In an excerpt from an interview with a “young adolescent in jail for selling drugs,” author Thomas J. Cottle lays bare the nuanced complexity of educating youth who have a fragile, if any, grip on hope. Two moments pulled from his post illustrate, at a minimum, problems with the lesson our system implicitly teaches students: “Smart” is defined by traditional … Read More
Fixed vs. Growth Mindsets
Mindset, the seminal book by Carol Dweck, a Stanford University psychologist, unpacks the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. In a fixed mindset, the belief is that intelligence is fixed and static. You are smart, or you aren’t. This was the widely accepted theory of cognitive development until a series of experiments in the 50’s and 60’s by … Read More
Why Giving Matters More than Taking
Below is a guest post by Nia Robinson, a 15-year old student and change agent. She has started a campaign to raise money for All Kinds of Minds. Here is her motivation. For most people, the holidays have became a time of receiving gifts. To challenge this concept, I decided to do something I have wanted to do for a … Read More
Hating School, Loving Learning
As we debate the ins and outs of how to improve student “achievement,” let’s remember to pause and hear what students have to say. The sooner we give the growing movement of students advocating for their vision of transforming education a welcomed and honored place at the table, the sooner we will move closer to equity in our schools. Below are two powerful … Read More
Royal Society Recommendations for Neuroscience in Education
The Royal Society, a self-governing Fellowship of scientists from around the world dedicated to “excellence in science and to encourage the development and use of science for the benefit of humanity,” released a series of modules in 2011 as part of their Brain Waves Project. The four modules explore the intersection of neuroscience, society and public policy with summarized analyses … Read More
Education Improvements by Nia Robinson
Check out this effort to change the education paradigm by 15-year old student, Nia Robinson, through raising money and awareness. In her call to action she uses the below Sir Ken Robinson speech that was turned into an RSA Animation. Watch, listen, learn, and then head over to her GoFundMe page and make a donation.
Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership
These “Paradoxical Commandments of Leadership” were published by Kent Keith in 1968 as a series designed for emerging student leaders. However, when it comes to efficacy, determination, grit, and tenacity — and really, just good old fashion putting vision into action — these are as true and relevant today as ever. 1. People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them … Read More
12 Brain Rules
Below are the 12 Brain Rules developed by John Medina. Each link will take you to his site and to more information about each of the rules. You can find the original list in his book “Brain Rules” and on his Brain Rules website. Enjoy. EXERCISE | Rule #1: Exercise boosts brain power. SURVIVAL | Rule #2: The human brain evolved, too. WIRING … Read More
