Warning Signs

Buzzwords

Any of the following terms:

• “inquiry-based”
• “student-centered”
• “interdisciplinary learning”
• “co-operative learning”
• “authentic learning”
• “multiculturalism”
• “self-esteem”
• “spiral learning”
• “constructivism”
• “discovery learning”
• Balanced Literacy

– or any phrase that cannot be explained quickly using simple language.

Any use of the word “pedagogy” in regular conversation.

Curriculum Gaps

Absent or unsatisfactory coverage of key subject areas. This is subjective. Particular areas of concern: geography, history, English spelling and grammar.

Adoption of commercial textbooks with an unreasonable amount of online criticism. Again, subjective.

Projects

Assignment of project work where the students have not previously been given adequate instruction in the tools they need to do the work. For example:

• “create a Powerpoint presentation about Napoleon” (when the child has never been explicitly taught how to use Powerpoint)
• “research the causes of the Great Depression” (when the child has never been shown how to do library or online research)
• “prepare and deliver a group presentation about the hydrologic cycle” (when the students have never been given guidance in how to divide up work within a team, or in how to use props effectively or deliver a compelling presentation)

Gimmicks

Tasks that appear to be intended merely to be “fun”, without education value commensurate with the effort required, instead of just delivering work results as a written report or oral presentation. For example, “make a T-shirt”, “build a diorama”, “write a rock song”.