“The biggest mistake of past centuries in teaching has been to treat all children as if they were variants of the same individual and thus to feel justified in teaching them all the same subjects in the same way”
— Howard Gardner
Simplified Meaning:
In the past, educators often assumed that every child learned in the same way and at the same pace. They taught all students using the same methods and materials, thinking this was the best approach. However, this ignored the fact that each child is unique, with different interests, strengths, and ways of learning. For example, some children might learn better through hands-on activities, while others prefer reading or listening to explanations. Imagine a garden with different kinds of plants; each plant needs specific care, water, and sunlight to grow well. Similarly, teaching should be adapted to fit the needs of each student to help them thrive. By recognizing and addressing these differences, education can be more effective and meaningful for every child.
