Let's Teach Mastery

I am already a Sal Khan fan, if you don't know who he is, he set up Khan Academy, an online learning space where kids (and adults) can learn maths for free.

Well, initially it was just math but there are many other subjects up there now too.

The thing I LOVE about Khan academy is that it works on a solid foundation rule, as you progress through the program onto more difficult levels, it is impossible to skip ahead, which, if you did, it would leave holes in your knowledge. It lays a good foundation to build on.

Unfortunately, this isn't what happens at school. Unless you are a student who never misses a day and gets straight 100% in everything then you are going to have holes. Because the school has a curriculum to keep to and standardised tests, one the test is taken and the scores noted, the class moves on. No matter how many holes the kids have in their knowledge.

The system that Sal talks about in this video could very well be a Montessori class, kids learning at their own pace, mastering a task before moving onto the next level, embracing the subjects that they are drawn to and exploring them in as much detail as their heart desires.

I do so wish I had been able to be educated in such a system.

Sal's academy is online HERE and available to anyone with an internet connection. They are funded by sponsorship and donations (I donate every month, it is a cause I truly believe in) and I hope, like Sal that we can change the antiquated Victorian education system that most of the world is using, into a Mastery system instead.

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Flu Days…

I don't know if this rules exists outside of Japan, but here, when a certain percentage of kids are off sick with flu the school closes the class down. Ebi-kun went to school as normal on Monday but then we got a message saying his class was shut for the next two days!

I follow the logic with this, they are trying to contain the flu and I am pretty sure that any child who has flu, their siblings have to stay home too. BUT, sensei told Ebi-kun that it was OK to go and play after school on the Monday but Tuesday and Wednesday he has to stay inside the whole time!

Must be that the Japanese flu vies is very intelligent! 

This must suck for working moms, and it was one of the reasons that I wanted to have a location independent business, so that sick days and holidays don't screw things up too much for me and the business. Of course sensei sent a load of homework to be done, so we came up with a schedule, he did his homework and I ploughed through the important stuff for work, the we would kick back and do some stuff for fun. 

Ebi-kun has recently got into computer coding, we are using the program on Khan Academy, it is great and he is loving it…a bit too much lol. He can't wait to get started today because he is just starting the animation unit.

I think Khan Academy have done an excellent job with the way they have set up the website, I love how everything is broken down into itty bitty bite sized chunks, there is the whole thing of getting through levels and getting awards that this 'gaming' generation are drawn towards and it also allows parents/teachers to see how the child is progressing, where they are getting stuck and where they might need extra help.

When we first signed up they only has the maths program but they have a whole range of subjects now.

Today, we are cleaning the bathroom, making bread, doing work/homework, more animation coding and no doubt I will be able to sneak some crafting in along the way!

So, flu days - do they exist where you live?