Imagine a school that makes students take the same courses at the same times as everyone else. Also, this school uses little or no technology. This school does not utilize contemporary texts and in fact, does not even aspire to contextualize these ancient texts to the modern world. You've probably dismissed this school as irrelevant ...… Read the rest
I'm noticing an unusual pattern of late. In education, there's a strong underlying message to bring back or maintain curiosity and wonder as the foundation of learning. Meanwhile the media, both mass and traditional and social is intent on killing curiosity. Whether it's politics, racism, environmental or a host of other modern issues, the message ...… Read the rest
"Innovation" might be the most used word to frame the current narrative of change in education. It's been used to drive the use of technology but also as my friend George done, used to change mindsets. It's difficult to argue against the idea that education was, or is still in need of change. For those who ...… Read the rest
John Spencer is among the smartest people I know. He's creative, thoughtful and introspective. He also has a really good blog. That I don't read. I talk with John frequently. He's helped me work through ideas. He's bounced things off me regularly. I have a blog too. That he doesn't read. (We coincidentally confessed this to ...… Read the rest
Today I presented a brand new workshop called "Surprisingly Awesome". I described it this way: Shakespeare, The War of 1812, the Pythagorean theory are just a sample of things we teach in schools that for many aren’t very interesting. Yet there is something incredibly satisfying and ful lling when you can help students see the awesome and ...… Read the rest