Thanks so much Lynda. I have been so frustrated with the kōrero around this, and suspicious about the science of learning, given its focus on such a narrow aspect of our cognition (primarily memory). I’m especially suspicious about the alignment with a narrowing of our curriculum towards abstract “biologically secondary” knowledge that casts other ways of knowing as “folk science”. It would be fantastic to see this published in mainstream media, so people can begin to see how much manipulation has been going on to shore up the supremacy of one particular worldview over all others. Brilliant writing!
As an ex science/human bio teacher I have long thought that we pay far too little attention to the complex systems that drive our own bodies- and especially the brain!
Erica Stanford is the epitome of a person with absolutely no background in education or pedagogy who nonetheless believes that her view on the brain and how it learns is paramount. She is the quintessential ignorant charlatan, who cares nothing for empirical evidence based research findings supporting only that which fits her narrow 'one size fits all' redundant theory of education placed in the trash can many years ago. But hey, she cares not a jot.
Excellent analysis. There could be an addendum to the effect that because of skull size construction natural organic brain power is unlikely to grow. The pocket brain (device I'm using now) being produced by the billion by modern privateers is homogeneous
I have a suspicion that this claim is nothing more than a plan to open public education up to private opportunities . All those US companies desperate to sell their 'one size fits all'text books, tutoring systems etc. Then we can do away with those pesky teachers ... Grrr
Thanks so much Lynda. I have been so frustrated with the kōrero around this, and suspicious about the science of learning, given its focus on such a narrow aspect of our cognition (primarily memory). I’m especially suspicious about the alignment with a narrowing of our curriculum towards abstract “biologically secondary” knowledge that casts other ways of knowing as “folk science”. It would be fantastic to see this published in mainstream media, so people can begin to see how much manipulation has been going on to shore up the supremacy of one particular worldview over all others. Brilliant writing!
Thanks Lynda
As an ex science/human bio teacher I have long thought that we pay far too little attention to the complex systems that drive our own bodies- and especially the brain!
Brilliant piece. Well done.
I nearly fell of my chair when I heard "Every brain learns the same ..."
Erica Stanford is the epitome of a person with absolutely no background in education or pedagogy who nonetheless believes that her view on the brain and how it learns is paramount. She is the quintessential ignorant charlatan, who cares nothing for empirical evidence based research findings supporting only that which fits her narrow 'one size fits all' redundant theory of education placed in the trash can many years ago. But hey, she cares not a jot.
Excellent analysis. There could be an addendum to the effect that because of skull size construction natural organic brain power is unlikely to grow. The pocket brain (device I'm using now) being produced by the billion by modern privateers is homogeneous
I have a suspicion that this claim is nothing more than a plan to open public education up to private opportunities . All those US companies desperate to sell their 'one size fits all'text books, tutoring systems etc. Then we can do away with those pesky teachers ... Grrr
With due respect brains cannot learn, only minds can. People often conflate the two.
How would you describe the mind - physiologically?
Thanks Lynda - great piece.