Professionals

“This is how it’s always been taught … “

“This is how it’s always been taught … “

This is how it’s always been taught, And ... Some methods are lacking and limiting. Some methods are harmful and dismissive. Some methods are unsafe. Some continue to oppress. Some are exploitative. Some are depleting.   This is how it’s always been taught, And...

What if Educational Change Is Possible?

What if Educational Change Is Possible?

I reflect a lot about the state of education.   I have experienced a great deal of anger and disbelief about decisions made over individuals rather than with.   Teachers are fed up with their working conditions and never being heard. Home-educating parents...

School as Invitation Rather Than Requirement

School as Invitation Rather Than Requirement

I experience resistance to anything forced upon me.   On Sunday evenings, I experience the grief of switching from the freedom of the weekend to the restrictions of the weekday (and, at times, both).   Many adults are finding newfound flexibility in working...

Learning Spaces, Not Testing Centers

Learning Spaces, Not Testing Centers

If classrooms are meant to be learning spaces, why are we endlessly testing?⠀ ⠀ Why aren't students granted adequate time to discover and develop ideas, thoughts, and concepts at their own pace?⠀ ⠀ Why do the adults in the school system decide when and how a student...

More Essays, Activities, and Case Studies

The Absurd Demands of Conventional Education

The Absurd Demands of Conventional Education

Can you imagine if we handled life experiences the way conventional education handles students?⠀ ⠀ After attending a hockey game, you are required to write an essay about what you observed.⠀ ⠀ After grocery shopping, you must take a multiple-choice exam about items...

Honoring the Child

Honoring the Child

How are you honoring the child in your learning environment?   As much as it appears that educators, parents, and students are sometimes at odds, the reality is, we all want the same thing. ⠀ We're simply not communicating it well.⠀ ⠀ What do we want?⠀ ⠀ We want...

What if Education Were Revamped Entirely?

What if Education Were Revamped Entirely?

Authoritarian models of education have taught us to rely on others to structure our learning. We were taught to mistrust our intuition. We were trained to need external influences to motivate us.⠀ ⠀ Today's parents are the product of the authoritarian model of...

The Absurd Demands of Conventional Education

The Absurd Demands of Conventional Education

Can you imagine if we handled life experiences the way conventional education handles students?⠀ ⠀ After attending a hockey game, you are required to write an essay about what you observed.⠀ ⠀ After grocery shopping, you must take a multiple-choice exam about items...

Honoring the Child

Honoring the Child

How are you honoring the child in your learning environment?   As much as it appears that educators, parents, and students are sometimes at odds, the reality is, we all want the same thing. ⠀ We're simply not communicating it well.⠀ ⠀ What do we want?⠀ ⠀ We want...

What if Education Were Revamped Entirely?

What if Education Were Revamped Entirely?

Authoritarian models of education have taught us to rely on others to structure our learning. We were taught to mistrust our intuition. We were trained to need external influences to motivate us.⠀ ⠀ Today's parents are the product of the authoritarian model of...