The document discusses issues around using Howard Gardner's theory of "Five types of minds" to guide education policy and raises ethical questions. It outlines Gardner's five types of mind but notes that the research is not empirical and questions whether creativity can truly be taught. It also questions whether schools can consistently promote an "ethical mind" given that self-interest is always a factor. Overall, the document argues that using theories like Gardner's to determine education policy and restrict parental choice raises knowledge and ethical issues that need consideration.

2. What Type of Minds to Nurture? What are some of the knowledge issues that arise when we use theoretical bases in re-setting the objectives of education

3. Source Article by BBC Education correspondent His point essentially: should Gardner’s “Five types of minds” model guide thinking and public policy in this area?

4. Outline of Gardner’s “theory” There are FIVE types of mind: 1. Disciplined 2. Synthesising 3. Creating 4. Respectful 5. Ethical

5. Raises the underlying question: Can the ‘results’ of Human/Social Science research be a solid and acceptable foundation on which to base decisions that involve: Significant amounts of public money Individuals’ educations (a ‘once and for all’ thing ie there is an ETHICAL dimension to this

6. Relevant problems of knowledge in the Human Sciences Findings such as this are not based on empirical research Especially in Human Science research which looks for what we need for the future there is a tendency towards the normative not the positive

7. Also If Gardner himself does not think creativity can be taught… Can an educational programme ethically subject children to ‘failure experiences’ because we THINK this may help to bring about ONE type of learning in SOME of them?

8. Issue of respect If you are going to promote the “respectful mind”, is this possible without forced integration? Should “faith schools” be outlawed? Is Gardner’s “theory" possibly sufficient justification for moves such as this? Especially for restricting “parental choice”

9. Overall issue of ethics How to promote the “ethical mind”? Are schools always totally ethical? Doesn’t an element of self-interest always enter into things?

10. So… Many questions arise… 1. How “scientific” is the research basis? 2. What if it argues against some elements of “institutionalised education”? 3. What if it leads to restrictive measures wrt parental choice? 4. Can schools really be consistent models for the “ethical mind” – doesn’t that usually come from other sources (family/cultural values)?