ChatGPT no reason to move away from traditional teaching

ChatGPT no reason to move away from traditional teachingChatGPT is an impressive tool, but it is just that – a tool Artificial intelligence has come a long way. Unlike the rudimentary software of the past, modern-day programs such as ChatGPT are truly impressive. Whether you need a 1,000-word essay summarizing the history of Manitoba, a 500-word article extolling the virtues of your favourite…

Bringing back Grade 12 exams makes sense

Bringing back Grade 12 exams makes senseThey provide us with important information that we can use to improve our education system The Grade 12 provincial math and English exams are coming back to Manitoba. While they were suspended for several years during the COVID-19 pandemic, the province recently announced plans to reinstate them next year. Not everyone is happy to see…

Learning styles myth needs to be rejected once and for all

Learning styles myth needs to be rejected once and for allThe learning styles myth perpetuates a falsehood about how students learn Are you a visual learner, an auditory learner, or a tactile-kinaesthetic learner? If you think this is a valid question, then you, like many others, have fallen for one of the most pervasive education myths out there. It’s not hard to test this claim…

School board meetings should happen in-person

School board meetings should happen in-personRemote meetings are often not taken as seriously as in-person meetings The Winnipeg School Division might soon allow delegates to present remotely at its board meetings. One of its rookie trustees recently introduced a notice of motion to allow this virtual option. Trustee Rebecca Chambers argues that this change would make board meetings more accessible…

How we teach reading really does matter

How we teach reading really does matterThe whole language approach to teaching reading has been devastating for students Reading is the most important skill taught in school. If students don’t learn how to read, not much else that happens there is going to matter. That’s because being able to read is essential in virtually every job. Without the ability to read,…

Forcing kids to wear masks in school again is a bad idea

Forcing kids to wear masks in school again is a bad ideaMask mandates have reduced children’s immunity to common viruses Hospitals are experiencing an influx of young children with serious respiratory illnesses. Out of concern for their well-being, some health professionals are pushing to bring back mask mandates for schools. In other words, students would be required, once again, to wear masks while in school buildings.…

Misbehaving teachers must be held accountable

Misbehaving teachers must be held accountableAll students deserve to be safe and secure while at school The Manitoba government intends to improve how it handles teacher misconduct. In a recent news release, Education Minister Wayne Ewasko said his department is consulting with key stakeholders about this issue. It’s about time the province tackles this problem. The latest report from the…

Being a school trustee is not for the faint of heart

School trustees must approve budgets, hire key personnel, determine policy priorities, and ensure proper transportation for students

Being a school trustee is not for the faint of heartManitoba trustee elections take place later this month. While some candidates have already been acclaimed, voters in other parts of the province have quite a few candidates to choose from. We should not take this election for granted. At this time last year, it looked like there wouldn’t be any trustee elections at all. However,…

Woke ideology doesn’t belong in schools

All students deserve a learning environment that is free of political indoctrination

Woke ideology doesn’t belong in schoolsIf you’ve been around for a while, you probably remember the phrase “politically correct.” Being called politically correct was not a compliment. Instead, it meant that you had an unhealthy obsession with not offending anyone, even if you had to say some rather silly things in the process. For example, instead of saying husband or…

Promote equity by promoting a quality education

A secretariat to oversee equity officers won't empower students from disadvantaged backgrounds

Promote equity by promoting a quality educationEarlier this year, a group called Equity Matters asked the province of Manitoba to establish an education equity secretariat to oversee equity officers working in Manitoba schools. Equity Matters wants to ensure that all Manitoba students are reflected in the curriculum and at all public education system staff levels. They don’t want any student to…
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