How does the concept of 'peace' relate to learning in this talk?

The speaker connects the Earth Charter's definition of peace to learning, focusing on peace as wholeness. This wholeness is achieved primarily through peace with oneself, other people, and one's culture, which learning helps to foster.

What was Hazel's learning challenge and how was it overcome?

Hazel was a strong storyteller but struggled to write stories, leading her to believe she couldn't write. Her teacher's colleagues analyzed her writing, reframed it to highlight her strengths, and shared this perspective with Hazel, enabling her to see her potential as a writer.

What was Thomas's difficulty, and how did his teacher help him?

Thomas, an 18-year-old, felt he 'couldn't read' and found school a waste of time. His teacher engaged him by talking about his hero, Kirk Johnson, and then presented reading material about Johnson at different difficulty levels, allowing Thomas to find a comfortable entry point and experience reading success.

What is the 'metaphorical book bag' and why is it important?

The 'metaphorical book bag' represents a learner's identity, interests, cultural knowledge, and language. It's crucial because any journey from the known to the new must account for and acknowledge who the student is as a person to be successful.

How can teachers use AI to help students learn?

AI can be a tool for teachers to help identify a student's 'known' areas and support their transition to the 'new'. It can help teachers save time, allowing them to focus more on students, though cautions about AI use are also advised.

What are the broader implications of learning to move from the known to the new?

Moving from the known to the new builds more than just skills. It cultivates confidence, identity, a sense of possibility, and leads to better relationships with oneself, others, and the world. This applies to learning in all areas of life.

Key Moments

From I Can't to I Can: The Path from the Known to the New | Beth Charlton | TEDxPugwash

TED

Nonprofits & Activism5 min read21 min video

May 26, 2026|94 views|2

Academic Early education Education English TEDxTalks Teaching [TEDxEID:60768]

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Key Moments

TL;DR

Focusing on what students already know, not what they can't do, transforms learning and confidence by acknowledging their existing identity. This approach helps learners bridge the gap from the known to the new, fostering inner peace.

Key Insights

Learning is framed as a progression from 'the known to the new,' building upon existing knowledge and identity rather than focusing on deficits.

Hazel, a third-grader struggling with writing, was able to regain confidence and progress once her teachers identified her 'known' strength was storytelling, which they then linked to her writing.

Thomas, an 18-year-old who believed he 'couldn't read,' demonstrated fluency when presented with paragraphs about his hero, Kirk Johnson, highlighting the power of interest-driven learning.

The 'book bag' is a metaphor for a learner's identity, encompassing their interests, cultural knowledge, and language, which must be honored when transitioning from the known to the new.

AI can be a tool to help educators identify students' 'knowns,' potentially freeing up teacher time for more personalized student interaction, with due caution.

Shifting focus from 'I can't' to 'I can' not only builds skills but also enhances confidence, identity, possibility, and improves relationships with oneself and others.

The core idea: Progressing from the known to the new

The central idea presented is that effective learning, and by extension, a sense of peace with oneself, comes from understanding and building upon what an individual already knows. This concept, summarized as 'from the known to the new,' is not new but is highlighted as a powerful framework for educational and personal growth. The traditional view of learning is often depicted as a straightforward journey with a clear starting point ('the known') and a destination ('the new'), facilitated by a boost or support along the way. However, the reality for many learners is more challenging, leading to struggles and a self-perception defined by limitations, encapsulated by the phrase 'I can't.'

Hazel's story: Unlocking writing potential through storytelling

The first case study involves Hazel, a third-grader who excelled at storytelling but struggled with writing. This disconnect created a significant barrier to her self-perception as a learner. Her teachers, observing her difficulties and the impact on her confidence, collaborated to uncover Hazel's 'known' — her innate ability to tell stories. By analyzing her written work, they discovered that her narrative skills were present in her writing, even if spelling and grammar were inconsistent. When her writing was read aloud, it aligned with her fluent oral storytelling. Discovering this 'known' allowed her teachers and Hazel herself to see her as a writer with potential, rather than someone who 'couldn't write.' This insight was transformative, leading to renewed excitement and a clear path for her next steps in learning, ultimately restoring her sense of self and wholeness.

AI as a supportive tool for educators

The potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is briefly mentioned as a tool that could assist educators in identifying students' foundational knowledge or 'knowns.' The speaker shares a personal anecdote where AI was able to decipher a student's story assignment, a task that took colleagues significant time. While acknowledging the need for caution regarding AI's broader implications, the speaker suggests it could empower teachers by helping them quickly understand students' existing capacities, thereby allowing them more time to focus on individual students and their unique learning journeys.

Thomas's transition: Reading success fueled by personal interest

The second case study features Thomas, an 18-year-old in grade 12 who expressed extreme reluctance and a belief that he 'couldn't read.' His initial interaction revealed deep frustration and a declared inability to engage with reading. The speaker shifted the focus from reading to a topic Thomas knew well: his hero, boxer Kirk Johnson. Their conversation about Kirk Johnson allowed Thomas to access his existing knowledge, demonstrating a significant shift in his demeanor. The speaker then presented paragraphs about Kirk Johnson at varying difficulty levels. Thomas's progression was remarkable; after initial struggles with harder texts, he found a paragraph he could read fluently, not just word-by-word, but with comprehension and a sense of flow. This success prompted a visible change in his posture and a hesitant smile, signaling a transition from 'I can't' to 'maybe I can.' He recognized the text was easier because it was about his interest, underscoring the critical role of engagement in reading acquisition. This pivotal moment allowed him to 'hear himself read' and ask, 'When can we start?'

The 'book bag': A metaphor for learner identity

The 'book bag' is presented as a central, metaphorical concept crucial for navigating the journey from the known to the new. It represents not just academic tools like pencils and workbooks, but the entirety of who a person is: their interests, expectations, cultural knowledge, and language. For learning to be effective, this 'book bag' must be acknowledged and respected. It serves as a receptacle for identity, ensuring that as individuals move towards new learning, their existing selves are carried along and validated. This metaphorical carrying of one's identity is the key to making the transition from the known to the new a positive and transformative experience.

Rebuilding confidence and identity through validated knowledge

The journeys of both Hazel and Thomas illustrate a shared experience: the profound impact of shifting focus from perceived deficits to existing strengths. This approach validates the learner's identity and knowledge base, which in turn rebuilds confidence. By starting with the 'known,' educators can establish a foundation of success, making the subsequent move to the 'new' feel achievable rather than intimidating. This process not only develops skills but also fosters a stronger sense of self, possibility, and improved personal relationships, contributing to a deeper sense of inner peace. The ragged path of learning is made navigable when the learner's personal 'book bag' is taken into account.

The broader implications: Peace as wholeness and connection

The concept of learning from the known to the new is directly linked to the Earth Charter's definition of peace as wholeness. This wholeness extends beyond oneself to include better relationships with others and with the world. By honoring an individual's existing knowledge and identity, learning environments can foster a sense of integration and completeness. This integrated approach, applied in various contexts from sports fields to laboratories, builds not just competence but also a richer sense of self and connection, aligning personal growth with broader principles of peace and harmony.

Mentioned in This Episode

●Software & Apps

●Concepts

●People Referenced

Navigating the Journey from Known to New

Practical takeaways from this episode

Do This

Start with what is known and build from there.

Acknowledge and incorporate a person's interests, cultural knowledge, and identity (the 'metaphorical book bag').

Leverage subject matter that is of interest to the learner to improve reading and learning abilities.

Celebrate shifts from 'I can't' to 'I can' as pivotal moments.

Focus on fostering wholeness and a positive self-concept in learners.

Avoid This

Assume the learning journey is always straightforward or easy.

Overlook the importance of a learner's existing knowledge and identity.

Force learners into material that is too difficult or unengaging.

Define a learner by their current struggles rather than their potential.

Common Questions

The core idea is that meaningful learning and growth occur when we transition from what we already understand and are comfortable with (the 'known') to new concepts, skills, or experiences (the 'new'). This journey is fundamental to developing confidence, identity, and better relationships.

Topics

Learning Strategies Learning & Education Mindset & Self-Improvement Education Reform Growth Mindset Personal Development Overcoming Challenges Student Potential

Mentioned in this video

Concepts

Earth Charter

The definition of peace from the Earth Charter is discussed in relation to the theme of learning.

International Peace Movement

The movement to which Pugwash is home, linked to celebrating the TEDx idea of 'from the known to the new'.

Software & Apps

Mentioned as a potential tool for teachers to help identify students' 'knowns' and support their learning, with a caution about its use.

People

Kirk Johnson

A famous Nova Scotia boxer who was Thomas's hero. Discussing him allowed Thomas to engage with reading and demonstrate his capabilities.

Locations

Pugwash

The location where the TEDx event is held, described as the speaker's favorite place and home to the International Peace Movement.

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