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'Aha' moments don't add up to learning
Gamifying education might be fun for kids, but they're not likely to learn very much.

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 10, 20252 min read


'Kids aren't phone zombies now'
"Kids aren't phone zombies now," says teacher whose school banned smartphones.

Joanne Jacobs
Sep 14, 20252 min read


Measuring good teaching by the smile-o-meter
Is it true that "the person doing the smiling is the person doing the learning"?

Joanne Jacobs
Jan 5, 20251 min read


Half of students don't want to go to college, but don't know what else they could do
About half of teenagers say they don't want to go to college right out of high school, according to a new Gallup/Walton survey , reports ...

Joanne Jacobs
Aug 31, 20241 min read


Who's the best teacher? 'Good with kids' trumps knowing the subject
Principals prefer "engaging" teachers over those who are good at instruction but not classroom management.

Joanne Jacobs
Aug 26, 20242 min read


Culturally relevant math: If Cardi B owns $500K in handbags ...
Math achievement is very low for black students. Can "culturally relevant" math problems -- such as analyzing a hip-hop star's purse...

Joanne Jacobs
Dec 29, 20232 min read


Houston's revamped schools: 'ruthless efficiency,' lots of engagement
After a state takeover of Houston schools, Superintendent Mike Miles has launched a very ambitious set of reforms for the city's...

Joanne Jacobs
Sep 7, 20233 min read


Texas limits 'action civics'
Civic activism can't be required in Texas public schools if it requires communicating with federal, state or local officials, reports...

Joanne Jacobs
May 6, 20232 min read
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