It is possible that the current method of teaching in schools is not the most effective way for students to learn what is necessary to be successful in life.

Roger Schank, one of the world's leading researchers in artificial intelligence, learning theory and cognitive science, discussed his ideas on learning in a series of lectures spanning Monday and Tuesday.

It is necessary to reorganize schooling, Schank said. The current methods of teaching are ineffective because of several problems, one of which is the mindset of teachers as authority figures whom students need to impress, rather than as mentors who work closely with students to help them learn.

"Education is not about pleasing the teacher," Schank said.

He recalled the experience of teaching his grandchild to crawl and explained that when he was teaching, his motive was not getting the child to like him, but helping him succeed in his task.

"Learning starts with a goal and a means to get there," Schank said. "The teacher's role is to set the situation up."

When teaching his grandson, Schank set up a situation for the child to learn by placing a toy across the room, which he needed to get. Then he let the child discover the solution to the problem.

Another problem with the current education system is that lectures are not effective ways of teaching. Students should be asking the questions. Curriculum is often irrelevant to actual situations a person will face in his or her life.

Instead of traditional methods, Schank recommends complete emersion into the learning environment. He referred to the analogy of cave men, who did not sit in lectures or go to classrooms, but learned as they went along. They learned by telling stories, learning procedures and copying the actions of others, among other techniques.

Schank has established the Virtual International Science and Technology Academy, which is founded upon these ideas.

"[We were] trying to create something kids have chosen themselves," Schank said. He said he thinks when people choose their own curriculum-something that interests and intrigues them-they are more likely to learn the information.

"You can't learn much if you haven't chosen to learn it yourself."

He suggests getting rid of the classroom setting and allowing students to experience real situations-putting them in situations where they are forced to find a solution, and where success is it own reward, rather than grades and scores.

Sara Faust, who attended the Tuesday lecture, said she agrees with many of Schank's ideas.

"This promotes students going out and finding their own interests," Faust said. "It makes them more responsible."

Copyright Brigham Young University 4 Jun 2008