The Economist is currently running a series of Conferences that duly make up the Ideas Economy, 'bringing together the top thinkers, and you to discuss the most important issues of our time.' Most recently there was a conference in New York City, which centered on the theme of 'Human Potential.' The speakers and debates were focused on ideas about human nature, education, entrepreneurship, technology and economy. You can read more about the Economists' 'Ideas Economy' here. Or read my post on the new Economist Ideas blog.
One debate, on education in NY especially piqued my interest. It was a flavorful exchange from the esteemed education historian Diane Ravitch and the Charter School Queen Eva Moskowitz. It was especially interesting because Diane speaks from a perceptive historical background, while Eva is on the ground, trying to make things work in the city. Both can agree that education has gone too far astray with the test-based system, and that in order to manage, education must become more individualized. Change must begin with the teachers. More cooperation between teachers and unions is needed. But the real change, Ravitch said, is changing the idea of prescribed learning, a return to learning before bureaucracy.
At lunch the talks continued, and people had the opportunity to share ideas they had - then everyone voted.
Most of the debates and speakers were representatives of the boomer and X generations. However there was a visible presence of the work-force-emergent Y-generation. The topic of one debate concerned Generation Y and questions of Social Media and cultural trends with this wave. The panel included such Generation experts as Tammy Erickson, the author of 'What's Next, Gen X,' and Linda Stone, a Writer and 'Generalist.' I love this term, Generalist. Both of these women were intelligent, engaging and inspirational. What's more, they both spoke as if they understood and celebrated Generation Y - which wasn't the case with the majority of the speakers. Various other speakers had referred to the Y-gen with all the blanket myths, they're 'lazy,' 'without talent,' 'too casual' etc. Stone was pleased with the confidence that 20 and 30-somethings have today.
It was important to have a few Y-generation representatives on the panel - Which both challenged and affirmed different beliefs about the group. But in reality, there is a broad spectrum of people and ways of living within each generation - Yes, there are some trends and historical alterations, but generations must not be held as something determined. This was illustrated within the group, in the great range of values within and between us.
That is why is it so essential that the dialogue involves many voices, from across generations. Especially in idea-harvesting, we can really benefit from the diverse talents and belief systems of all ages and upbringings. I was very grateful for the opportunity to speak on the panel, to be part of the dialogue surrounding the cultivation of Human Potential.
One debate, on education in NY especially piqued my interest. It was a flavorful exchange from the esteemed education historian Diane Ravitch and the Charter School Queen Eva Moskowitz. It was especially interesting because Diane speaks from a perceptive historical background, while Eva is on the ground, trying to make things work in the city. Both can agree that education has gone too far astray with the test-based system, and that in order to manage, education must become more individualized. Change must begin with the teachers. More cooperation between teachers and unions is needed. But the real change, Ravitch said, is changing the idea of prescribed learning, a return to learning before bureaucracy.
At lunch the talks continued, and people had the opportunity to share ideas they had - then everyone voted.It was important to have a few Y-generation representatives on the panel - Which both challenged and affirmed different beliefs about the group. But in reality, there is a broad spectrum of people and ways of living within each generation - Yes, there are some trends and historical alterations, but generations must not be held as something determined. This was illustrated within the group, in the great range of values within and between us.
That is why is it so essential that the dialogue involves many voices, from across generations. Especially in idea-harvesting, we can really benefit from the diverse talents and belief systems of all ages and upbringings. I was very grateful for the opportunity to speak on the panel, to be part of the dialogue surrounding the cultivation of Human Potential.
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