By Michael Zwaagstra, AIMS Education Fellow Michael Zwaagstra discusses recent literature from the department of education in New Brunswick, which professes to make critical thinking and 21st century skills "embedded in expectations for students." To succeed, Zwaagsta argues, they strengthen traditional learning methods such a memorization, giving students a strong basis of knowledge. Read this [...]
In Saint John's Telegraph-Journal, AIMS Fellow in Education Michael Zwaagstra argues against the temptation to lower class sizes as a solution to underperforming schools. Rather, governments in charge of public schools need to focus on ameliorating the quality of the instruction, which is shown to be a more effective measure. Read the full article on [...]
In the Charlottetown Guardian, AIMS Education Fellow Michael Zwaagstra responds to MLA Sidney MacEwen's push for smaller class sizes. The evidence-based education research, he argues, does not support expensive efforts to reduce class sizes. A far better strategy for improving outcomes is to focus on improving instruction skill from teachers. Read the full article on [...]
AIMS Fellow Michael Zwaagstra argues that popular fads are no solution to the problems of education.
AIMS Research Fellow Michael Zwaagstra tackles the question whether technology in the classroom advances learning outcomes.
AIMS Education Fellow Michael Zwaagstra tackles the issue of classroom distractions in the learning process.
AIMS Fellow Michael Zwaagstra discusses how teachers should be able to say what they think when writing report cards, and suggests that Minister Casey needs to reject her departments ideology and empower teachers to use their own judgement.
AIMS Fellow in Education Policy Michael Zwaagstra discusses the ineffectiveness of no-zero policies in Newfoundland and Labrador's education system in this opinion piece published by the Telegram.
AIMS Fellow in Common Sense Education Michael Zwaagstra argues that standardized testing in Prince Edward Island has provided the provincial government with a more accurate understanding of academic achievement throughout the province.
AIMS Research Fellow in Common Sense Education Michael Zwaagstra discusses a push in Nova Scotia to shun standardized testing and argues that students, teachers, and parents stand to lose if the province decides to support the motion.