Orhan Agirdag knows the benefits of a multilingual upbringing. Yet it was with a fear that he and his partner decided to raise their son in Dutch and Turkish. Because what if they deprive him of opportunities by giving him a language of color? Science behind multilingualism From a purely scientific point of view, there …
Multilingual upbringing for kids: what are the challenges? Lees meer »
This blog post attempts to provide an overview of some of the myths and truths surrounding multilingual parenting and concludes with some practical tips for parents. In Flemish primary and secondary education, 15% and 10% of students respectively speak a language other than Dutch at home. Partly due to increasing migration, multilingualism is becoming more …
Debunking 4 myths of raising kids in a multilingual parenting environment Lees meer »
The first part of this documentary series, produced by filmmaker Zeno Groenewegen, takes a critical look at the current state of primary and secondary education. This part, entitled ‘Onderdruk(t) 1: The Problem’, highlights the dark sides of the education system, which are often overlooked. Background and motivation of the creator Zeno Groenewegen was inspired to …
Documentary Onderdruk(t) 1- How much longer is the education system sustainable? Lees meer »
Early in my career, as a clinical psychologist, I (Dr. Naomi Fisher) worked with young people who had dropped out of school. I saw this as fearful school refusal and abandoned step-by-step programs. I said a successful outcome would be a return to school. However, Nina, one of the girls, did not want to go …
The power of self-directed learning for kids (and adults ;-)) Lees meer »
The common assumption in our culture is that children must learn to read. A huge amount of research is being done to find out the scientifically best way to do this. In the education stacks of any major university library you will find rows and rows of books and many magazines devoted solely to the …
At what age do children learn to read and how does this affect you as a parent:? Lees meer »
We need to understand the reasons why children become distracted. It is often thought that children nowadays spend too much time with screens. But this view is too simplistic and idealistic. Let’s see why they are so dependent on digital devices. Psychological nutrition According to behavioral researchers Richard Ryan and Edward Deci, excessive use of …
Why children get distracted and how to regain their attention Lees meer »
Why have classrooms been the same for 300 years, how did classroom education originate and why is education compulsory? An education system that is focused on performance and selection, resulting in enormous pressure on students with disastrous consequences such as depression and burnouts. But also possible solutions, a look at alternative forms of education at …
Documentary: Onderdrukt(1): The Shadow Side of the Educational System Lees meer »
In the spring of 2022, Emily Harrington, Brette Harrington, Christina Lusti and Hilaree Nelson embarked on the trip of a lifetime: a ski expedition to Baffin Island. It became a celebration of their achievements, their friendships and their lives, because not much later one of the participants, Hilaree Nelson, tragically died. This also made this …
Practice what you preach: how are you as a parent an example for your children? Lees meer »
Parent-led homeschooling was once an “alternative” but is now almost “mainstream” in the US. This form of education is growing rapidly, not only in the US but worldwide. Countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Hungary, Japan, Kenya, Russia, Mexico, South Korea, Thailand, and the UK are seeing an increase in homeschooling. Growth of homeschooling in …
Homeschooling is worldwide growing: the academic and social advantages Lees meer »
Dr. Brian D. Ray examined the SAT scores of homeschooled and regular education students. His study found that homeschoolers scored higher on critical reading, math and writing. The focus was on the 2014 SAT scores. The results showed a significant difference, but the cause is still unknown. SAT Scores 2014 Examined Homeschooled students’ SAT scores …
Homeschoolers scored higher on critical reading, math and writing Lees meer »
