TED Talks Annemarie Holbrook

In Lisa DaVia Rubenstein’s article “Transformational Leadership Using TED Talks” she discusses the importance of teacher and student communicating. I agree that all children have different gifts and that these gifts should be shared. By separating the children into higher learning or more gifted categories, you are taking away from the opportunities of the children that do not fall within this “gifted” category. The inspiration of the other students and their gifted ideas and ways of thinking could rather be put to use in helping others reach this level, or even motivating others to think creatively. This brings about the effect of the early adopters picking up on what is going on around them, then trickles in the remaining students who decide to follow the example. Students have the power to inspire and motivate other students with their personal hard work and creativity.

The students, however, must get their inspiration and help from important figures in their lives such as teachers. In order to inspire students, the teachers must be inspired. This is where the idea of TED Talks comes in. Discussing topics, implementing plans, sharing fails as well as successes and pooling ideas can begin the inspiration process.

I have been exposed to many TED Talks during my time at Clemson. First semester I took Yoga and for some of our assignments we were instructed to watch particular TED Talks relating to mind and body and other important issues. Each of us was assigned to watch and to respond. This set up allowed us to be ready to discuss what we watched with the rest of the class as well as the teacher. We all shared our thoughts and ideas and it made for a great class. TED Talks have come in handy in my research papers, not only providing information, but also sparking new topics for me to think about and discuss in my paper.

By inspiring others through thorough discussions and sharing of ideas and experiences we can all build our knowledge. Not one man can be an expert at everything; we all need that inspiration, the drive, the ideas, and help. By having discussions such as those started by TED Talks we can make all this happen.