The video above is not short, it is 20 minutes, it also not that new either, having been delivered in 2006, but it is well worth watching. The speaker, Sir Ken Robinson is a leading thinker on realising the potential of creativity and the importance of innovation. The talk is incredibly funny verging on a comedy routine at times. The premise is that the current schooling system that trains children for the working world is an inadequate tool for preparing children to face the unknown challenges and opportunities that will happen into the future.

I liked the presentation and particularly related to the example he gives on why people are often discouraged from studying arts subjects like music. One of my favourite subjects at school was drama, but I was discouraged from continuing it beyond year 7 as it was unlikely I would ever find work as an actor. I’m not an actor today – even if I had pursued the subject it is highly unlikely I would have wanted to be an actor. But having a job that calls on me to present to and influence people constantly I often wonder how the skills I would have gained from further study in this area would have benefited.

Anyways enough about me – watch the video, it is entertaining. Hat tip Steve Clayton.