ABSTRACT
Pernille Ripp argues that schools were never just meant to be a check-list of to-dos, but rather 'teaching children to be bold thinkers, protecting the natural sense of curiosity that most children come to school with and creating opportunities for them to build their interest in the world'. Much of today's learning happens inside a particular social context. Teachers need to broaden that context to incorporate other viewpoints, other cultures and values. Teachers also need to bolster the social context of their classroom. The challenge of balance between core curricula, technology, core values and strong belief systems will always be there and there are ever-changing variables. However, the foundation of learning begins with core values and strong belief systems and is the constants. Teachers remain pivotal in children's lives, having multiple roles; they are guides and coaches in education and in life.
