Why Wonder Matters (Dr. Frank Keil) - Clip From S1E12
Apr 9, 2024
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Yale psychologist Dr. Frank Keil discusses the importance of fostering wonder in education, the impact of modern technology on children's understanding, and the challenges scientists face in maintaining curiosity in academic environments.
20:12
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Quick takeaways
Encouraging wonder in education fosters inquiry and exploration.
Balancing humility with boldness is essential for pursuing intrinsic motivations for knowledge.
Deep dives
The Importance of Wonder in Education
Encouraging wonder in education is crucial as it fosters a sense of inquiry and exploration. Dr. Frank Keel highlights the shift from passive admiration to active questioning when experiencing wonder. He emphasizes the significance of understanding mechanisms rather than just facts, urging a deeper curiosity for why things work the way they do. Keel notes how wonder dwindles in elementary school due to factors like teachers focusing on facts rather than causal explanations.
Facilitating Wonder and Exploration
To nurture wonder, adults should pose open-ended questions that prompt curiosity and deeper thinking in children. By asking 'why' and 'what if' questions instead of just seeking factual responses, adults can engage in shared inquiry with children. It is essential to create a collaborative learning environment where both adults and children explore gaps in knowledge together, fostering a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Challenges and Pressures in Sustaining Wonder
The pressure to conform to standardized testing and performance metrics in schools hinders the cultivation of wonder among students. Dr. Keel acknowledges the obstacles scientists face in maintaining wonder due to grant pressures and the focus on productivity. Balancing humility with boldness is key in overcoming failures and learning from mistakes, guiding individuals to pursue intrinsic motivations for knowledge rather than external recognition.
Why does wonder matter? In this clip, Yale psychologist Dr. Frank Keil discusses the importance of facilitating wonder in education, why we shouldn’t underestimate kids, and why cultivating wonder matters especially for science.