Whole New Mind- catalyst for change

At our last Spring Chapter Council, one of our new Executive members, Bonnie Chapman of Surrey suggested a advoacy plan.  Her idea centered around the promotion of the book A Whole New Mind- Why right brainers will rule the future.  Well, I don't know about the plan but I do have some views on the book.  This book is amazing snapshot of the complex social changes that have a direct impact on our goals as educators.  It has affirmed for me that we need to embrace the pedagogical adaptations that will make students think more as independent people. 

Example after example of Pink's book echoes in so many other thinkers and writers, I am convinced tha this general thesis is true.  The concept is not brand new.  The notion has been debated by Tofler and written about in the BC Learner 2000 Commission.  I have already had many people ask about it. It has generated so much valuable educational discussion and it is only a week ago since I read it.

As Bonnie indicated in April, this is a must read for every teacher-librarian who wants to understand why he/she works so hard. I am so convinced of Pink's 'conceptual work', I am going to study more and follow his concept of 'design' to adapt my collaborative lessons in 2008-2009.

ps

I found another article in Teacher Librarian 2006 that similarly touches on the need for less technical skills and greater conceptual building. Download knowledgeworker242.pdf see link below

Pink, Daniel. A Whole New Mind. Berkley Publishing TRD
(288 Pages, 6.00 x 9.00) ISBN-10: 1594481717 . ISBN-13: 978-1594481710

February 23, 2006.

Pink, best-selling author of Free Agent Nation (2001) and also former chief speechwriter for former vice-president Al Gore, has crafted a profound read packed with an abundance of references to books, seminars, Web sites, and such to guide your adjustment to expanding your right brain if you plan to survive and prosper in the Western world. According to Pink, the keys to success are in developing and cultivating six senses: design, story, symphony, empathy, play, and meaning. Pink compares this upcoming "Conceptual Age" to past periods of intense change, such as the Industrial Revolution and the Renaissance, as a way of emphasizing its importance.
-Booklist.Ed Dwyer. Copyright © American Library Association.

Johnson, Doug. "skills for the knowledge worker." Teacher Librarian 34.1 (Oct. 2006): 8-13. Professional Development Collection. EBSCO. [Library name], [City], [State abbreviation]. 12 May 2008 http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=tfh&AN=22627954&loginpage=Login.asp&site=ehost-live.

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