Dr. Gary Ackerman
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garyackermanphd.bsky.social
Dr. Gary Ackerman
@garyackermanphd.bsky.social

Teaching. Learning. Technology.

https://hackscience.education

Political science 40%
Sociology 22%

One thing I learned during 30+ years in classrooms, handing out worksheets is not teaching.

So many “great” ideas turn out to be false when tried in the real world.

“If someone didn’t see it, it didn’t really happen” is among the weakest arguments one can make.

If everyone is doing it, it cannot be innovative.

“Just a theory” is not the condemnation you think it is.

So I’m reading a book about volcanoes that I rescued from a discard pile. I’m not sure I’m going to apply what I’ve learned, but I’m really enjoying it.

There is a single light of science, and to brighten it anywhere is to brighten it everywhere. -Isaac Asimov

The proof of evolution lies in those adaptations that arise from improbable foundations. -Stephen Jay Gould

I could get Cs in math class, but actually understood many sophisticated concepts. When I became a math teacher, my students liked my approach… other teachers, not so much

Observation ruins so many wonderful speculations.

When the “next big thing” runs contrary to the philosophies that have guided recent decisions, it is best to not say anything. The leaders don’t like it.

No, that’s not what the data say, but you go on.

The savior syndrome explains much teacher behavior (in my experience). They reason the students should be so grateful they are here to teach them that the students should comply with every command no matter how ridiculous.

If a project failed because of incompetence, was it sabotaged?

I’m always interested at how folks are so quick to “make a survey” when instruments used by researchers are available to measure the “thing” we want to study.

I know this will not be believed, but we actually taught (and quite successfully thank you) before there were standards.

Facts do not convince anyone, especially not those who demand them.

We are born with brains that continue to develop long after birth, immersed in a social environment called culture. This culture shapes our views and provides the criteria we use to assess who and what is important.

Why do cultural norms stick? Humans seem to follow the logic: “I need these people to survive, so I am going to do what they do, say what they say, and value what they value.” These norms become deeply embedded early in childhood.

Leaders should believe those who are pushing the limits of the technology and meet their moving goals. Always decide to support the teacher who is using existing technology and adapting to the current level. #SupportInnovation

If you are waiting for the "perfect technology," be warned: you will never be satisfied. The focused leader supports those who are using existing solutions and driving improvements. #ProgressOverPerfection

Here is your regular reminder that you aren’t really teaching your “content” if the ethics of its use are not in the curriculum.

What solutions were written on flip chart paper only to be ignored?

“You gotta lift the curtain to see what’s really broken.”

“If you keep doing the same thing, nothing will change.”

Some statements are so obvious as to be brilliant.

When people learn no tools of judgment and merely follow their hopes, the seeds of political manipulation are sown. -Stephen Jay Gould

You may recall Click and Clack gave their best advice during the “third half” of every episode.