On March 31, 2011, a kindergarten teacher in the state of Nuevo León, México received an award for her bravery in keep her 5 and 6 year old students safe and calm as a gun battle broke out near the school. When the violence commenced, the teacher, Ms. Alanis, remained calm, had the students lie on the floor, reassured them and sang a song to soothe them. Remaining calm under … [Lee más...] about Teachers: Keeping children safe amidst violence
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Pills for curing school dropout?
I have an idea that someone has already had: a “pill” to prevent children leaving school. Let's start with a look at the wonderful campaign shown in this magnificent video. … [Lee más...] about Pills for curing school dropout?
Unlocking the mystery of the brain and how we learn
Over the past 10 years, neuroscientists have been able to unlock some of the mysteries of the brain and learn a tremendous amount about brain development, mainly due to brain imaging abilities, which allow neuroscientists to see the brain in action (literally). These advances may offer insights for strengthening positive child/youth development, especially for vulnerable youth. … [Lee más...] about Unlocking the mystery of the brain and how we learn
Learning from a former youth assassin
“I’d rather kill than be killed.” These were the words uttered to me by the 19 year old former armed group member sitting across from me at a cafe in a paramilitary controlled community in Colombia. One year after being allowed to leave the armed group, he still had nightmares and visions of those he had assassinated; experienced trouble sleeping; and his new home built from … [Lee más...] about Learning from a former youth assassin
Ask Michael Fullan…
If I were a minister of education, or a vice-minister, or an advisor to either, I would recommend that they hire Michael Fullan. I do not know him, but I have read some of his books and I think that if someone wants to lead a ministry of education, make real changes in the way students learn, taking all factors into account, few are better qualified than Fullan. Fullan is not … [Lee más...] about Ask Michael Fullan…