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Raising “Solutionaries” by Teaching Skills Instead of Facts with Zoe Weil and Steve Cochrane (Episode #91)
The biggest challenge for educators is that we need to acknowledge multiple ways of learning, and we need to lean into a new way of teaching that focuses on high level thinking and strategic thinking. That is Zoe and Steve’s mission.
About Our Guest
In today’s episode, we have Zoe Weil and Steve Cochrane of the Institute of Humane Education to show us how they are helping students find joy and purpose. They look at problems in a different way—by being “solutionaries” that identify unjust and unsustainable systems. They will talk about how school curricula should not be boxed in facts and memorization, but also should provide experiences that allow children to develop their unique selves. With that, let’s jump right in and see how to educate the humane way!
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Zoe and Steve through www.humaneeducation.org, and get a free copy of “How to be a Solutionary Guidebook”.
Show Notes
[00:09 – 10:22] Opening Segment
I introduce Zoe and Steve to the show
Zoey’s 2011 Ted talk, “Creating Solutionaries”
What is a “solutionary”?
Someone who can identify unjust and unsustainable systems
[10:23 – 28:09] The Solutionary
Steve talks about how and why he collaborated with Zoe
Deepening the curriculum through solutionaries
Focusing on the systemic connections
Developing ethical analysis for children
Zoe talks about her book, “The World Becomes what we Teach”
[28:10 – 42:57] Graduating Happy Children through Critical Thinking
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True price and true cost
What are the effects of products on yourself, other people, animals, and environment?
The t-shirt example
The true cost allows students to question the systems
How these can be integrated into a variety of curricula
The negative effects of some products environmentally, and socially
Free resources at the links below
Everyone can be a “solutionary” educator
[42:58 – 51:30] A “Solutionary” Solution
The solution has to address the root cause of the problem
Students choosing a problem they care about to solve
What are you good at?
What do you love to do?
What do you need to learn?
Making schools meaningful and joyful
[51:31 – 53:28] Closing Segment
Final words
