AutumnLeaves

‘The Myth of Normal’ (podcast) … embracing neurodiversity

I highly recommend The Myth of Normal – CBC ‘Ideas’ podcast – a 2-part series on CBC’s ‘Ideas’ that includes many insights from authors I reference in my ‘Neurobiology and Learning‘ course in Antioch University’s Individual Masters Program (online): Temple Grandin, Gabor Maté, Thomas Armstrong, and others talking about the need for accepting and expanding […]

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Revisiting the Brilliant Insights of John Holt

In crafting a literature review for my PhD dissertation on the subject of learning, certain researchers and authors jumped out at me. I was fascinated to know about Frederick Winslow Taylor and his theory of ‘scientific management’ that girded the automation of modern education. ‘Taylorism’, as it was known, forged the way for standardized curricula, […]

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AERO Conf. Presentation on Brent Cameron

In late June, at this year’s AERO (Alternative Education Resource Organization), I gave a presentation on my late colleague, friend and mentor, Brent Cameron, who passed in 2012. Yes, it’s been ten years since Brent passed, but I continue to admire his many contributions to education – especially alternative education – and I think he’s […]

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In Memorium: Brent Cameron (d. May 2012)

I am in disbelief – this month marks ten years since my friend and mentor of many years, Brent Cameron, died in Nelson British Columbia after a lengthy fight with cancer. I wish to honour Brent with some thoughts on this anniversary.  If you are associated in some way with Wondertree, Virtual High, SelfDesign Learning […]

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Covid-19 & Personalized Learning

Below is an excerpt from a book chapter I’ve submitted for ‘Implementing Transformative Student-Centred Pedagogies’ (slated for pub later this year). While the writing is focused on post-secondary education, the guidance is equally applicable to K-12 and Adult Ed. – mm Covid-19 & Personalized Learning: Beginning in spring 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted higher education […]

Now recruiting PhD research participants!

August 2021 – now recruiting PhD research participants I am now seeking 8 – 10 youth, ages 14 – 18 years, as participants for my PhD research. In my research I am neither testing nor creating theory, but exploring, via phenomenological methodology, learning experiences as they arise for, and engage students/youth. Such experiences may arise […]

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Personalized Learning & Higher Education

I recently drafted a chapter on Personalized Learning and Higher Education for a forthcoming text book; below is the conclusion I wrote. Conclusions and Future Directions For decades, conventional, higher education pedagogical practice in higher education has been bound to a standardized, rationalized process, a product of the Enlightenment and its more recent handmaiden, neoliberalism. […]