2017 Kelvin Smythe and John Dewey 1897 |
Education
Readings
By Allan Alach
Two important articles bookend this set of readings. If you’re
not familiar with John Dewey, I recommend you read Bruce Hammonds’ article: “John
Dewey - New thinking 1897!” If you want to see how Dewey’s vision can be
expressed in a school, read the first article from Kelvin Smythe: “A
schoolwide science experience.’
I welcome suggested articles, so if you come across a gem, email
it to me at allanalach@inspire.net.nz
A
NZ schoolwide science experience
This is a must read!
‘My
intention was to provide an opportunity and context where children could engage
to make
connections with science in their environment, to learn how science
activity affects life, indeed their life. I delighted in the idea that that in
the process of undertaking this science, the children were keenly telling their
parents what they were doing, why they were doing it, and the ambitions they
had for the outcome.’
Tes
talks to… Alfie Kohn
‘Everything
you think you know about behaviour management in schools is wrong, according to
Alfie Kohn. For example, if you believe that the use of rewards and punishment
improves children’s behaviour, think again, he says. In fact, the American
former teacher and author of books including Punished by Rewards and Beyond
Discipline believes that using these traditional techniques only makes matters
worse.’
Some
Schools Are Abolishing Homework In Favor Of Reading, And That's A Good Thing
‘While
there is no solid evidence that homework is beneficial for academic success in
younger kids, there is plenty of evidence that reading is.'
Teaching
of synthetic phonics in Australia based on flawed evidence
I’ll toss this contentious topic into the fire and then stand
well back…
‘What
is phonics for? Where does it fit into an overall pedagogy of literacy? Without
clear answers to these questions, the contestants in the phonics debate will
continue to circle each other like blindfolded prizefighters.’
The
Brain Is Wired for Math—Sort
Of
‘While genetics and gender play a role in math achievement,
classroom teaching can pick up the slack and help kids soar. Three keys? Make
math understandable, useful, and beautiful. This is no small task, but you have
23 (or so) helpers in your classroom who can make the job manageable if you
work with their natural abilities and motivations.’
The
State of Being Stuck
‘Last
year, I got the high school math teacher’s version of a wish on a magic lamp: a
chance to ask a question of the world’s most famous mathematician.
The
essence of Wiles’ answer can be boiled down to just six words: “Accepting the
state of being stuck.”’
Contributed by Bruce Hammonds:
6
Problems with our School System
‘The
traditional system of education was designed in the industrial age and is now
outdated and ineffective. Learn about the 6 major problems with the system.’
5
Principles of Outstanding Classroom Management
‘Effective
classroom management requires awareness, patience, good timing, boundaries, and
instinct. There’s nothing easy about shepherding a large group of easily
distractible young people with different skills and temperaments along a
meaningful learning journey.So how do master teachers do it?’
Critical
Thinking: Keeping Our Minds Open
Critical thinking is the ability to apply reasoning and logic to new or unfamiliar ideas, opinions, and situations. Thinking critically involves seeing things in an open-minded way and examining an idea or concept from as many angles as possible. This important skill allows people to look past their own views of the world and to better understand the opinions of others. It is often used in debates, to form more cogent and well-rounded arguments, and in science.’
Neuroeducation
Will Lead to Big Breakthroughs in Learning
‘All
human abilities, including learning, are a result of our brain activity. Hence,
a better understanding of how our brains operate can result in a better understanding
of learning.’
From Bruce’s ‘goldie
oldies’ file:
Tapping into the student's world
Every student brings with them memories and ideas gained
from the experiences they have had. All too often this personal form of
motivation is overlooked by teachers who seem to think they have better ideas
to use - their own. It is as if students come to school as blank slates (tabula
rosa) when instead they come with a wealth of ideas to share but to do so their
ideas need to be valued.’
John Dewey - New thinking 1897!
If you’ve not read about John Dewey, this is a good place to
start.
‘John Dewey's famous declaration concerning education was
first
published 1897 and is still as pertinent now as it was then. All school
communities ought to declare their beliefs about education and then work
towards aligning all their teaching to achieving what they believe in. If they
do not determine their own destiny someone else will. Having clear beliefs
provides both security and the basis of making all choices - or simply saying
no as appropriate.'
No comments:
Post a Comment