Kohn's Zone The Back-to-School-Night Speech We’d Like to Hear (Ep. 1)
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Jul 1, 2025 Imagine a principal's witty speech on education reform, emphasizing student-centered learning! Discover how prioritizing student questions leads to meaningful curriculum customization. Alfie Kohn argues against traditional grading, highlighting the benefits of genuine feedback and the joy of learning over memorization. He shares insights on eliminating homework and standardized tests, fostering collaboration instead of competition. This playful and thought-provoking talk sets the stage for a deeper exploration of innovative educational practices.
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Student-Designed Learning
- Alfie Kohn argues that learning should be built around students' questions and interests rather than prewritten curricula.
- He says teachers should ask more and tell less, creating plans with students, not for them.
Replace Grades With Meaningful Feedback
- Do replace traditional grades with meaningful feedback like written observations and conferences.
- Alfie Kohn says grades reduce interest and thoughtfulness, so offer richer qualitative assessment instead.
Rethink Homework Defaults
- Avoid assigning homework as a default and consider eliminating it when it causes anxiety and boredom.
- Kohn notes teachers who stopped homework saw improved feelings about school without harming learning quality.
