Seven Myths About Education

In this controversial book, Daisy Christodoulou offers a thought-provoking critique of educational orthodoxy. Drawing on her experience of teaching in challenging schools, she shows through a wide range of examples and case studies just how much classroom practice contradicts basic scientific principles. She examines seven widely-held beliefs which are holding back pupils and teachers:

• Facts prevent understanding
• Teacher-led instruction is passive
• The 21st century fundamentally changes everything
• You can always just look it up
• We should teach transferable skills
• Projects and activities are the best way to learn
• Teaching knowledge is indoctrination

In each accessible and engaging chapter, Christodoulou sets out the theory of each myth, considers its practical implications and shows the worrying prevalence of such practice. Then, she explains exactly why it is a myth, with reference to the principles of modern cognitive science. She builds a powerful case explaining how governments and educational organisations around the world have let down teachers and pupils by promoting and even mandating evidence-less theory and bad practice.

This blisteringly incisive and urgent text is essential reading for all teachers, teacher training students, policy makers, head teachers, researchers and academics around the world.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Myth 1. Facts Prevent Understanding

Myth 2: Teacher-led Instruction is Passive

Myth 3: The 21st Century Fundamentally Changes Everything

Myth 4: You Can Always Just Look it Up

Myth 5: We Should Teach Transferable Skills

Myth 6: Projects and Activities are the Best Way to Learn

Myth 7: Teaching Knowledge is Indoctrination

Conclusion

"I was captivated by the manner in which Daisy Christodoulou presents each myth, the path by which people came to support the statement of belief and an alternative perspective that deflates the myth. […] The powerful concluding words of the book are evident in our everyday lives – knowledge liberates."
- Hope Blecher, School Administrator Magazine

"A heat-seeking missile aimed at the heart of the old educational establishment."
- Dominic Lawson, The Sunday Times

"This splendid, disinfecting book needs to be distributed gratis to every teacher, administrator, and college professor in the US.""
- The Huffington Post

"Truly a book for the open-minded and genuinely curious, Daisy Christodoulou challenges some deeply ingrained thinking in education. I found this book quite challenging at times as it clashed with some ideas that I'd always held. I'm so glad that I stuck with it - I feel so much more informed and it's enabled me to look fresh at some traditions and instincts that, it turns out, weren't helping as much as I'd hoped."
- David Weston, author

"The case Christodoulou presents is of seminal importance to understanding education. She demonstrates the breadth of common misconceptions - for example, that the 21st century changes everything, you can always just look it up, and projects are the best way to learn - and offers compelling evidence for better ways to teach."
- Harry Fletcher-Wood, author and works at the Institute for Teaching

"Drawing on her recent experience of teaching in challenging schools, she shows, through examples and case studies, just how much classroom practice contradicts basic scientific principles."
- Teach Primary