Seven Myths About Education

In this concise but scholarly volume, Christodoulou critiques a number of commonly held beliefs about education labeled as myths. Summarized in short phrases, these are: facts prevent understanding, teacher-led instruction is passive, the twenty-first century fundamentally changes everything, you can always just look it up, we should teach transferable skills, projects and activities are the best way to learn, and teaching knowledge is indoctrination. Each chapter treats one of these beliefs systematically, first presenting evidence that it is in fact commonly believed and acted upon in the British education system, then arguing for why they are untrue. Both philosophical roots of these theories and their practical applications are discussed, and the refutations likewise consider both theoretical arguments and empirical evidence. Chapters build on each other to construct an argument for a different kind of education, and the conclusion reiterates the harm caused by the current approach. Annotation ©2014 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
In this controversial new book, Daisy Christodoulou offers a thought-provoking critique of educational orthodoxy. Drawing on her recent experience of teaching in challenging schools, she shows through a wide range of examples and case studies just how much classroom practice contradicts basic scientific principles. She examines seven widely-held beliefs which are holding back pupils and teachers: - Facts prevent understanding - Teacher-led instruction is passive - The 21st century fundamentally changes everything - You can always just look it up -We should teach transferable skills - Projects and activities are the best way to learn - Teaching knowledge is indoctrination. In each accessible and engaging chapter, Christodoulou sets out the theory of each myth, considers its practical implications and shows the worrying prevalence of such practice. Then, she explains exactly why it is a myth, with reference to the principles of modern cognitive science. She builds a powerful case explaining how governments and educational organisations around the world have let down teachers and pupils by promoting and even mandating evidence-less theory and bad practice.This blisteringly incisive and urgent text is essential reading for all teachers, teacher training students, policy makers, head teachers, researchers and academics around the world.