Nan Bahr's Blog
When we talk, we consolidate and test our knowledge. Speaking out loud requires mental organization. As we speak, there’s an immediate feedback loop as we hear our own ideas. This allows us to reflect on our logic. It's like holding up a mirror to our explanations, judgments, and arguments. Speaking aloud helps us confront our... Continue Reading →
I have started to write a short series of papers that reflect my thinking on some fundamental issues for educational design. This first paper considers the relationships between curriculum, pedagogy and assessment, and discusses destabilizing influences that impact on the educational experience. I'd be interested in your comments. Curriculum pedagogy and assessmentDownload
Having good manners is the same as being kind. To be respectful is to consider the perspectives and personal space of others kindly. Of course, we don’t have to be kind, but why would we not? People often think of the rules of politeness as political correctness gone mad. I disagree. There are many ways... Continue Reading →
Gender pronouns My first confusion is with the current trend to include gender pronouns in communications. People have taken to identifying their gender in their signature blocks, on name tags, business cards, and so on. I get that in doing so they are aligning themselves with acceptance of freedom in representation and in acknowledgement that... Continue Reading →
Despite the public comment, the in-school education programs, and the scary movies on the darkest of possible outcomes, young people are simply not scared enough by online relationships. The very same child who would tell a stranger that they won’t get into their car will spend hours in their own home being the subject of... Continue Reading →
Beginning teachers regularly say that they feel unprepared for their role. Their supervisors agree and argue that universities have too many theoretical programs without practical application to prepare them effectively. And, we have a very disappointing rate of separation from the profession for people early in their careers. Popular media and some researchers cite workload,... Continue Reading →
I've been working with young people who fit a description as being neurodivergent for my entire career as an educationalist. I'm fascinated by the drive to diagnose, label and stereotype adolescents who do not properly fit in as being "typical". I'm not saying that diagnosis isn't helpful. A careful and respectful process of identifying the... Continue Reading →
Hi, I've been inspired by another to start, and keep, a diary of my experience as a live kidney donor. At this stage, I have given nothing to anybody, and I may not be a suitable compatibility match for my friend who needs a kidney transplant urgently. I am a card carrying organ donor, but... Continue Reading →
This is a bookend to several of my other pieces that have highlighted positive qualities of exceptional teachers and leaders in higher education. In this offering I reflect on the sometimes unsavoury aspects of working in complex higher education organisations. I have known many extraordinary colleagues in the sector and yet I can think of... Continue Reading →
Nan Bahr A teacher’s job is to provide for the development of selected students’ knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes. The goal is to prepare students for potential future and roles in society. There has been a long and angry public tussle about who gets to choose the things that need to be learned and therefore... Continue Reading →
Promoting Teacher Education 