Is Colorado shooter ‘canary in the mine’?
Recently, the Banner-Herald published a commentary about China’s move away from rote learning toward teaching more creative thinking skills to the upcoming generation. Apparently, the Chinese believe those skills are vital for becoming a player in a world of fast-changing technology, diminishing resources and global competition.
Their dilemma, though, like that of most countries, is discovering how schools and educators can balance creativity (new ideas, innovation, independent thought) with academic rigor (skills, facts, memorization). The commentary in the Banner-Herald contended that nations finding that balance will have the competitive edge in the future. But, exactly what future is that?
We will be learning more each day about the tragic shootings in the Colorado theater and the young man who killed 12 moviegoers and injured 58 others. We already know the killer was highly intelligent and well-educated, having been selected for a competitive neuroscience program at the University of Colorado. His background could fit many young people — people we know. If only he could have used his mind for good, rather than evil.
What does this tragedy have to do with education? Well, what will become of young, able and hungry minds as advanced technology, the increased use of robotics and an endless shift of “jobs” to countries with substandard wages rapidly closes future doors for so many?
Is the Colorado assassin a canary in our decaying mine? Where does a bright young person who has tried hard to plan, learn and think put their anger when everything they have done is still not enough?
Pamela Rodgers Smith