How good is your memory? Let's test it out. Memorize these seven letters H, K, C, T, N, I, E, was that hard? Try these seven letters instead K, I, T, C, H, E, N which series of letters were easier to remember? (Episode 5 of 10)
Michael Zwaagstra
Michael Zwaagstra is a senior fellow at the Frontier Centre and public high school teacher. He received his Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from the University of Manitoba and Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Liberty University in Virginia. He is the author of A Sage on the Stage: Common Sense Reflections on Teaching and Learning, and co-author of What’s Wrong with Our Schools and How We Can Fix Them. He is a frequent author of education policy research and newspaper columns across Canada. His research mainly focuses on curricula, teaching instruction and public education. Michael’s research and commentary have been featured in radio, television and newspapers across the country. Michael lives with his wife and children in Steinbach, Manitoba.
Research by Michael Zwaagstra
Making Schools Better Series: We Need to Empower Classroom Teachers
Teaching is a challenging job, anyone who spends any time in school knows that teachers have a lot of demands placed upon them. Their responsibilities go far beyond basic classroom instruction, from dealing with disruptive student behaviours to organizing extra...
Making Schools Better Series: Content Knowledge is the Key to Learning
Something we often hear is that students need to become critical thinkers, but what does this exactly mean? Critical thinking is defined as the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment. Take a step back explore perspectives and come up...
Making Schools Better Series: Technology in Schools is Overhyped
Thomas Edison is one of the greatest inventors who has ever lived. Some of the inventions that he is credited with include the light bulb, phonograph, motion picture camera. I think we can all agree Edison's inventions changed our lives for the better. however, Edison...
Featured News
No Evidence of Climate Crisis
In his annual State of the Climate report published on April 14, 2022, Dr. Ole Humlum, Emeritus Professor at the University of Oslo, examined detailed patterns in temperature changes in the atmosphere and oceans together with trends in climate impacts. Many of these...
It Is Time to Move On
I wrote an opinion column immediately following the May 27, 2021 announcement of the “shocking discovery of 215 bodies found in a mass grave at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School.” In that column, I correctly stressed the need to wait for real...
More Education Courses Are Not the Solution: Teachers do not need longer education programs
The less future teachers spend in classrooms receiving ideological indoctrination in “education” from teaching faculty the better.
Cell Phone Lawsuit Should be Thrown Out: School authority needs our support
School disciplinary authority in Saskatchewan is under fire as lawsuit filed against school division argues that the confiscation of a banned telephone in a classroom led to a violation of the student’s privacy.
Traditional Teaching Methods Supported by Research: Evidence does not support “progressive” fads
Although teachers are often discouraged from using traditional teaching methods, research evidence shows that they have the largest impact on student learning.
Teachers Unions Acting Unprofessionally: Forced union dues should not be used to fund political activity
Teachers unions act unprofessionally when they force teachers to contribute to political causes with which they may disagree.
School Performance Data Should be Released: People have a right to know how schools are doing
There are serious problems with the Manitoba government’s decision to keep school performance data away from the general public.
Science Confronts Edu-Babble: Regular testing is important
A recently released research study lends support to those who argue that regular testing is important in school.
Real Brain-Based Learning: Traditional teaching methods are supported by the evidence
The evidence from cognitive psychology clearly backs up the claim that providing a solid knowledge base to students is an essential part of a quality education.
How Schools Fail Kids by Not Failing Them
On December 4, 2010 Michael Zwaagstra delivered his key points as to why public schools are failing to properly prepare today’s students for the real world to the attendees of the Society for Quality Education‘s (SQE) annual general meeting in downtown Toronto, mostly because, he argues, that schools refuse to fail students.
Report Cards Need Clarity: ‘Edu-babble’ not helpful for students
Despite recent moves by ‘outcome-based” educators to eliminate percentage grades, if used properly, standardized report cards are best for parents and teachers.