How do we choose what to research? Do we choose, or do our topics choose us? I’ve been musing about this, as I’ve recently had to explain why I chose to spend six years collating information about the scandalous and sometimes downright corrupt practices in English schools. Why a focus on corruption? My answer may […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
2020 reflection – on book writing during the pandemic
From IQ tests and sperm banks to The Queen’s Gambit: a history of gifted children
In Netflix hit The Queen’s Gambit, we see young orphan Beth Harmon discover her talent for competitive chess. During a game played in the orphanage basement, Harmon’s chess tutor, the janitor, tells the nine-year-old: “To tell you the truth of it, child, you’re astounding” – contrasting her youth and naivety to her seemingly inherent gift. […] … learn more→
Distance learning courses: what do students really think?
Since October 30, 2020, in the context of this second period of confinement, French students have been forced to follow distance education. This situation gives rise to contrasting reactions, combining praise for the adaptability of universities and criticism of maintaining this method of teaching. The media echo the suffering of the students. Following the executive’s announcement of a resumption […] … learn more→
It’s not production quality that counts in educational videos – here’s what students value most
The use of educational videos in schools and universities was on the rise before COVID-19. Now, with continuing disruption by the pandemic, more educators are developing educational videos to support student learning. Similarly, students are increasingly looking to places like YouTube for educational content. Intuitively, we might think a video’s production quality is what matters – fancy […] … learn more→
Why students need to learn academic words
Method, analyse, conversely. These words are more useful than you think. These and other “academic” words are used in writing and speech at school and other educational settings without being specific to any discipline. They can be used, among other things, to describe research (method, analyse) and to structure speech and writing (conversely). What’s more, knowing them can […] … learn more→
Reliable free web hosting services for students projects and teachers
School and college students get their assignments frequently that must be hosted on an online platform. Although some schools managed to offer such facilities to their students, there is also a lot of students who do not get such perks. The students, especially the computer sciences, requires web hosting solution for assignments and final year […] … learn more→
K-12 schools need to take cyberattacks more seriously
Teachers in Baltimore County Public Schools knew something was wrong late in the day on Nov. 24 when they began to experience trouble entering grades into the school district’s computer system. Around the same time, the video for a meeting of the district’s school board abruptly cut off. Both situations were the result of a cyberattack that had hit […] … learn more→
Covid’s forced review of teaching practice has taught me a lesson
As we approach the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, the summer now feels like a long time ago. But while the salubrious effects of the sunshine on my vitamin D levels may have long since run out, I am still benefitting from all the thought I put into my teaching back […] … learn more→
Creative dance teaches all-round skills – it should be valued more in primary education
Dance, by its very nature, is inclusive. It belongs to everybody and may appeal to young people who cannot engage in, or do not enjoy, traditional team games. Creative dance does not require formal training, making it ideal for all children – no matter their body type, cognitive ability, or skill level. It is not […] … learn more→
Why getting back to ‘normal’ doesn’t have to involve police in schools
Since COVID-19 forced many of America’s schools to teach kids remotely, parents and elected officials have been rightly concerned about when things will get back to normal. But there are certain aspects of education where a return to a prepandemic “normal” may not be in the best interests of America’s students. I believe that stationing […] … learn more→