Kirsten Olson`s Wounded by School

Recapturing the Joy in Learning & Standing Up to Old School Culture

Sep 12, 2009

This book is for anyone who has had a 'bad' experience in school, and may still be haunted by it. Don't let it affect going back for retraining or further education.

One of the most powerful and disturbing books of this century, Kirsten Olson`s Wounded by School: Recapturing the Joy in Learning and Standing Up to Old School Culture should be placed on the required reading list for all educators, as well as all those who are in, or want to be in, a place of learning (especially students). And if President Obama really wants America's educational system to truly become a source of success for all through responsibility of educators, government and students as indicated in his "back to school speech 2009" [1] , then it is suggested he read this book too.

This is not your ordinary soul inspiring tales of "how-I-made-it-despite-all-odds." These are the stories of the wounded, still haunted by their experiences within the school system. It is the saga of what happens when the old school culture prevails; when differences are disregarded; when it is one way of learning for all, even if that way does not aid the majority of learners. And it is not about taking the easy way either. Nor does it offer quick, ready-made solutions.

Learning to Love to Learn, Again

Rather, it is a call to open the eyes, hearts, and specifically the minds – to realize the old way is not always the best way; to try to create a path that each individual can start on, as each finds his or her own path. And it's about learning to love to learn, again. Or maybe for the first time.

The book is divided into two major sections: Broken and Healing. Within each section are various chapters each devoted to one area of that section. The first section delves into the wounded: what it means to be wounded, how one is wounded, the kinds of wounds; and explores why schools allow (some might say encourage) these wounds to occur. The second section explores how healing from or of these wounds happens; how healing can be encouraged; and how each member within the educational system can help heal others.

Throughout both sections though is the theme that the wounded should throw off any shame associated with their situations; embrace the wound and let others know about it, so that it does not happen again. Work to change the system, not shame the individual.

This is not an easy read by any means. It is heart wrenching as the reader will recognize and empathize with many situations. It is outrageous to think these situations are still happening – degradation of children and adults, simply due to a different way of viewing the world, or of learning in a different way than others. The healing sections are more of a call to create change than a "feel-good" story section.

This book is highly recommend to all those who are frightened to take further training to promote their own careers, or even retraining to just get a job, or afraid to relive school years by returning to education and training, to read this book. It will help each realize there are others in similar situations, and there is no shame to be attached to education. Just the shame of those who wound others.

Be part of the new culture. As Olson espouses – stand up and do something, not just talk about it. Start a group within your school district; join the PTA; volunteer on school committees or neighbourhood committees.

Bottom Line

Kirsten Olson's Wounded by School: Recapturing the Joy in Learning and Standing Up to Old School Culture is an extraordinary book of reflections and situations within the educational system. It is disturbing and profound, and should be required reading for anyone involved within the educational system, especially students.

[1] Prepared remarks of President Obama's back to school event, retrieved Sept. 12, 2009 from Obama School Speech 2009

Olson, Kirsten. Wounded by School: Recapturing the Joy in Learning and Standing Up to Old School Culture. New York, NY USA: Teachers College Press, 2009

The copyright of the article Kirsten Olson`s Wounded by School in Career Advice is owned by Paym Bergson. Permission to republish Kirsten Olson`s Wounded by School in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.