Alfie Kohn - No Grades or Homework Gives Better Learning

Two presentations from the 2009 DVD "No Grades + No Homework = Better Learning". The presentations are from April 2008.

"What should we do if traditional features of schooling cause our kids to lose interest in learning?"

Grades

Research consistently finds that giving students letter or number grades leads them to think less deeply, avoid challenging tasks, and become less enthusiastic about whatever they're learning. That's true for those who get A's as well as D's - and it isn't due to how student are graded; the problem is with grading itself. No wonder the best schools provide feedback without using traditional report cards.

Homework

Homework not only proves frustrating for kids (and their families) but also turns learning into a chore. At the same time, claims that homework enhances understanding or promotes better work habits are contradicted by both research and experience. It's all pain and no gain - so why are children still forced to work a "second shift" after having spent all day in school?

More about education: http://www.altruists.org/downloads/search/?rescategory=18

Highly recommended download: The Schools Our children Deserve (presentation on C-SPAN's Book TV)

Number of files: 2
Run time: 1 hour, 35 minutes (50 + 45 minutes)
Audio codec: mp3, 64 kbps, 48 kHz, mono, cbr
Source: DVD