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.
The Paradox of Moving Goals
143: The Paradox of Moving Goals Goals seem a natural part of human organizations and design; we define what we want, then take steps to achieve what we want. Those who have been involved with defi…
hackscience.education
A blog post on the Paradox of Moving Goals
hackscience.education/2020/01/15/t...
hackscience.education/2020/01/15/t...
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.
Social Aspects of Learning
145: Social Aspects of Learning Normal brain development depends on social interaction, and the social nature of human learning continues throughout life, and deeper learning has social components.…
hackscience.education
A blog post on the social nature of learning, now with audio:
hackscience.education/2020/02/14/s...
hackscience.education/2020/02/14/s...
Students are not Blank Slates
While learning is familiar to all, it has become the subject of serious scientific inquiry in the last several decades. New imaging technologies have provided cognitive scientists a view into the f…
hackscience.education
A blog pot, now with audio, on the nature of students:
hackscience.education/2020/02/03/s...
#education #learning #students #teaching
hackscience.education/2020/02/03/s...
#education #learning #students #teaching
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.
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.