New Brunswick children need more say in their own education: experts

As New Brunswick considers a number of ways to improve its education system, some experts say the province is asking the wrong people.

Marc Prensky, founder ofthe GlobalFuture Education Foundation and Institute, said the education department shouldaskstudents what they need to learn.

"We would actually listen to kids, who they are," said Prensky. "What are yourdreams, what do you love, what are the problems out there that you see that you care about? We're going to prepare you to do that."

Prenskyis one of many experts invited by the education departmentto discuss a wide range of proposed reforms includedin a green paper report put out by the province.

The report proposesa number of changes, including the phasing out of age-based grade levels, using more artificial intelligence, and more partnerships with the private sector.

Global problem

Prensky said people treat children like pets who can be told where to sit and perform tricks they're taught. Instead, he said educators should listen to and observe children to figure out what those skills might be.

Prensky said the resources needed to help children with their dreams can be found online, and the only thing that's missing is someone to guide them.

"Listen to the kids and believe the kids. If a kid tells you his dream is to become x, y or z say, 'Okay, let's work on that,'" said Prensky.

"We really don't pay enough attention to who our kids are as people because we didn't need to in the past. Now we need to."

Tracey Burns also said moreattention should be given to what students say they need.

Burnsis a senior analyst for theOrganisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, an international organization that works with governments tofind solutions for worldwide problems.

Burns, who works out of Paris,said it's a global problem.

"It's become more about the process, more about the administrative issues, more about the tests than the student," said Burns.

"One of the questions that countries are asking is how do we deal with the expectations and the hopes we have for our students and the students' expectations and hopes they have for themselves, and how do we actually work that into a high quality education environment."

Burns said this includes seeking feedback fromyounger students, and shy ones who may not be as articulate or confident about expressing themselves.