Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

In schools, I have seen narcissistic cliques among adults for decades. They always turn on each other in time. It’s funny, until you realize they are educators.

Just because you have an opinion does not mean I’m obligated to give it serious consideration… especially if I am an educator.

“Continuous improvement” is based on the idea that we knew what we needed when we started and the system was the path to it. “Design” is based on the idea that we evaluate our goals and the systems as we “improve.”

It isn’t “unfairness” that I cause my to ignore your quacky ideas, it’s “reason.”

I can respect your right to an opinion while disregarding your opinion.

To those who complain about students not reading emails/ syllabi ... You should see what its like supporting faculty.

If you don’t have more questions when you are done, did you learn it?

My answer is, “no.”

“I read the book.” “I took the classes.”

Yes, but that doesn’t mean you understand it.

Self-directed learning does not mean no role for the teacher.

Analogies are about relationships not similarities.

I’ve recently challenged one of those leaders who creates a toxic culture with their incessant snarky and critical comments. I’m convinced they honestly see the comments as helpful.

I don’t disagree that devices are a significant source of students being disengaged in school. Split attention, FOMO, the rewards they give; yes, they are all real effects. I taught long before these devices arrived. Students were disengaged back then too.

“I don’t believe in science because they keep changing facts.” Yes it does. That’s the whole point. Be careful, however, because many of the surprising discoveries reported in the news are later rejected. Again, that’s what it’s designed to do.

In the early 2000’s I accepted a job in a town and was asked when I was moving there. Folks were annoyed when I said I can’t afford a house there.

“I don’t believe in x,” where x is a well-documented phenomenon is not a sign of strength.

It’s strange that so many “smart” people don’t realize diverse groups make better decisions.

I believe one reason conspiracy theories are so rampant is the fun folks get inti creating stories.

It is sad that folks are offended by accurate observations.

When one becomes a good critical thinker, they become dangerous in the eyes of many.

“Smartphone are entertaining and distracting.” Distracting for sure, but is entertaining the correct word?