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... 

Uplifting Students vs. Overpowering Them

A teacher  shared a few thoughts with me. This year is a surprise for me. I thought I had my revelation last year when  I discovered Discipline Without Stress. This year I have implemented the system from the beginning and the painful revelation this year is just how wrong I have... 

Reflective Questions for Students and Teachers

Create (or have a student create) a large poster with the following questions clearly visible: 1. What am I learning? 2. How am I learning? 3. Why am I learning? 4. Who am I becoming? Primary students can share their responses with each other. Older students can reflect on the lesson/day... 

Raise Responsibility System & Advanced Concepts

Here are some ADVANCED CONCEPTS for using the Raise Responsibility System for DISCIPLINE, for ENCOURAGEMENT, and for PROMOTING LEARNING and ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT. DISCIPLINE: After teachers are well into the mode of ASKING students (instead of telling them) to identify a level of chosen... 

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