I don't understand most educational theories and practices. I didn't study the how of teaching. I studied the what of teaching. There's always something new to challenge the status quo. I'm tired of it.
Remember New Math? Was that a mess or what?
Lots of self-direction, symbolic logic, and discovery learning. It worked. Some kids discovered that counting in base seven gave them headaches and turned away from mathematical computations more advanced than calculating the number of days left in the school year.
Now there's the concept of decolonization. The idea behind it is that the western way of doing things in a classroom is oppressive. Colonial.
Some educators clamor for an end to it all.
My classroom is a colony.
My students are held captive. They must show up for class. They must follow the syllabus and complete assignments on time.
I am an oppressor. A veritable despot. There are consequences for poor performance.
But I don't unfairly discriminate against any student.
I treat treat 'em all like dogs.
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