I welcome suggested articles, so if you come
across a gem, email it to me at allan.alach@ihug.co.nz.
This week’s homework!
Jamie McKenzie is always worth reading.
“Schools
should outlaw topical research as being mind-numbing and substandard.
Around the globe goals have been raised to focus on imagination,
invention, synthesis and problem-solving. Topical research is an ancient,
outmoded practice that should join many other unworthy rituals in the dustbin
of history.”
The Need to Address Noncognitive Skills in the Education Policy Agenda
“This
paper contends that noncognitive skills should be an explicit pillar of
education policy. It contributes to the growing interest in these skills by
reviewing what we know about noncognitive skills, including what they are, why
they matter, and how they enter into the education process.”
"Arts experiences boost critical thinking, teaching students to
take the time to be more careful and thorough in how they observe the world.”
This Will Revolutionize Education
Set aside 7.22 minutes to watch this powerful
video - is technology going to be the holy grail of education? Khan Academy?
“I
think it is instructive that each new technology has appeared to be so
transformative. You can imagine, for example, that motion pictures must have
seemed like a revolutionary learning technology. After all they did
revolutionize entertainment, yet failed to make significant inroads into the
classroom. TV and video seem like a cheaper, scaled back film, but they too
failed to live up to expectations. Now there is a glut of information and video
on the internet so should we expect it to revolutionize education?
“The
distinction between those who can solve a problem and work their way out of a
situation is in the ability to ask the right, critical questions to identify
the problem, and then ask what it takes to solve it.”
"We have found that scaffolding is a
particularly beneficial activity, because the parent guides the child. And, if
that parent guides the child and also demands precision in a sensitive and
thoughtful way -- i.e. 'what did you mean to write here? Let me help you' --
this definitely develops the child's literary skill set.”
This week’s contributions from Bruce Hammonds:
Tanith Carey: Tiger Parents - and Tiger
Schools! Relax and have more fun!
Don't push - find what your kids love |
Are we on the verge of an end to
test-based accountability?
Learning how to take tests is not learning |
“In short, we’ve seen
dissatisfaction with the status quo of education reform, and we’ve seen acknowledgement of that dissatisfaction. But what we’ve not seen is a widespread, deeper rethinking of school improvement
or an embrace of an alternative – and there’s the rub. It’s highly unlikely that
the nation will move away from the status quo until it has a different pathway
forward.”
Project-Based Learning Through a Maker's
Lens
Bruce’s comment: The
importance of ‘making’ in project based learning. This
ought to be the emphasis in our schools not judging achievement on things many
students are not interested in. It’s what the progressive
teachers of the past believed in.
A 'maker' is true learner |
Following on …
“We all construct our own meaning of the world around us; Making just
gives us a context to construct our understanding in. It engages students’ hands in the work of their minds in order to help them construct
deep conceptual understandings.”
Design Thinking: A Lesson That Connects
Classmates
Bruce’s comment:
Teaching design thinking – and the dispositions encouraged in the
process.
Pride of achievement |
“Design thinking is a creative problem-solving process that calls for
thoughtful solutions to real-world situations. Design thinking in the classroom
provides a motivating and engaging learning experience for students. Within the
design thinking model, individual learning styles can be validated through a project
based learning experience.”
New Teachers: Creating a Shiny, Happy
Classroom
Bruce’s comment: The
‘real oil’ on classroom management – well
worth the read.
Engaged kids don't misbehave |
“What I prefer instead is to develop a classroom that does not
require a system to handle misbehavior because it so rarely occurs. No
checkmarks on the board, no list of consequences, no rewards. Just engaged,
productive, friendly students.”
Five Fun Ways to Spark Self-Discovery in
Youth
Art display of portraits |
“A “spark” is the inner light that gives us energy,
motivation, purpose and focus. It makes us feel alive when we’re doing what we love. Sparks are expressed as talents, qualities or
passions. And when we operate from our sparks, we shine and offer something
good, beautiful and useful to the world.”
Art 'sparks' many students!
From Bruce’s ‘oldies but goodies’ file:
Who am I ?
“A positive sense of self provides a role in making future decisions,
and positive memories allow us to imagine possible futures. The past and our
memories are the making of who we are. Our classrooms ought to reflect such
students' stories past and present. It helps students answer the question 'How
do I know who I am?’”
Inquiry Learning; an educational agenda
for a future era.
“Inquiry education has a long history going back to John Dewey (‘learning
through experience’) and was, and still
is, in conflict with traditional content transmission teaching which still
underpins much of current practice. Until this dilemma is faced inquiry
education will not be successful.”
http://bit.ly/1wj8hyY
Prof Brian Cox - 'science is being comfortable with the unknown' This is contrast to teachers who pre-determine students learning!
Prof Brian Cox - 'science is being comfortable with the unknown' This is contrast to teachers who pre-determine students learning!
Driving into an exciting future!
Bruce’s comment: the
future demands new organisations and this includes schools.
Set our schools free from the past! |
1 comment:
What a great collection of readings - all teachers should have access to such challenging articles.
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