Education Readings
By Allan Alach
Every week Bruce Hammonds and I collect articles
to share with teachers to encourage a creative approach to teaching and
learning. I welcome suggested articles, so if you come across a gem, email it
to me at allanalach@inspire.net.nz
Teachers lacking educational background in science use
inquiry-oriented instruction least
‘A new study shows that eighth-grade science teachers without an
educational background in science are less likely to practice inquiry-oriented
science instruction, a pedagogical approach that develops students'
understanding of scientific concepts and engages students in hands-on science
projects.’
The Benefits of Cultivating Curiosity in Kids
‘Far from driving the demise of cats, curiosity comes with many
benefits. Studies suggest it’s linked to joy on the job, social skills and even
a happy disposition. And in an academic context, greater curiosity generally
predicts greater success.’
How Entitled Parents Hurt Schools
‘Motivated by a fierce desire to protect their children and
themselves from difficulty, and armed with a robust sense of entitlement as
well as ample economic, cultural and social resources, affluent parents can
create conflict and interfere with school districts on a scale that is rarely
acknowledged.’
This innocent question we ask boys is putting more pressure on them
than we realize.
‘For example, the first get-to-know-you question they are inevitably
asked by well-meaning grown-ups is, "So, do you play sports?" When
they say, "No, not really," the adult usually continues brightly,
14 Smart Ways to Use Smartphone Cameras in the Classroom
‘With a smartphone camera you can look forward to features like
plenty of megapixels, image stabilization, and improved low-light photo
capability. Videos are also better than they’ve ever been. It’s a growing
trend, and one we can make good use of in education. All these great
advances in technology have exceptional uses in the classroom. Students who
have the current technology (or will be snatching up the new) can access these
powerful tools for producing great school projects. Areas like PBL and
STEM learning call for imaginative and innovative solutions to complex
problems.’
Looking at learning through the eyes of a child
‘There's no hugely mystical reason, basically I have chosen to
channel each and everything I do through the eyes of the child. Because I
have never really grown up, I find this quite easy. The other thing that
makes it incredibly easy is that I know my children, I spend a lot of time
talking to them, play-based learning makes that possible.’
Miss Snuffy and Mr Snake Oil on 21st-century learning
‘Lyall Lukey, convener of Education Leaders Forum 2018, examines
some of the views expressed by, among others, London headmistress Katharine
Birbalsingh and her host Roger Partridge of the New Zealand Initiative, before,
during and after the recent researchED conference.’
How should we group students in primary maths classrooms?
‘Grouping students in maths classrooms based on their ability or
prior attainment is a notion that is increasingly being challenged by research
(see also here and here). When we have engaged in so-called ‘ability grouping’ practices
for so long, why should we think about changing? And what would the change
involve?’
Developing Mathematical Inquiry Communities
‘Associate Professor Bobbie Hunter explains how cultural reticence
and ability grouping have had unfortunate consequences for Pasifika children.
She advocates a collectivist ethos, de-emphasising speed, repositioning
mistakes as a necessary and desirable part of learning, and teaching the skills
of friendly arguing/respectful engagement.’
A Deeper Look at the Whole School Approach to Behavior
‘Classroom management is an essential tool for an effective teacher,
but it’s not always easy to do
From Bruce’s ‘goldie oldies’ file:
Creating Conditions for Creativity. Steven Johnson's 'Where Good
Ideas Come From’
‘Johnson writes about why some environments squelch new ideas; some
environments seem to breed them effortlessly; environments that are powerfully
suited to the creation, diffusion and adoption of new ideas. Where does your
class or school fit?’
Smart Schools
“‘We want our schools to deliver a great deal of knowledge and
understanding to a great many people of differing talents with a great range of
interests and a great variety of cultural and family backgrounds.
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