Experiment: Finding the reality behind an argument A colleague recently shared this article about the disagreements about ranking secondary schools in Finland. The prevailing discourse in the US, the UK, and in many parts of the world is that ranking schools is a way to ensure that all schools are excellent. The idea is that competition would…
Experiment: Explore causation where there may be none. I keep coming back to a single question; What is the motivation for businesses to become involved in education? If you’re not convinced that education is moving out of the hands of government and into the hands of business, I highly recommend this book. There are two answers that…
Experiment: A little tiny bit of a bigger argument. The current discourse around education is that it is failing, that schools are terrible, and that the only way to ensure better education is through fundamental change. The evidence surrounding this claim is much more interesting than I would have expected. American parents surveyed reported “generally…
Experiment: Synthesize a few different pieces of literature In current systems of accountability and appraisal, teachers are usually the focus. We ensure that standards are clear for teachers, that curriculum is aligned, and that expectations are high. These accountability measures come from state agencies or legislation which assume a sort of “inputs” and “outputs” model.…
There is an assumption That “student achievement” is the goal The expert says: “What else would it be?” But we are humans Greedy, selfish, with “disinterested interest.” But also altruistic, concerned, social justice warriors. Believing that positive interactions with students Can overcome even the worst torments of school culture That passion and love of the…
Experiment: Analyzing the elephant in the room (This picture is one half of my family. I’ve realized that in my family, of 8 people trained to be teachers, all but 2 are female. My great grandmother and my grandmother were teachers, they were groundbreaking! . . . but why so few men?) Discussion of the…
Experiment: Explaining neoliberalism from the “wild” I received this letter from the Nottingham City Council after applying for school busing for my son. I’ve highlighted the part that struck me. Perhaps there is nothing wrong here, or maybe this is one of those statements that suddenly brings the hidden into the light of day. From a rational…
Experiment: Integrating the messages of a collection of literature. Analyzing the work of teachers is incredibly fascinating work. As a former teacher, I am still intrigued at every story and every quote. I would describe every piece of research about teachers as a “page turner”. What did they say?! What happened next?! I constantly yell…
Eh, it can’t all be technical. Here are my personal thoughts of what I want school to be. I want to work in a school where teachers . . . are the guides for learning, facilitators, and leaders of the community, supported by administration are valued for their specific skills and interests work collaboratively (not…
My new favorite program: EndNote! Install the desktop version: Sign in to the web version: EndNote Online Now, you’re ready to go! Download Citations from journals: Then open up the download and the desktop version of EndNote will automatically pick it up. Use the Browser Plug in to “Capture Reference”: (you must be signed…
Emily Winchip 