TEDx Talks at ISP

Michaela is an avid reader of fiction, from romance and fantasy to “guilty pleasure” books. She explores the different benefits of all genres of writing and hopes to inspire more people to give reading a chance and to rethink their judgments about literature.

One of the most exciting aspects of living in the 21st Century is the opportunity to experience literature from around the world. But except for the languages we’re fluent in, most of us depend on translations. How easily do literary devices and effects survive translation from one language to another? Are there some aspects of literature that simply can’t be translated at all? Using examples from Armenian, Russian and English, Mariam argues that, sometimes, ideas really can be ‘lost in translation’.

From his home in New York, award-winning author and illustrator Peter Sís reflects on his journey as an artist from Communist Czechoslovakia to his adopted home in the US. Along the way, Peter took on many personas, from musician, DJ, animator and filmmaker, to writer and social commentator. The unifying theme throughout his life and work is leaving home – wherever it might be – in the quest for freedom. 

Among many other awards, Peter is an eight-time winner of The New York Times Book Review, Best Illustrated Book of the Year and a four-time Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honoree. Of the book, The Wall, the late president Václav Havel once said it “should be required reading for all those who take their freedom for granted.”

Who chooses what students learn about history? How are those decisions made? Jihyeon explains the traditional education system in South Korea, and how it has often led to Korean students’ uncritically learning history. She examines the reliability of some textbooks schools have recently been pressured to use, arguing that students should think more carefully about the ways their education is being shaped. Jihyeon is a South Korean student who shared this talk in 10th grade. She has lived in South Korea, the US, and the Czech Republic. The idea for her talk emerged from questioning and comparing the public education system in South Korea to that of an international school. history student, critical thinker.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has become a familiar term to millions of parents, children, students and teachers in recent decades. But how much do we truly understand about the ways it affects an individual? What is it like to live with the condition? To go through a typical school day? Toby shares personal insights about a world most of us have only heard about.

Unusually for a 21st Century teenager, Noah is a passionate advocate for monarchism. In the modern world, what can a figurehead monarch contribute to society? As Noah argues, a great deal, including stability and non-partisan concern for the welfare of all citizens. Noah gave this talk in his final year of high-school at the International School of Prague.