When you penalise wrong answers, you build in a sense of shame and failure to being wrong that most people never get over. It leads to cheating, to covering up of mistakes, and to avoiding doing things where being wrong is a possibility. How about, instead, we make it the default that you assume that you will be wrong in numerous ways. We make it a fundamental part of the process to figure out those ways, and even reward the finding of those mistakes. In doing so, we give people the freedom to explore, to try new things, and, above all, to learn without fear.
Tag: learning
Lies, Damned Lies, and AI
In which I rant about tech companies marketing chatbots that are not fit for purpose. People keep telling me this tech can only improve, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt, and threw it one of the tests that often causes me grief in my attempts to dine out or at people's houses. Is this product gluten free?
How rank are rankings?
Which students would you choose to have with you in a crisis? Students with a high ATAR, or students who showed compassion, creativity, and problem solving skills? Students who are good at sitting exams, or students who show determination, persistence, and integrity? Some of the best people I know never finished school at all.
The Importance of Zero – A Graph Crimes Story
Why does it matter if the Y axis doesn't start at 0? Let's see!
What is Education For?
Everything we do sends a signal about who we are, and what we value. Nowhere is that more evident, or more neglected, than in education. My son has his final year 12 exams today. Every step of the process has made me angrier and angrier about the ways in which we try to ensure "objectivity", and wind up causing immense distress, and entrenching disadvantage in the system.