In the world of politics, it is seldom the truth that wins out, but the perception of truth. How painfully true that statement is right now. It would be fair to say that it has been a tough old week for some in the world of kiwi politics. The main party on the left has…
Category: politics
Teflon Politics
Have you ever thought about Teflon and Politics, and how they relate to each other? Stay with me – its not as strange as you may think. In this particular context, I am referring to specific politicians and how they have qualities similar to Teflon. It seems that no matter what they do, what the…
Busting out of the Classroom – Time to Break Free
Has the world gone mad? I appreciate this is a bit of a loaded question but stay with me. This morning, whilst idly scrolling through my twitter feed I saw a tweet by Pasi Sahlberg (an educationalist that I hold in great esteem and who, incidentally, is fabulous to listen to if you get the…
The Left Can Do This
Last week I posted on the new introduction to politics on the left, the alliance between Mana and The Internet Party. In that post I outlined my wonderings about this new player on the field of political footy, promising to lay out my wonderings around why I think the left is a serious contender in…
Politics Just Got Interesting
It has been an interesting time in politics lately. All kinds of political machinations have been at play with intrigue, drama, the odd ear picking and just a sniff of scandal to make the TV news interesting. Who says the New Zealand political landscape is boring. Not lately. If ever there was a time…
What Counts in Education?
NZ is four months out from an election. Vote Education is a big ticket item, and currently, we spend mega bucks on it. We waste mega bucks on it as well – but thats another post for another day. Getting the best ‘bang for our education bucks’ is critical. Education, like Health, is one of…
Flogging the Public Education System – Dead Horse Syndrome
Flogging the Public Education System – Dead Horse Syndrome Warning – content may cause angst and derisive snorts of frustration, and is satirical in nature. I think someone forgot to send the important people within G.E.R.M (those are the dark suits, white shirt brigade who like to intervene in educational policy and introduce reforms that…
Like Lambs To The Slaughter..
She stood on top of her ivory tower, skilfully blowing into the intricately carved Matai Koauau. It’s haunting sounds carried across the Nation, reaching all the way to the Far North, across the water, and into the nooks and crannies of the Mainland. It’s hypnotic melodies luring the flock of Poleworth Principals forward with promises…
Global Rankings – Relevant or Redundant?
The above video is Alfie Kohn – an American who writes and lectures about education, parenting and human behaviour. I confess, I am new to finding out about him. In the US, he is considered to be a leading figure in progressive education. He is known to be controversial and he challenges thinking in those…
Affirmations and Politics – An Exercise in Futility or Positive Pragmatism?
Techno Man had one of his ‘lets take the proverbial’ moments last night, and made a post about affirmations. It was tongue and cheek and designed to provoke a reaction (I suspect in me). It did work in a way – it got me thinking. I like affirmations. I must confess that I am…