Abstract

Educators who work in schools, would argue that these are the best of times, and the worst of times. The optimists argue that new pedagogies are emerging which are disruptively transformative, thanks largely to digital technologies (MOOCS, flipped classrooms, Khan Academy, minimally invasive learning, to name but four). The pessimists say that our obsession with high-stakes testing has led to a ‘crisis of disengagement’ in schools of epic proportions, and that ‘teaching to the test’ is killing a love of learning in young people. Meanwhile, beyond the world of formal education, a revolution is taking place in how we learn, and live, socially. Unprecedented behaviour shifts are taking place and the pressure upon traditional models of learning to adapt, is enormous.

This participatory seminar will explore the challenges facing those working in schools, investigate approaches to re-engaging learners, and, through case studies in two national education projects, Musical Futures (www.musicalfutures.org) and Learning Futures (www.learningfutures.org), the implications for those working in the arts.

David Price, O.B.E (speaker, writer, project manager, strategic advisor, educator) After a 15 year stint in the music industry, David began working in education, lecturing in adult, further, and higher education. In 1994 he helped establish Sir Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, where he was Director of Learning for 7 years. Since then, he has led national projects in arts and education in the UK, including third-sector organisations and government departments internationally. David will inspire discussion and debate around key practical and political questions covering key arts initiatives.