard Florida observes:
"We've mythologized the histories of entrepreneurs such as [Bill] Gates or Steven Jobs or Michael Dell, constantly retelling the stories of these go-getters starting new businesses in their dorm rooms or garages in their spare time. Yet nobody ever asks the obvious question: Why were they doing those things in their spare time? Why isn't the education system structured so that this kind of activity is the very goal? Humans have always essentially learned by doing. The idea that school is the only, or even the main, source of education is a relatively recent development. We need to understand that classroom education is merely one phase of a continuous process of learning, discovery, and engagement that can occur anywhere and anytime. We need a learning system that fuels, rather than squelches, our collective creativity."
Richard Florida's take on the education system is a fresh view. We need to look far beyond the classroom for education. There is much more than education than books, tables, chairs, and chalkboards. Living history, fieldtrips, homelife, projects, sports, volunteerism, vacations, and many other settings are opportunities for education.
What are you doing in your spare time? Where do you learn?
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