Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

One thing I learned during 35+ years in education: Occam’s Razor is seldom applied when addressing school problems.

Research starts with a question. If no one knows the answer to it, then it might be interesting research.

“Quality” is manufacturing is delivering “what the customer wants” which is defined clearly and objectively. Such clarity and objectivity is not possible in #education and (I expect) some other fields.

“Science allows mystery, but not magic….” -Richard Dawkins

Jimmy Carter was right. The USA should have adopted the metric system.

“Technology also raises anew question about the nature of the ends themselves.” -Stephanie Moore and Heather Tullberg-Webb

Questions motivate students far more than learning outcomes.

One thing I learned during 35+ years in education: the philanthropists who have come to save the school are always wrong.

What are we working towards? Why are we doing it?

These questions are key to education planning.

Do you think everyone should think/ act/ believe the way you do? If “yes,” then you were indoctrinated and want other to be. If “no,” then whatever you do is not indoctrination.

OpenAI CEO Says AI Will Give Medical Advice to People Too Poor to Afford Doctors https://buff.ly/3IM3VNJ I find the title offensive—but as one who has been waiting months to see a physician for a relatively minor condition that requires medication, I’m all for expanding access.

Controlled experiments are fine, but give me a good meta analysis if you want me to take you seriously.

Those who say "education will change because of this new thing" do not know how resistant to change eduction is.

OK... here we go... again... correlation does not mean causation.

IMO: The assumption that your current practices are optimal is the one that holds back the most progress.

One of the main reasons given for not abandoning bad practices in schools is “what else should we do?” 🤦‍♂️

Every moment students are being tested is another moment they are not learning… unless, of course, it’s well-designed retrieval practice… which it never is.

I still remember how to diagram sentences. I believe it helped me become a better writer, but I don't believe we should make everyone learn it.

What if students really do know how to improve schools?

There are situation in which I have lots to say about how education workshops were taught, but I chose to not give feedback. If you are a consultant and paid to deliver content, it is your job to evaluate it. I’m happy to, but we need to agree to terms first.