Bringing Back the Inkwells!

I have offered myself to the inkwell of the wordsmith that I might be shaped into new terms of being.

Saul Williams

Without doubt we’re in the midst of some of the most disruptive times in education at present – both in New Zealand and globally. Lack of motivation and engagement is becoming a significant issue – as are concerns about the declining levels of achievement, particularly in fundamental areas of literacy and numeracy.

In this ever-evolving landscape of education, it seems our policymakers have stumbled upon a novel solution to all our modern woes: let’s bring back the inkwells. Yes, you heard that right. The trusty inkwell, a staple of the 19th-century classroom, is poised for a triumphant return. In our enthusiasm for embracing the ‘modern’ or ‘progressive’ forms of education and pedagogical practice, we’ve so easily dismissed and forgotten the things of the past that have made our education system what it is! Let’s consider here what else we might take on board?

Nostalgia: The Best Educator

There’s something undeniably comforting about the past. Remember the days when rote memorisation was the pinnacle of learning? When students sat in neat rows, silently absorbing knowledge dispensed from on high? It’s clear that modern education has lost its way with all these new-fangled ideas about critical thinking, creativity, and technology. Let’s abandon the distractions of digital literacy and get back to the basics – like penmanship for example. Because nothing prepares a student for the 21st century quite like perfecting their cursive.

Inkwells: The Silver Bullet

The logic behind this bold move is impeccable. If inkwells worked so well for our great-grandparents, they must be the solution to today’s educational challenges. Forget about tablets, laptops, and interactive whiteboards. The tactile experience of dipping a quill into an inkwell will surely reignite a passion for learning that has been snuffed out by the sterile, blue light of screens. Plus, think of the economic benefits – no more expensive electronics to replace every few years. Just a one-time investment in ink and quills, and we’re set for life.

Discipline and Order

Let’s not overlook the ancillary benefits of inkwells. The inherent messiness of ink will teach students discipline and responsibility. One wrong move and your pristine essay is ruined, which is a fantastic way to instil the fear of mistakes. After all, what better way to prepare our children for the future than by teaching them that failure is not an option?

Relearning Obsolete Skills

We must acknowledge the growing chorus of voices advocating for a “return to basics” in education. Skills like critical thinking and digital literacy are overrated. In a world where information is just a click away, why would we waste time teaching students to sift through sources or verify facts? Instead, let’s focus on the foundational skills of yore. Spelling bees, anyone? Nothing screams 21st-century readiness like an ability to spell “antidisestablishmentarianism” under pressure.

The Real World Awaits

As we prepare students for the future, it’s essential to remember that the real world doesn’t change. Employers are desperately seeking workers who can fill out forms in perfect cursive. The tech industry may be crying out for graduates who can use a dip pen with precision. By reintroducing inkwells, we’re not just preparing students for the past; we’re equipping them with timeless skills that will serve them well in the hypothetical scenarios of tomorrow.

Seriously Though …

Readers of my blog will recognised (hopefully) my attempt at satire here. In all seriousness, the push to return to outdated educational methods highlights a critical flaw in our approach to policy-making: the romanticisation of the past, and the selective adoption of specific strategies that we believe worked then that will work for us again now. It’s easy to look back with rose-tinted glasses and believe that bringing back the “good old days” will solve contemporary issues. However, the world has changed, and so have the skills our children need.

“He pai te tirohanga ki nga mahara mo nga raa pahemo engari ka puta te maaramatanga i runga i te titiro whakamua.
It’s fine to have recollections of the past, but wisdom comes from being able to prepare opportunities for the future.”

The whakatauki above highlights an important perspective here. Without doubt there is a lot to learn from what has been done in the past, and indeed, there’s plenty of ‘science’ that lies behind many of these things. As educational professionals we should be well versed with the range of theories and research-based strategies that inform our work. But the real value of that lies in our critical analysis of that enables us to discern where the lessons lie for what is required to address both the opportunities and challenges into the future. Instead of clinging to antiquated practices, we should be innovating and evolving, ensuring our education system prepares students for the real challenges they will face. While history is an excellent teacher, it’s a terrible place to live.

So What Can You Do?

The push for returning to “traditional” methods often comes with the claim of “scientific backing,” especially when we see things like the current achievement levels showing an ongoing decline. However, it’s crucial to recognise that not all solutions proposed are fit for the future’s complex and dynamic challenges, particularly if presented as a one-size-fits-all or ‘silver-bullet’ solution. Here are just a few ideas I can think of to help navigate this dilemma and create a balanced, forward-looking educational approach:

• Critically Evaluate Research Claims: Encourage your teachers and community to scrutinise the research behind proposed strategies. Look for comprehensive studies, peer-reviewed articles, and longitudinal data that provide a more nuanced understanding of educational outcomes.
• Adopt a Blended Approach: Blend the best of traditional and modern methods. For instance, while it’s undeniable that foundational skills in literacy and numeracy are crucial and that strategies based on research from the cognitive sciences can be helpful in this process, we should also be looking to the other learning sciences to help ensure we’re addressing the needs of the ‘while child’ in the approach taken..
• Customise Learning Experiences: Recognise that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely work. We should continue to develop flexible curricula that can be adapted to meet the diverse needs of students. Personalised learning plans can help address individual strengths and weaknesses.
• Promote Critical and Creative Thinking: Ensure that any new strategy or policy includes components that foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for navigating a rapidly changing world.
• Ensure There Is Rigour In Your Success Measures: Seek to implement rigorous, multidimensional measures of success that may include but go beyond standardised test scores. Consider a range of indicators including student engagement, critical thinking skills, creativity, and real-world problem-solving abilities. This ensures that we are accurately assessing the effectiveness of our educational approaches and their impact on preparing students for the future.
• Implement Evidence-Based Professional Development: All of your professional development activity should be explicitly grounded in evidence and tailored to the needs of staff. This will help ensure they adopt new methods effectively and confidently.
• Pilot and Assess New Approaches: Before rolling out new strategies on a wide scale, conduct pilot programs to test their effectiveness. Gather data, solicit feedback, and make necessary adjustments based on real-world classroom experiences.
• Stay Future-Focused: Ensure that all educational policies and practices are aligned with preparing students for the future. This means keeping an eye on emerging trends, technological advancements, and the evolving job market.
• Avoid Grasping at Inkwells: enough said!