I’ve been enjoying the Sold a Storypodcast, which explains how many schools stopped teaching kids to read over the last few decades, replacing phonics with an unscientific theory that taught kids to pretend to read (cargo cult vibes). It features a lot of teachers and education scholars who come face-to-face with evidence that they’ve been failing kids, and respond in many different ways — from pro-phonics advocacy and outright apology to complete refusal to engage. I especially liked one teacher musing on how disconcerting it was to realize her colleagues were “refuse to engage” types.
The relatable topic and straightforward reporting make the podcast very accessible. It’s a good way to share a story with people outside the LessWrong bubble that may get them angry in a way that supports rationalist virtues.
I’ve been enjoying the Sold a Story podcast, which explains how many schools stopped teaching kids to read over the last few decades, replacing phonics with an unscientific theory that taught kids to pretend to read (cargo cult vibes). It features a lot of teachers and education scholars who come face-to-face with evidence that they’ve been failing kids, and respond in many different ways — from pro-phonics advocacy and outright apology to complete refusal to engage. I especially liked one teacher musing on how disconcerting it was to realize her colleagues were “refuse to engage” types.
The relatable topic and straightforward reporting make the podcast very accessible. It’s a good way to share a story with people outside the LessWrong bubble that may get them angry in a way that supports rationalist virtues.