Category: Uncategorized
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The Power of ‘I Do, We Do, You Do’: A Simple Recipe for Success
This is the holy grail of explicit instruction. It’s a classic for a reason, and it works an absolute treat in creative writing. ‘I Do’ is where you model the process: “I’m going to write a character description now. Watch me as I think aloud about my word choices.” ‘We…
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Can technology ever truly replace human connection?
Algorithms are increasingly making decisions that impact our lives, from loan applications and job hiring to criminal justice sentencing. While touted for their efficiency and objectivity, these systems are only as unbiased as the data they are trained on, and the human biases embedded within it. Algorithmic bias occurs when…
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The Anatomy of a Paragraph: It’s More Than Just a Bunch of Sentences
A paragraph is not just a random collection of sentences that have decided to hang out together. It has a purpose, a structure, and a rhythm. We need to teach this explicitly. Think of it as a mini-essay. A topic sentence to grab the reader, supporting sentences to expand on…
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The moral implications of AI decision-making in war.
In an era of unprecedented access to information, paradoxically, many feel overwhelmed, leading to a potential “knowledge deficit.” The sheer volume of data, constant notifications, and the rapid pace of news can make it difficult to discern reliable sources, process complex issues, or engage in deep, critical thinking. We might…
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The Scribe’s Toolkit: Equipping Young Writers for Battle
Writing isn’t just about imagination; it’s a craft with a set of tools. You wouldn’t send a carpenter to work without a hammer, would you? The same goes for our young writers. Alex Quigley, an expert on explicit vocabulary instruction, would tell us that words are our most valuable resource.…
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The concept of “utopian experiments gone wrong.”
“Smart cities” promise a more efficient, sustainable, and livable urban future through the integration of advanced technologies: sensors monitoring traffic and air quality, smart grids managing energy, and AI optimising public services. While the benefits in convenience and resource management are clear, these interconnected systems also raise significant concerns about…
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Feedback isn’t a Favour: It’s a Fine Art (and a bit of Science)
Ah, feedback. The most powerful, and often most misused, tool in the teacher’s arsenal. Sue Cowley, in her book ‘Getting the Buggers to Behave’, talks about positive reinforcement and clear expectations. And feedback should be exactly that. It’s not about correcting every single comma. It’s about identifying one or two…
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Is social media a form of digital surveillance?
Human augmentation, the use of technology to enhance physical or cognitive capabilities, pushes the boundaries of what it means to be human. From prosthetic limbs controlled by thought to brain-computer interfaces promising enhanced memory or direct communication, the possibilities are vast. But these advancements bring complex ethical dilemmas. Who will…
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Less Talk, More Chalk: The Power of ‘Do Now’
You know that moment when the bell rings and you’re still fumbling for your whiteboard pen? Students are already off in a world of their own, discussing last night’s telly. This is where the brilliant Doug Lemov comes in with his concept of ‘Do Now.’ It’s a simple, high-impact task…
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The future of education in a tech-driven world.
The digital age has fundamentally transformed the landscape of protest and activism, empowering individuals and movements in unprecedented ways. Social media platforms enable rapid mobilisation, global awareness, and the sharing of information bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Hashtags can spark revolutions, viral videos can expose injustices, and online petitions can exert immense…
Antony West (Author) 