Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

What if we started asking, “What was your dumbest idea ever?” in job interviews.

If the service is free, you are being sold by the provider of the service.

Self-teaching (for some things) is a real thing. Learn what those things are and embrace it.

One thing I learned during 30 years as a teacher: You can present the greatest lesson ever, but if the students are distracted (often by things seemingly unrelated to your classroom), it doesn’t matter.

The problem with the “precautionary principle” (I’m going to keep on until you prove the new thing is better) is we overestimate how effective and efficient our current practices are.

I find the whole “if you don’t test how will you know they have learned?” to be very strange. Sure, we know “testing” helps retrieval practice to build declarative knowledge, it helps compare individuals in groups, but so much else that matters about being “smart” is missed.

“Doubling down” by leaders in response to challenges/ questions is a bad sign. Always.

If you teach to the test via one path/ method, and I do by another, are we really any different?

Educational standards were promoted as “high quality for all.” It had resulted in “the same for all.”

We know phishing is a threat to our IT, yet the default is "send me an email to..." in response to any situation.

Seek simplicity, and distrust it. - Alfred North Whitehead

Data provided in full view of authority is dubious.

Self-reported data is OK, but triangulate it so it can be appropriately interpreted.

If your response is “What else could it be?” you are demonstrating you have little understanding of the problem... or your solution. #leadership

Imitation is a good *first* type of learning.

When humans are uncertain, they copy those around them.

One of my song writer friends once said, “I only write song that I cannot not write.” Seems sound advice for any writer. #writing

Overheard conversation: “Yeah, you speak fluent sarcasm.”

If you work in #edtech, but were never a classroom #teacher, recognize when your decisions are motivated by easing your work... you may be adversely affecting #education.

You are a school secretary. You have a sick child, an aggravated parent, and the principal at your desk. What order do they receive your attention? There is only one correct answer.