Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

Paraphrasing Dewey: “Must” indicates a judgement, not a statement of natural relationship.

Is “truth” discovered through observation or created by observation? (scientific observation of course)

Paraphrasing Gould: Fraud isn’t Interesting. Unquestioned bias is.

Expressing new understanding is part of organizing and internalizing knowledge so that it can be accessed and used later… teacher approval of that expression is not essential.

Gould reminds us that focus on quantitative data gives us the illusion of objectivity. If we don’t question our data we accept the prejudices embedded in its collection.

I had a reminder that I’m not a strong screen reader… I miss important details when reading on screens that I don’t miss on paper. I agreed to something I should not have, and now I’m cleaning up the mess.

I overheard an app developer say “is accurate data really our highest priority?” This was in reference to a production tool used to schedule and manage tasks. I’m still wondering about that conversation.

I just heard someone classify microwave ovens as “technology,” but an electric stove as “not technology.” Should I tell them?

“To become more creative, people should interact with thoughts, ideas, and perspectives different than their own.” Yes, but the resistance to alternative ideas is so strong that overcoming it will be very difficult.

What if deconstructing tasks into parts removes interconnections that are essential to understanding/ completing the task?

If workers/ students lack a feeling of autonomy, they will comply. But that is all.

Divergent thinking may increase one’s questioning of social norms. Perhaps that is one reason education has been reluctant to teach it?

So many technologies to solve math equations… my math education has been replaced with tools.

Dewey: “Certainty is the last thing anyone should hope to find.” At least if that person wants to understand anything.

Paraphrasing Dewey: intelligence is bound in the community. Yeah, he was right. It starts in our brains, but isn’t entirely there.

So many reasonable and useful forms of and extensions of human thinking are ignored in schools. It’s shameful.

So many “data driven” leaders lack the critical attitude data that is necessary to use it effectively.

Observation… delusion. We need others to point out which describes our conclusion.

“Scientists rule out wishful thinking and dishonesty.” Now if we can get everyone to behave that way.

If you change you mind, I know you deserve my attention. If you don’t, then I assume your are not empirically reasonable… that you don’t believe you can be wrong… and that is just silly.