Two Pathways to a Learning Pod
Learning Pods — which are a form of “Microschool” — are set to revolutionize learning. Parents keep asking us, “how to establish a FUN, FAIR, and POSITIVE learning pod?” Here’s how.
Looking for the “Sick and Tireds of Being Sick and Tired”
Are you a parent who is dissatisfied with your child’s learning? We mean, REALLY dissatisfied? Are you “sick and tired” of 1) schools that produce students who can’t learn on their own, 2) of feeling ignored by your school, 3) of a school system that is stuck in time? If yes, then for the sake of your child, it’s time to build a new approach.
Baby, You Can Drive My Car
Teaching our kids how to be self-directed, independent, life-long learners intimidates us as much as teaching them to drive a car. But we do teach our kids how to drive and eventually get comfortable letting them take total control of a 4,000-lb metal box capable of going 100 miles per hour down the highway. Why is it we’re not ready to teach them how to take total control of their own learning? Parents, it’s time to step up!
(Part 2) Blame Thomas Friedman
Part 2 of “Blame Thomas Friedman” contains a simple “baby step” suggestion to help parents build self-motivation and self-direction in their children. (Maybe you’ll even thank Mr. Friedman… one day.)
Parents ≥ Teachers
I was a middle school and high school principal for 10 years. During that time, I saw many parents who allowed teachers or principals to make all the decisions about their child’s learning, with little or no input from the parent. It’s time to flip the script.
Blame Thomas Friedman (Part 1)
Parents: What’s your reaction to Thomas Friedman’s quote? “..in a world where you will change jobs and professions several times, the self-motivation to be a lifelong learner will be paramount.” It’s time to pivot to a different type of learning.
The Art of Negotiation
When I was a high school principal, I was visited by many middle class parents asking favors for their children. Here’s what parents need to know to negotiate improved learning for their children. (Part 1)
What do Parents — Even You — REALLY Want?
Three parents tell us what they want most for their kids. Meet Brenda, Kelly and Adolfo. (Hint: They want the same thing that you and I do.)
Toilet paper or diploma? – that is the question.
Self-directed learning is the undiscussed civil rights issue of our time. When a learner is able to define, plan, execute, and evaluate their own learning they cease being owned by the traditional school system. The learner now possesses skills they own and cannot be taken away for a lifetime.
How Do You Eat an Elephant?
I spoke with a parent today whose 7-year-old will be expected to spend many hours on, or near, the computer each day. Really?! This rigid, “More is Better” model of learning will not lead to a love of learning, student engagement, or learning independence.
Instead, consider an integrated, “Less but Better” approach… and decide which will work better for you and your young learner.
A Different Educational Show
What does it take to educate a child during COVID? This show describes the centrality of the parent in education and how COVID is forcing parents to reassert themselves. Typically, parents receive no encouragement or coaching in how to become truly “empowered” or why it matters. Now, because of COVID, parents are asking new questions, […]
What if School Did Not Exist?
Education is being disrupted in real time and basic assumptions about “school” are rightly being questioned. Co-Founder of The Education Game, Dr. Scott Van Beck, leads a new blog series we call “What if…?” Each discussion will compel readers to explore basic assumptions about education that may no longer apply. This week’s question: “What if schools did not exist?” We welcome your comments.
The Unbundling of Education
COVID is massively accelerating the “unbundling of education.” Instead of a “one-size-fits-few” model, COVID is driving innovation, experimentation and personalization (finally!). Welcome to the future of education… don’t mind the mess.
Anxious Parents: Here’s Your 6-Week Playbook to Prepare for the Fall
Parents: Before you decide on virtual, home, hybrid, “Learning Pod”, private tutor, or online courses, walk with me through a 6-week process to develop a plan that can flex with the expected disruption of the coming months (years?!). Here’s your Playbook that looks far beyond COVID.
Alief School District is Starting School Virtually. But Virtual School is not “School-at-Home”
Despite State of Texas restrictions, Alief School District is starting the year virtually. But the difference between “Virtual School” and “School-at-Home” is massive. Let’s get parents ready to instruct at home. Whatever happens, better prepared parents will help kids succeed.
Fear-Less This Fall: A Parent Story
Every parent is feeling afraid. Their fear comes, in part, because they have not clearly defined their risks and developed mitigation strategies. Here is one parent’s story.
COVID Almost Killed Me and FrankenSchool Tried to Kill My Child’s Education
COVID almost killed me and FrankenSchool almost killed my kid’s education. No one can convince me that restarting traditional school in the fall makes sense. The risks are too high for too many. But there is another way: home learning. It will be hard… but the benefits far outweigh the risks. Let me show you how.
To Parents with Black Boys
Parents with Black boys have been reminded that raising their sons is tricky/dangerous business. But we can be order out of the chaos… if we stay focused.
How Kumon Turned a Black Father into an Asian Mother
What does a Black Male Preschool teacher and the largest Educational franchise have in common? A lot it seems.
Eureka! I’ve found it!
The Holy Grail of education is in Alaska… well, kinda. A recent Wall Street Journal article pointed to, at least partly, the future of education, and my recent conversations with parents show that the future is nearer than we might think. In a remote part of Alaska, there is an odd school district. To most […]