How to help your child read better

How to help your child read betterThree tips to helping children discover the pleasure of reading Children are struggling to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on their learning, particularly those in younger grades who were already struggling with reading. Fortunately, a University of Alberta research team has created and tested an evidence-based program to help get students back on…

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…

The no-zero policy finally gets a failing grade

But dumping the misguided practice in Newfoundland and Labrador schools is just the beginning – much more reform is needed

The no-zero policy finally gets a failing gradeThe long-standing no-zero policy in Newfoundland and Labrador schools is no more. The chief executive officer of the English School District recently announced that teachers are once again free to deduct marks for late work and assign marks of zero when work doesn’t come in at all. This is a significant step forward, not only…

Improve teacher working conditions by dumping bad ideas

Even though there's a wealth of evidence supporting traditional teaching techniques, officials too often push an ideological agenda to teaching

Improve teacher working conditions by dumping bad ideasNewfoundland and Labrador teachers are stressed. In a recent presentation to the Premier’s Task Force on Improving Education Outcomes, the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association presented compelling scientific and anecdotal data showing that the working conditions for classroom teachers are not good. Classes include many students with severe behavioural problems, significant cognitive disabilities and diverse academic skills.…