Tara Holm, chair of the math dept. at Cornell, explains how - as research has shown - making kids engage in “persistent memorization” of math rules & formulas tends to undermine their logical thinking and ability to see the bigger picture: ow.ly/J5Bhb

I have boundless admiration for teachers who help kids read good books thoughtfully without turning it into a tedious structured exercise that pulls kids out of the text and focuses them on monitoring their own reading skills

One characteristic of extraordinary teachers is that they're not fazed by kids who challenge them; indeed, they welcome this. They're willing to reconsider what they've said, secure enough not to need to have the last word, & aware that arguing may help to sharpen kids' thinking.

Tchrs who listen to kids’ conversations, observe their projects, & read their writing don't need to use tests. But this assumes kids have a chance to converse, design projects, & write. If they just listen to lecs & do wksheets, there’s not much authentic learning to BE assessed