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The late W. Edwards Deming, guru of Quality management…

“The late W. Edwards Deming, guru of Quality management, once declared, 'The most important things we need to manage can't be measured.' If that’s true of what we need to manage, it should be even more obvious that it’s true of what we need to teach.” quote by Alfie Kohn
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“The late W. Edwards Deming, guru of Quality management, once declared, 'The most important things we need to manage can't be measured.' If that’s true of what we need to manage, it should be even more obvious that it’s true of what we need to teach.”

Alfie Kohn

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Unmeasurable aspects of teaching are as vital as those of management.

In simple terms: Teaching's intangible parts matter.

Key Takeaway

Focus on qualitative growth.

Themes

education quality measurement

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • classroom design
  • curriculum planning
  • teacher training
  • student assessment

Key Concepts

Constructivism intrinsic motivation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can teachers assess intangible skills?
  • What tools capture qualitative progress?
A Different Perspective

Quantifying everything can overlook deeper learning.

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