The purpose of education: Educating for a solutionary future?

The purpose of education: Educating for a solutionary future?

Author: Ethical Schools October 19, 2022 Duration: 34:34
We welcome back Zoe Weil, president and co-founder of the Institute for Humane Education, to speak about her recent Psychology Today column on the purpose of education. Although the official goal of many school systems is to prepare students for global competition, compassion, cooperation, and creativity are the qualities we should be emphasizing. A generation of solutionaries has a much better chance of creating a sustainable planet where humans and animals other than humans can thrive. Overview 00:00-00:44 Intros 00:44-02:42 Purpose of education 02:42-07:41 What is a “solutionary?” 07:41-13:04 Teaching and learning in a solutionary classroom 13:04-19:10 Skills incorporated in a solutionary framework 19:10-24:33 How to deal with serious conflicts 24:33-26:59 Encouraging students to be solutionary when their schools aren’t 26:59-29:58 Solutionary education has not hit walls in polarized educational environment 29:58-31:58 Solutionary education and standardized tests, other assessments 31:58- Outro Transcript Click here to see the full transcription of this episode. 

Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Ethical Schools
Podcast Episodes
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