Well, Mr. Olsen doesn't really teach teachers, he teaches Tolkien to readers, but there is plenty educators can learn about how to connect to an audience of learners and influence thought by abandoning medieval concepts like academic journals and turning your thoughts toward the public. Read this excellent overview of Corey Olsen's work from the Washington Post: 'Tolkien … [Read more...] about Corey Olsen Teaches Teachers Through Tolkien #edu
Education
Retrieval testing may help train the brain
All forms of learning are supposed to help train the brain, but some work better than others. I have always liked looking at a test (or accepting a challenge), seeing what I don't know, and then filling in the gaps. I think starting classes with structured ways of challenge people's knowledge, and then guiding them through the knowledge, would prove powerful in many learning … [Read more...] about Retrieval testing may help train the brain
21st Century Breadth Requirements: Time for an Education Revolution
21st Century Breadth Requirements During several recent education strategy projects, the question about what to teach came up over-and-over. In technology, there is no good answer today that will hold for tomorrow. But there are several background skills that underpin modern technology and contemporary social needs. This list might also be called 21st Century Skills, but it … [Read more...] about 21st Century Breadth Requirements: Time for an Education Revolution
What Can Be Learned from Washington Governor Chris Gregoire’s 2011 Education Reform Proposal?
What Can Be Learned from Washington Governor Chris Gregoire's 2011 Education Reform Proposal? Below are a series of responses to the 2011 policy brief from Washington Governor Chris Gregoire titled ACCELERATING THE LEARNING CURVE BY BUILDING A STUDENT-CENTERED EDUCATION SYSTEM. You can find the text of the brief here. Positive comments First, I like the idea of consolidating … [Read more...] about What Can Be Learned from Washington Governor Chris Gregoire’s 2011 Education Reform Proposal?
Are Undergraduates Learning Anything? #edu
Are Undergraduates Learning Anything? examines current approaches to learning in colleges and universities. I think this recent book Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses (University of Chicago Press), asks good questions. It challenges the way we define quality. As Clayton Christen posits (in Disrupting Class), I believe we are watching a disruption at … [Read more...] about Are Undergraduates Learning Anything? #edu