Watch TED Talks Education

TED Talks Education is a special series by PBS that presents inspiring and thought-provoking conversations on the challenges and opportunities in American education. This show, which aired in 2013, features some of the most brilliant and innovative minds in education, science, technology, and entertainment. Hosted by John Legend, the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter, TED Talks Education offers a wide range of insights, experiences, and ideas that can help transform the way we teach and learn.

The show opens with John Legend's powerful performance of his hit song "Ordinary People," which sets the tone for a series of talks that challenge the status quo of the American education system. Each speaker offers a unique perspective on what it means to be an educator or a student in the 21st century, and how we can create a more equitable and empowering learning environment for everyone.

One of the highlights of the show is the talk by Bill Gates, the legendary entrepreneur and philanthropist, who reflects on his own experience as a high school dropout and shares his vision for using technology to transform education. Gates argues that technology can help personalize learning, expand access to quality education, and prepare students for the demands of the modern workplace. He also warns against the potential pitfalls of relying too much on technology and urges educators to focus on developing the skills of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

Another standout speaker is Dr. Angela Lee Duckworth, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania and the founder of the Character Lab. Duckworth talks about the importance of "grit" - the ability to persevere in the face of challenges and failures - in achieving academic and personal success. She presents compelling evidence from her research that grit is a better predictor of achievement than IQ, and suggests practical strategies to develop grit in ourselves and our students.

Geoffrey Canada, the renowned educator and activist, gives a passionate talk about the urgent need to address the achievement gap in America's inner-city schools. Canada challenges the notion that poverty is an insurmountable obstacle to academic success and shares his innovative approach to creating a "culture of achievement" in Harlem Children's Zone, a non-profit organization he founded to provide comprehensive support to low-income families. He emphasizes the importance of early childhood education, parental involvement, and community engagement in creating a pathway to success for disadvantaged children.

Malcolm London, a young spoken-word artist and community organizer, delivers a stirring performance of his poem "High School Training Ground," which speaks to the experiences and aspirations of urban students. London shares his own journey from a troubled youth to a powerful voice for social justice, and calls on educators to create spaces where young people can express their creativity and agency.

Pearl Arredondo, a veteran teacher and activist from Los Angeles, shares her personal story of overcoming poverty and adversity to become a passionate advocate for education. Arredondo challenges the prevalent stereotypes of Latino youth as "at-risk" or "disadvantaged" and highlights the resilience and creativity of her students. She argues that education is not just about academic achievement, but also about social and emotional development, and calls on educators to be agents of change and empathy.

Ramsey Musallam, a high school chemistry teacher from San Francisco, delivers a dynamic and interactive talk about the power of questioning to engage and motivate students. Musallam shares his "three rules" for asking good questions and demonstrates how curiosity and experimentation can lead to deeper learning and innovation.

Rita F. Pierson, a veteran teacher and motivational speaker, gives a heartwarming and humorous talk about the importance of building relationships with students. Pierson argues that teaching is not just a job, but a calling, and that the key to effective teaching is to connect with students on a human level. She shares powerful anecdotes and insights from her own experience and challenges educators to be advocates for their students' success.

Sir Ken Robinson, a renowned educator and author, delivers a witty and insightful talk about the need to reform education to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Robinson argues that our current education system is based on a outdated industrial model that values conformity over creativity and standardization over diversity. He proposes a radical shift towards a more personalized, holistic, and innovative approach that nurtures students' passions and talents.

Overall, TED Talks Education is a must-watch for anyone interested in education, innovation, and social change. The show offers a diverse and inspiring cast of speakers who share a common goal of creating a better world through education. Whether you're a student, a teacher, a parent, or a policy-maker, this show will challenge your assumptions and ignite your imagination.