Archive for the ‘Research / Findings / Literature’ Category

What’s Your Time Perspective?

Monday, July 6th, 2009

In an earlier post, I explained how I begin all my courses – regardless of the subject matter – with a lesson that challenges my students to think about their lives into the future in order to make what they’re doing today more meaningful. It makes my teaching more effective. It makes their learning more relevant. It makes education more meaningful.

This TED Talk on “Time Perspective” not only supports that lesson, but it’s given me lots to think about – both personally and as an educator.

  • It’s fast; you’ll likely need to pause it (like I did) several times to read the charts.
  • It’s a super simplification; I’m suspecting that it’s the tip of brand-new iceberg.
  • It’s largely common sense; we’ve all thought of this stuff before, but now it’s in tidy tables and supported by academics.

I hope this provides you with some new insights both personally and professionally; especially if you’re an educator or manager looking for new ways to approach your lazy or directionless students/employees … because helping them think about time a little differently could be the best thing you could do.

“Pay Attention” ~ a video

Sunday, May 24th, 2009

I know most of you have seen this, but in case you haven’t, this is a good little video full of facts and thoughts on education in the 21st century and digital learning in particular.  Although I don’t think what it suggests would make education meaningful on its own, a good view nonetheless:

Learn to Play, Live to Play.

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

Stuart Brown’s Ted Talk on the merits of play is – to say the least – ground-breaking. Not only does he advocate for play’s rightful place in the learning and modeling process, but the facts he shares about play’s place beyond these domains are as startling as they are exciting.

The next time you feel a bit guilty, or doubtful, or inappropriate for being “too playful” with your students, your employees, your friends, or someone you just met, STOP!

Instead, make better use of your time and energy and re-watch this video, or read his book, or go out and play some more!

Gates on Recent Education Research

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009

For starters, I’m happy that the findings Bill Gates shares in this video are finally surfacing in education research. I hope Action-Ed can help make good teaching easier, more enjoyable, and scalable in the years to come.

If you know a good teacher, share this post with them so they can know – once and for all – that nothing beats good teaching! (Note: the education portion of the video starts at the 9:00 minute mark).