Fifty Nifty Ways to help your child become a better learner.

Philip E. Johnson 2004.

 

Here are some comments from the author in an email to me:

 

The theme, in general- • A major - maybe THE major - social problem of the world today is fundamentalism - Not merely religious fundamentalism as it is traditionally defined, but the fundamentalism of rigidity; or having the answers so as not to need to deal with the questions any more.

 

• Fundamentalism is associated with an overly directive teaching- learning style; “I-Know-You-don't-I'm-Going-To-Tell-You”. This is typical in our families and schools, and even more so around the world, especially the Middle East and Asia.

 

• By moving the style of teaching-learning from “I-Know-You- Don't...” to a more learn to learn approach, fundamentalism will be reduced, self-reliance encouraged, less of a need for "Big Daddy" type leaders and for reliance on people and powers outside of ourselves; more personal responsibility, and a better world.

 

The book will essentially go way beyond the usual whining and fear- mongering about the way the world is going to hell in a hand-basket, and describe a model and specific activities for ourselves and our kids to get us moving in a better direction.