Over the past decade, the AI-focused, for-profit Alpha School has grown from one campus in Austin, Texas, to a growing list of more than 15 schools across the country, including in major cities like New York and San Francisco. Alpha School joins other AI-centric K-12 private schools, like Unbound Academy and the Khan Lab School, that parents can now choose for their children, […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
Despite the growth of some AI schools like Alpha, research doesn’t show that AI tutors are better than human teachers
Teachers are worried about students cheating with AI, but my survey suggests the deeper issue is learning
The risk of students using AI to cheat tends to get a lot of attention – with good reason. A student can simply copy and paste a prompt into a chatbot and receive a polished paragraph, a five-paragraph essay, a lab summary or a reading response almost instantly. Teachers may then be left wondering whether the work reflects the […] … learn more→
Many students listen to music to focus and stay motivated while they study – but it doesn’t always help
Walk into any college library and you will likely see students wearing headphones and listening to music. The idea that music can improve learning has been around for decades. The “Mozart Effect,” is the pop psychology myth, first hypothesized in a 1993 paper, that listening to classical music can help people retain and process new information. As an educational […] … learn more→
Texas approves mandatory Bible readings in public schools, reigniting a century‑long debate
On June 26, 2026, the Texas State Board of Education approved a required reading list for public schools, including selections from the Bible. The 9-5 vote, split along Republican and Democrat party lines, stems from a 2023 state law that required Texas to create a list with at least one mandatory reading per grade level. Ultimately, the board produced […] … learn more→
‘Too pretty to do math’? Here’s the real reason girls aren’t choosing to study maths
The t-shirt is yellow, 100% cotton and meant for “everyday wear”. Across the front, it declares in italic script, “I’m too pretty to do math”. While some may see it as a joke, it is sparking widespread criticism from some of Australia’s science leaders. The shirt, created by Australian label Lioness, has raised questions about the deep-rooted messages girls […] … learn more→
In a world divided, teachers need to connect with each other
As an educator, I attest to the remarkable aspects of the teaching profession. Teachers truly have the capacity to be agents for positive change in this troubled world. That said, a myriad of factors have left the teaching field in a global state of occupational precarity. Factors include strenuous impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate funding and limited […] … learn more→
Five digital tools to detect and enrich the teaching of gifted children
Identifying gifted children remains a challenge: although estimates suggest that up to 10% may have this learning ability, formal identification figures rarely exceed 2%. This unmet need has consequences: demotivation, poor academic performance, and a higher risk of early school leaving. Addressing this challenge requires specific tools and knowledge. This is where initiatives like our recent European project, Your […] … learn more→
Why all teachers should understand how the brain works
Imagine Lucas, a five-year-old student who can’t sit still during circle time. Teacher A, with no training in how the brain works, loses patience. He thinks the child is defying the rules or lacks proper boundaries at home. Teacher B, who has knowledge of neuroeducation, breathes a sigh of relief. He knows that Lucas’s body […] … learn more→
Do we absorb information more easily from paper than from a screen? It depends on the type of screen.
The Swedish government recently imposed restrictions on devices in classrooms and a return to physical textbooks . This policy was prompted by concerns about declining student test scores and the negative impact of increased screen time . Is this anxiety reasonable? To address this issue, it’s important to remember that the notion of reading as easy is a fallacy. […] … learn more→
Most people don’t know what they don’t know, but think they do – correcting your metaknowledge can make you a better teacher and learner
Do you know what the Apple logo looks like? Chances are, you think you do. It’s ubiquitous and iconic. How could you not know it? But when tested, it turns out very few people can remember all the features of the logo. One study of 85 people found that only about half could pick the correct logo […] … learn more→
