“I have no special talents, I am just passionately curious.” ~ Albert Einstein

 

When considering Einstein’s legacy, many people default to words like “genius” or “groundbreaking revolutionary.” However, Einstein offered a more modest view of his abilities, describing himself simply as an insatiably curious person.  

 

Curiosity is an inherently human trait that we need to nurture and develop in our schools. It drives us to acquire new knowledge and skills. Curiosity sparks exploration and creativity, leading to innovation. It also helps us connect with others and gain understanding and perspective. 

 

If curiosity is so crucial, then why does schooling often suppress it? One reason is a system that emphasizes high-stakes testing and a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to schooling. The industrialization model of teaching to the test worked well for producing cars and compliant employees in the 20th century, but it does not suit the goal of developing curious minds capable of innovating and adapting in an interconnected and changing world. Instead, schools must nurture in students a desire to learn and wonder about their world.  

 

At Falmouth Academy, we believe learning is driven by curiosity: the joy of wondering, questioning, exploring, and investigating. Learning that is joyful and fosters curiosity helps students build ownership over their learning and meaningfully engage with real-world problems. As I visited classes this week, I saw many examples of questioning, exploring, and investigating. I also saw teachers working individually and in small groups with students. What I did not see was one-size-fits-all, standardized, preparation. 

 

When we think about the success of our schools, let’s start by asking how they foster curiosity.