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School is often based not on problem solving, which…

“School is often based not on problem solving, which perforce involves actions and goals, but on learning information, facts, and formulas that one has read about in texts or heard about in lectures. It is not surprising, then, that research has long shown that a student’s doing well in school, in…” quote by James Paul Gee
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““School is often based not on problem solving, which perforce involves actions and goals, but on learning information, facts, and formulas that one has read about in texts or heard about in lectures. It is not surprising, then, that research has long shown that a student’s doing well in school, in terms of grades and tests, does not correlate with being able to solve problems in the areas in which the student has been taught (e.g., math, civics, physics).””

James Paul Gee

About This Quote

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

School often emphasizes memorization over problem‑solving, leading to a weak link between grades and real‑world abilities.

In simple terms: Education focuses on facts, not practical skills.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize active problem‑solving practice.

Themes

education learning assessment skills curriculum

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive critical

Type

educational analytical

When to use this quote

  • classroom teaching
  • curriculum design
  • student self‑assessment

Key Concepts

Cognitive psychology pedagogy constructivism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What methods best integrate problem‑solving into curricula?
  • How can teachers balance knowledge depth with skill practice?
A Different Perspective

Implementing active learning can be resource‑intensive.

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