I have recently seen the Khan Academy video and Sir Robinson's work (TED is a wonderful source of inspiration), and I am definitely interested in the "flipping" the classroom concept.
However, I also realize that:
(1) the school system in general have actually done better each time it has been faced with accusations of "failing." (Sorry, no real source right now, but I have seen statistics in various keynote presentations from speakers like Bill Daggett.)
(2) the school system is for the most part one-size-fits-all and that system will never work for all students.
(3) there are intriguing ventures in education that may not replace the entire system, but it would be nice for all students to have a choice for different ways of learning. The one type of format that interests me the most is from Dennis Littky of
The Big Picture.
In the big picture schools, a teacher (called advisor) has 18-20 students for four years; students do internships with mentors in the community 2-3 times a week; students create portfolios and present their learning to a community audience; etc. What I really like about this format (and what I like about FIRST) is that students work with adults so they really are adults-in-training. They get to experience actual work, and they get to be among adults more often. They also get a chance to really explore their interests and find their passion.
[Semi-Rant]How often have you taken a step back at a high school and observe students' behavior and ask...Do they act this way when just "out" in society? Does being contained in the high school "bubble" hinder them from being ready to be among adults? From a student's point of view (IMHO), school is one of the most social aspects of a teen's life, and therefore, they "dress" socially, act socially, etc. Adults have more opportunity to separate their work and social life. I believe young adults need to be exposed more to adult life and the world of work so they are better prepared to enter that world.
"The purpose of education is not to enable students to be good in school, but to enable them to be good outside of school." -Ray McNulty[/Semi-Rant]