Dr. Gary Ackerman
@garyackermanphd.bsky.social
Yes, one can ruin a life full of good work by making terrible decisions near the end of their career… at least I’ve lost respect for competent leaders late in their careers.
November 11, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Yes, one can ruin a life full of good work by making terrible decisions near the end of their career… at least I’ve lost respect for competent leaders late in their careers.
Many potential customers or clients check your web site first. If they end up calling only to be told information that is contrary to what is on the web, you are alienating them.
November 11, 2025 at 6:10 PM
Many potential customers or clients check your web site first. If they end up calling only to be told information that is contrary to what is on the web, you are alienating them.
One thing I learned during 30+ years in classrooms, handing out worksheets is not teaching.
November 11, 2025 at 5:10 PM
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.
November 11, 2025 at 4:26 PM
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.
November 11, 2025 at 3:12 PM
“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.
November 11, 2025 at 2:25 PM
If everyone is doing it, it cannot be innovative.
“Just a theory” is not the condemnation you think it is.
November 11, 2025 at 1:23 PM
“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.
November 10, 2025 at 10:48 PM
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
November 10, 2025 at 9:10 PM
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
November 10, 2025 at 8:41 PM
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
November 10, 2025 at 7:21 PM
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.
November 10, 2025 at 6:07 PM
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.
November 10, 2025 at 5:19 PM
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.
November 10, 2025 at 4:46 PM
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.
November 10, 2025 at 3:08 PM
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?
November 10, 2025 at 2:16 PM
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.
November 10, 2025 at 1:19 PM
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.
November 9, 2025 at 9:40 PM
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.
November 9, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Facts do not convince anyone, especially not those who demand them.
A blog post on the Paradox of Moving Goals
hackscience.education/2020/01/15/t...
hackscience.education/2020/01/15/t...
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
November 9, 2025 at 7:19 PM
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.
November 9, 2025 at 6:01 PM
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.
November 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM
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.
A blog post on the social nature of learning, now with audio:
hackscience.education/2020/02/14/s...
hackscience.education/2020/02/14/s...
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
November 9, 2025 at 4:07 PM
A blog post on the social nature of learning, now with audio:
hackscience.education/2020/02/14/s...
hackscience.education/2020/02/14/s...
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
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
November 9, 2025 at 3:42 PM
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
November 9, 2025 at 2:06 PM
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