When I recently explained why teaching grammar in primary school still matters, Radio 4’s Today programme invited me to debate the importance of standard English. My opponent was Nevile Gwynne, a British private tutor, author and, as presenter Nick Robinson put it, a “stickler for the right sort of grammar”. Robinson asked that I explain my position, which is […] … learn more→
Author Archives: Kevin
Five things people get wrong about standard English
University of Phoenix puts educational learning theories into practice
Everyone learns differently. Some learn better with a hands-on approach and learning by doing. Others can learn best by reading about processes and putting them to practice later on. Ultimately, understanding how to use different learning theories helps students and faculty communicate better with one another while increasing overall learning outcomes. Teaching is both an […] … learn more→
Parents, studies show most kids have done just fine in remote schooling. Here’s how to survive the home stretch
With nearly half of Australia’s population in lockdown, a lot of children and young people are still not attending face-to-face school. In Melbourne students in year 12 go back to the classroom this week, and there are staggered return plans for the rest of the year levels. Preps and grades 1 and 2 will return part time […] … learn more→
These rituals which organize school life: an importance to reconsider?
Schools are often compared to small companies. But does this image reflect all the specificities of this organization? If the company brings together a diversity of members under the authority of the law, the community is characterized by its homogeneity and a life punctuated by repeated uses. In this sense, the school would undoubtedly have as much […] … learn more→
Teachers say working with students kept them motivated at the start of the pandemic
Of all the things teachers do on the job, we found that teachers enjoy interacting with students the most – and that the positive feelings when working with students intensified once schools shifted to remote learning during the pandemic. This finding is based on a study that enabled us to examine how teachers felt about various aspects […] … learn more→
The meaning of publishing in a minority language: Basque in academic journals
The trajectory of those who research is subject to strict evaluation criteria in which scientific publications, especially journals, have substantial weight. The achievement or not of certain recognitions that allow us to advance in our career depends, to a significant extent, on the publications that have been made in prestigious magazines. These journals are indexed in international […] … learn more→
Sats – why bringing back tests for 14-year-olds could help disadvantaged students
The UK government is reportedly considering bringing back national curriculum tests (known as Sats) for 14-year-olds in England. The reasons cited were that, without formal assessment to mark the end of key stage three (KS3 – years seven, eight and nine of secondary school) children were at risk of losing focus, and losing out. The KS3 Sats were […] … learn more→
How to finish that big writing project (and get on with your life)
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of requests to run my workshop called ‘How to finish that big writing project (and get on with your life)’. I’m guessing it’s a sign of pandemic fatigue: everyone close to the end of a PhD just wants it to be, well – over. I feel you. I’m not sure […] … learn more→
How do I know if I suffer from ‘nomophobia’, an irrational fear of not having a mobile phone (or WhatsApp)?
In recent years, the use of mobile phones has grown exponentially, especially after the emergence of smart devices. These have become our pocket (and life) companions who accompany us wherever we go. However, excessive and non-rational use can cause problems of dependency, addiction and fear. Nomophobia (non-mobile-phone-phobia) can be understood as an extreme fear or anxiety of an irrational […] … learn more→
Teachers’ Day: achievements and challenges of a profession in constant change
In Spain there are a little more than three-quarters of a million non-university professors (specifically, 755,242). It is a very important group in the workforce. Teachers’ Day, established by UNESCO in 1994, is a perfect occasion to reflect on what these hundreds of thousands of professionals do and how they work. Being a teacher has always been a laborious […] … learn more→
