Contrarian Essays on Children and Schooling

Alfie Kohn, one of education's most outspoken voices, offers mind-opening writing on what kids need from school. The Washington Post states that "teachers and parents who encounter Kohn and his thoughts come away transfixed, ready to change their schools," while Time magazine has labeled him "perhaps the country's most outspoken critic of education's fixation on grades [and] test scores."

In this new book, Kohn presents challenging and entertaining writing on the direction American education should take. He boldly questions our fundamental assumptions about education and motivation, a perspective that sets him apart from most other writers on schools.

In the title essay, Kohn argues against those who believe that high standards necessitate joylessness in the classroom. He also reflects thoughtfully on the concept of "self-discipline," suggesting that it is overrated. Additionally, in an essay published in the New York Times, Kohn warns against the dangers of both punishing and praising children for their actions, advocating instead for "unconditional" parenting.

Whether Kohn is discussing school policy or the psychology of motivation, his writing is wonderfully provocative and deeply serious, providing readers with thought-provoking food for thought. This new book is sure to be greeted with enthusiasm by Kohn's many devoted readers, as well as by teachers and parents seeking a refreshing perspective on the current debates surrounding kids and schools.

Kohn's distinctive voice and uncompromising approach set him apart from other education commentators. He challenges us to question our most fundamental assumptions about the purpose and practice of education, pushing us to consider radical new ways of nurturing and supporting the development of young minds.

The essays in this collection cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of fostering intrinsic motivation in students to the limitations of standardized testing and the dangers of overly conditional parenting. Throughout, Kohn's arguments are both intellectually rigorous and deeply humane, drawing on psychological research and personal experience to make a compelling case for a more student-centered, holistic approach to education.

Readers will be struck by Kohn's ability to synthesize complex ideas into clear, accessible prose, and by the passion and conviction that infuse his writing. Whether one agrees with all of his conclusions or not, it is difficult to emerge from this book without a renewed sense of the vital importance of rethinking our approach to schooling and child-rearing.

Ultimately, Kohn's work serves as a powerful counterpoint to the prevailing narratives of education reform, which often prioritize standardization, competition, and external rewards over the deeper needs of young people. By challenging us to question our most fundamental assumptions, he opens up the possibility of a more humane, nurturing, and ultimately more effective educational system – one that truly serves the best interests of children.

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