To See in New York City
For those of you who travel to New york City (the Big Apple) and would like something out of the ordinary, following are two suggestions not found in many guidebooks. Henry Clay Frick was the coke magnate who joined forces with Andrew Carnegie, the world’s largest steel maker...
Classical vs Operant Conditioning
Classical conditioning is identified with Pavlov’s dog. It begins with the observation that some things produce natural responses. “Lucky” smells meat and salivates. By pairing an artificial stimulus with a natural one—such as ringing a bell when the steak appears—the...
Linda Darling-Hammond’s Thoughts
A few comments by the renowned educator about the education book : “The strategies that Dr. Marshall describes for developing humane, responsive, and responsible classrooms are grounded in research AND good practice. They link classroom management concerns to the more fundamental...
Visiting CNN Headquarters
I had the pleasure of visiting the CNN headquarters and studio in Atlanta, Georgia. The broadcasting company owns CNN, CNN Headline News (which repeats headlines every 30 minutes), CNN Financial News, a channel that broadcasts in English to other continents, a channel that broadcasts...
Evaluating Learning with Standardized Tests
Using standardized tests to measure educational progress is contrary to the purpose of such tests. Educational leaders have been and are still basing their decisions about learning on the use of such tests, and it is having disastrous results. This is exemplified by third graders,...
Competition and Learning
Business is a a poor model for learning. Business is competitive and competition improves performance in athletics, music competitions, and other activities where people are motivated to improve and win. However, competition between individuals is devastating for improving learning. ...
Thinking about Thinking
Although mastering subject matter is important, strategies to increase thinking power are equally important. Schooling today emphasizes “correct” answers and single solutions. But in so many situations, it is not how many correct answers one knows, but rather how...
Change and Feelings
QUESTION: Why is change so difficult? RESPONSE: Change is not difficult; it just feels difficult because it is different from what we are accustomed to doing. QUESTION: Why is change so difficult? RESPONSE Change is not difficult; it just feels difficult because it is different...
Understanding the Levels
QUESTION: QUESTION: I viewed your website and agree totally with your ideas. However, in order for your ABCD model to work, would it not require compliance throughout the hierarchy? RESPONSE I don’t think you would want people to comply to anarchy or bossing others. Also, you...
Homework Suggestions
QUESTION: How do you encourage kids to do homework? I feel like I’m constantly chasing after students to do it. I find that it’s a reflection of my teaching that they’re not putting effort into it. RESPONSE: In order to differentiate between EFFORT in EMPLOYMENT...