ChatGPT no reason to move away from traditional teaching

ChatGPT no reason to move away from traditional teachingChatGPT is an impressive tool, but it is just that – a tool Artificial intelligence has come a long way. Unlike the rudimentary software of the past, modern-day programs such as ChatGPT are truly impressive. Whether you need a 1,000-word essay summarizing the history of Manitoba, a 500-word article extolling the virtues of your favourite…

Academic freedom one of the foundations of democracy

Academic freedom one of the foundations of democracyWe must never give up the struggle to preserve our right to know Academic freedom is a cornerstone of democracy. Academic freedom, therefore, should be cherished by both the left and the right. When this freedom is threatened, it should concern all of us. Academic freedom is misunderstood by many. As an educator, I want…

Learning styles myth needs to be rejected once and for all

Learning styles myth needs to be rejected once and for allThe learning styles myth perpetuates a falsehood about how students learn Are you a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a tactile-kinaesthetic learner? If you think this is a valid question, then you, like many others, have fallen for one of the most pervasive education myths out there. It’s not hard to test this claim…

New Brunswick charts a bold new economic path

The age of internetization has arrived in the province

New Brunswick charts a bold new economic pathThe launch of the McKenna Institute at the University of New Brunswick is confirmation that the age of internetization has arrived in the province. Internetization is a new word I’ve coined to describe the global outreach and electronic connectivity that empowers the 21st century. COVID-19 underlined that internetization has become foundational to our existence. Millions…

Memorization, practise and critical thinking go hand-in-hand

It's unreasonable to assume that students can practise critical thinking without first acquiring substantial background knowledge

Memorization, practise and critical thinking go hand-in-handAll students should become critical thinkers. The ability to synthesize and evaluate information, and come up with new ways of looking at things is highly prized in education circles from kindergarten to graduate school. Given the importance of critical thinking, it’s not surprising that schools across the country proudly trumpet the progress they make in…

Bad news keeps piling up for New Brunswick

From punitive tax strategies to moribund job creation to a weak education system, this provincial government seems intent on failure

Bad news keeps piling up for New BrunswickAre New Brunswick's challenges so overwhelming that the provincial government has given up trying to solve them? Or does the province believe decisions to reverse its grim economic position and troubling social indicators should be kicked down the road? After a recent provincial government announcement to permanently ban shale gas development and another to appeal…