Reading Time: 3 minutes Teachers are hired to educate students, not to indoctrinate them
Author: Michael Zwaagstra
Michael Zwaagstra is a public high school teacher and author. He has extensive teaching experience at a variety of grade levels and currently teaches high school social studies in Manitoba. Michael received his Bachelor of Education, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Education and Master of Education degrees from the University of Manitoba where he won numerous academic awards including the A. W. Hogg Undergraduate Scholarship, the Klieforth Prize in American History and the Schoolmasters’ Wives Association Scholarship. He also holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University and graduated with high distinction.
Religious ignorance is on the rise but we can combat it in our schools
Reading Time: 3 minutes Ignorance is the surest path to misunderstanding. And if it’s not addressed, misunderstanding quickly descends into intolerance
What Jeopardy! teaches us about learning styles
Reading Time: 3 minutes It’s important for schools to have a knowledge-rich curriculum that sequentially builds on knowledge year by year. Alex Trebek taught us that
Why traditional schooling fosters better results
Reading Time: 3 minutes Most students learn best in a structured and orderly school environment that’s directed by a good teacher
COVID-19 forces the return of traditional teaching
Reading Time: 3 minutes Not only do traditional classrooms make it easier for schools to follow health regulations, they’re also better for student learning
Don’t be too hasty to rename schools
Reading Time: 3 minutes Instead of renaming schools, we should educate students about the legacy behind their current names – good and bad
Canadian students need a return to regular classes this fall
Reading Time: 3 minutes Students learn best when they develop strong personal connections with their teachers. We need to stop dwelling on worst-case scenarios
Let’s be realistic about physical distancing in schools
Reading Time: 3 minutes It’s absurd to think that physical distancing in schools will look like it does in grocery stores
Pandemic academics teach us that classrooms still matter
Reading Time: 3 minutes COVID-19 has reminded us that technology is an extremely poor substitute for in-person learning
Rigid focus on seniority hurts teachers and students
Reading Time: 4 minutes There is a huge difference between protecting senior teachers from arbitrary layoffs and guaranteeing their preference in being hired for vacant positions