Zombies en la escuela | Juli Garbulsky | TEDxRiodelaPlata

Understanding the Feeling of Being Trapped in School

The Experience of Feeling Trapped

• The speaker reflects on their high school experience, emphasizing a sense of being trapped and repeating the same routine daily.

• They express that many friends shared similar feelings, feeling confined within the school system.

• The monotonous cycle of entering class, copying notes, and preparing for tests is highlighted as a source of frustration.

Lack of Engagement in Learning

• The speaker contrasts their passion for learning about aeroplanes at home with the lack of opportunity to explore interests in school.

• They mention how personal interests were sidelined by the rigid structure of schooling, leading to exhaustion after classes.

The Need for Change in Education

Current Educational Challenges

• There is a recognition that while discussions about improving education are ongoing, immediate solutions are necessary for current students.

• The speaker recalls moments when they felt less trapped during engaging activities or certain teachers' classes.

Engaging Learning Experiences

• Participation in math olympics provided an alternative to traditional math lessons, focusing on problem-solving rather than rote memorization.

• A specific puzzle involving coins illustrates how real-life problem-solving can be more engaging than standard classroom exercises.

Rethinking Problem-Solving Approaches

Creative Thinking vs. Memorization

• Solving problems like identifying heavier coins required creativity and collaboration rather than just memorizing formulas.

• This approach fosters critical thinking skills that are often neglected in traditional educational settings.

Real-Life Applications

• Students often struggle with unfamiliar problems due to a lack of exposure to creative problem-solving methods in school.

The Importance of Choice and Freedom in Learning

Alternative Teaching Methods

• Teachers who deviated from conventional teaching methods allowed students to engage more deeply with subjects like history through debates and discussions.

Opportunities for Exploration

• Optional seminars offered by schools provided chances for students to explore topics they enjoyed, such as astronomy.

Motivation and Student Engagement

The Role of Student Choice

• A call is made for greater student choice in reading materials and learning topics to enhance engagement and motivation.

Addressing Misconceptions About Education

The Transformation of Education: From Zombies to Learners

The Current State of Education

• The speaker argues that the current education system has turned students into "zombies," where they do not follow their hearts and make choices through a process of elimination.

• This disconnection from genuine interest is attributed to how schools operate, leading to a lack of engagement and passion for learning.

• There is a call for change, emphasizing that all stakeholders—schools, students, and parents—can work together to create better educational opportunities.

• The focus should shift from merely passing tests to fostering an environment where exploration and learning are prioritized over rote memorization.