Classical conditioning is identified with Pavlov's dog. It begins with the observation that some things produce natural responses. "Lucky" smells meat and salivates. By pairing an artificial stimulus with a natural one—such as ringing a bell when the steak appears—the dog associates the two. Ring the bell; the dog salivates. (Pavlov was smart enough … [Read more...]

A few comments by the renowned educator about the education book : "The strategies that Dr. Marshall describes for developing humane, responsive, and responsible classrooms are grounded in research AND good practice. They link classroom management concerns to the more fundamental issues of how teachers can create powerful curriculum, teaching, learning, and … [Read more...]

I had the pleasure of visiting the CNN headquarters and studio in Atlanta, Georgia. The broadcasting company owns CNN, CNN Headline News (which repeats headlines every 30 minutes), CNN Financial News, a channel that broadcasts in English to other continents, a channel that broadcasts in Spanish, and TNT (Turner Network Television) that broadcasts new and … [Read more...]

Using standardized tests to  measure educational progress is contrary to the purpose of such tests. Educational leaders have been and are still basing their decisions about learning on the use of such tests, and it is having disastrous results. This is exemplified by third graders, especially conscientious ones, having anxiety attacks and by the … [Read more...]

Business is a a poor model for learning. Business is competitive and competition improves performance in athletics, music competitions, and other activities where people are motivated to improve and win. However, competition between individuals is devastating for improving learning. Government, business, and educational leaders have based … [Read more...]

Although mastering subject matter is important, strategies to increase thinking power are equally important.  Schooling today emphasizes "correct" answers and single solutions. But in so many situations, it is not how many correct answers one knows, but rather how one proceeds when one does NOT know—as when confronted with problems, dilemmas, … [Read more...]

QUESTION: Why is change so difficult? RESPONSE: Change is not difficult; it just feels difficult because it is different from what we are accustomed to doing. QUESTION: Why is change so difficult? RESPONSE Change is not difficult; it just feels difficult because it is different from what we are accustomed to doing. Here's proof. Fold your … [Read more...]

QUESTION: QUESTION: I viewed your website and agree totally with your ideas. However, in order for your ABCD model to work, would it not require compliance throughout the hierarchy? RESPONSE I don't think you would want people to comply to anarchy or bossing others. Also, you can only operate on one level at a time--although we operate at … [Read more...]