Say it ain’t so–another mantra on the hook?

http://educationnext.org/sage-on-the-stage/

Say it ain’t so!

Another example of education by belief system–not research!  In modern pedagogy, we are lead to believe that problem-solving is better than lecturing –especially in the middle school years. Well, here’s research to question that.

From my perspective in this blog over the years, we can add this research to the list we have compiled about special education.  For example,

• the belief in ‘learning styles’ has been deeply questioned by brain research.
• the belief in the ability of students to multitask has been deeply questioned by brain research. Thus, we need a quiet space without the IPhone for work! 
• the mantra of ‘inclusion’ is powerful, even as it often lacks research support.
• the notion that all students can or should pass the same state tests fails the blush test.
• the focus on student weaknesses lacks a research basis.
• the use of  ‘accommodations’ that actually lower standards goes unreported.
• the idea that if something is hard for a student to learn, it means that there’s something ‘wrong’ with the student–not that the student needs to practice, practice, practice to learn the subject or skill.
• Etc.

Do you have a list of your favorites?