John Merrow on “Rebirth: New Orleans,” a documentary about the transformation of schools in New Orleans after the hurricane, mostly by means of charter schools. “In 2004, not even one-third of 8th graders in New Orleans could pass a state reading test. In some schools, the number was lower — just 4 percent. “Since then […]
New Orleans schools rebuild after Katrina Read More »
How true is the following diagnosis of contemporary higher education? “During the past twenty years the leading universities of the country have changed markedly in form and function … All tend to suffer from similar and unexampled difficulties. They spend huge sums and are desperately poor; their students attack them; the neighbors hate them; their
Criticizing American universities — plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose Read More »
In Britain and America in the 1700s, the most influential philosopher of education was John Locke, with his Some Thoughts Concerning Education. In France, it was Jean-Jacques Rousseau with his Emile. But in the German states, it was Johann Georg Sulzer, with his 1748 An Essay on the Education and Instruction of Children. Sulzer’s fundamental
Obedience in education in 1700s Germany Read More »
My 15-lecture series on the Philosophy of Education in a dedicated playlist at YouTube. The videos are still also available at my site here. Thanks to Chris Vaughan for setting this up.
New channel for my Philosophy of Education lectures Read More »
Every original thinker attracts those who are eager to learn and build upon the new discoveries — and “true believers” who want to follow mechanically and turn the new system into a museum piece. Maria Montessori’s outstanding educational philosophy is designed for independence, creativity, and freedom. Many Montessorians are applying and developing her system in
Geniuses and their followers, Montessori version Read More »
I spoke on Educating for Entrepreneurship at the Fórum da Libertade in Porto Alegre, Brazil this week. Over 4,500 people attended the two-day conference with many high profile Brazilian business, cultural, and political leaders. My talk was one of two in a panel on the theme of Education: Obey, Think, or Create? The panel was
Brazil Fórum da Libertade report Read More »
I’ll be giving an invited talk at the 25th anniversary of the Liberty Forum, the largest liberty-oriented conference in Latin America. The conference is to be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil on April 16 and 17. The overall theme of the conference program is 2037: What Brazil will be yours? I’ll be speaking on Education:
Brazil talk on educating for entrepreneurship Read More »