Alistair Owens
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Article
Fun Learning Dropping At School
As teachers become ever more targeted on performance, the tendency towards “teaching to test” is growing. Specifically, grooming children to pass exams is resulting in a narrowed education and the fun of learning exploration is in decline. We need more educational games to induce interest, enjoyment and increase the band width in learning; after all, that’s what it is all about.nnSchool days are becoming a daily grind. The curriculum and performance targets
July 7, 2008
Article
The English Language In Educational Games
The English language, an amalgam of an incredible number of other languages, is by its nature highly adaptable. You can play some great English games with word structure format and spelling. One such example that is a fun educational game is to analyse where a word came from, and then write a sentence or paragraph with as many words from other languages as possible, and it has to make sense!nnnThe dynamic expansion of the internet, global travel, TV and films have all conspir
June 23, 2008
Article
Four + 500% Equals Blackbird Pi(e) In Coded Maths Games
I always found math to be a difficult subject to learn at school. I put most of my failing down to the fact I sat too close to an old fashioned pot-bellied stove. This provided a great source of warmth but also destroyed my concentration. At least I learnt to spell soporific in a written defence during a subsequent detention, but the absence of maths sense slowed the learning curve for some years. Maths was always a struggle; the pot bellied stove inflicted collateral damage
June 23, 2008
Article
Is It Parents, Children, or Schools that Fail Exams
The trepidation of waiting for the annual exam results does not just apply to school children. At the moment parents are discovering if they have been successful in their application for their child's place in a preferred school. Naturally we regard the performance of a school is entirely due to the skill of the teaching team, but one of the greatest influences in the teaching environment is the effect parents have in the performance.nnChanges in the social environment and th
May 7, 2008
Article
Sage Or Technocrat As The Ideal Teaching Resources.
The role of a modern teacher is not easy. The objective to impart knowledge, instil a learning ability, an interest in learning and ultimately groom their students towards examination success posses many challenges in modern schooling. The expectations of parents, educational authorities, the schools inspectorate and changes in society are a growing challenge to the average teacher resulting in a significant number falling by the waysidennThe dilemma is how to provide the ide
May 1, 2008
Article
Transformimg Maths From A Chore To A Challenge
A well proven fact states if you fire the imagination of children you also gain their attention – an essential ingredient towards efficient learning. A school in Nottingham in the UK has proven the point by adopting a central Harry Potter theme to lessons.nn n Maths has adopted a series of spells and codes to enthral and encourage. Science has included “Herbology” as a new theme, and teachers have been dressing up to set the scene. It proves that education c
April 16, 2008
Article
From Couch To Coach
The biggest concern of most parents as their child goes to school is how are they are going to cope. Suddenly you are reliant on third parties to handle a crucial role that could influence the entire future for your child.The intimate bond with your child is interrupted; your omnipresence substituted for a class of around 30 children of mixed ability, and a school teacher who is frequently overworked, stressed, seeking alternative employment or early retirement.Hardly conduci
April 16, 2008
Article
The Future World Leaders And Scientists Are In School Right Now.
The world is a small place. Rapidly expanding and almost instantaneous transfer of information, we are reaching parts of the world that were, until a few years ago, impenetrable. Previously a dearth of knowledge led us to believe that such countries were different, alien and held disparate views on life. Perhaps the greatest surprise once a door is opened is the amazing similarity in the aspirations and fears held by parents for their children. Paramount, irrespective of race
March 21, 2008
Article
Parents Go Back To School
Education never fails to escape a torrent of daily political comment and operational concern heightened as exam results emerge. As the balance of the UK catches up with Scotland and returns to school three news items that emerged over the holiday period spring to mind.nIn France, the most popular summer read is “Le Cahier de Vacances pour Adultes” - holiday revision guide for parents. 3.5m of these popular holiday revision guides are sold each year aimed at provid
August 29, 2007
Article
Education Experts Share Ideas On Parental Involvement
"Studies show that children that have at least one adult that takes an active interest in their education do far better in their school,” said Joe Donzelli, communications director for the Lee County School District in Florida USA which is initiating the campaign the country wide “Be There” campaign to encourage parents to participate in their child’s education.nThe biggest concern of parents is being unable to effectively help their child at school. C
August 22, 2007
Article
Parents' Role Vital in Education of Boys Through Educational Games
A global issue. The following comment were made by Patrick Manning Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.nnWednesday, August 8th 2007nnPrime Minister Patrick Manning says research has shown that parents have a vital role to play in reversing the ongoing trend of girls outperforming boys at school. He did not identify the research data to which he was referring, but Manning urged parents to pay particular attention to the education of their male children.nn"Early intervention
August 13, 2007
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