Obsolescence as a Barrier to Effective Education 1 of 10

New England Primer 100 years without revision since it’s first edition in years without revision since it’s first edition in of 10

The concept of the “half life” of knowledge Half of the knowledge is obsolete after its "half life" Half of the knowledge is obsolete after its "half life" Knowledge of the brain Knowledge of the brain Baseline knowledge of the brain in 1970 Baseline knowledge of the brain in of 10

Knowledge of the Brain (Cont.) In 1980, 90% of knowledge of brain learned since 1970 In 1980, 90% of knowledge of brain learned since 1970 In 1985, 95% of knowledge of brain learned since 1980 In 1985, 95% of knowledge of brain learned since 1980 now???????? now???????? Teaching in schools about the brain - little change since 1970 Teaching in schools about the brain - little change since of 10

Dinosaurs We first learned of them in mid 1800's We first learned of them in mid 1800's Most current knowledge since 1970 Most current knowledge since 1970  warm blooded not cold blooded  Living relatives more likely birds than reptiles 5 of 10

The archaic and slow curriculum development process knowledge becomes known knowledge becomes known knowledge is disseminated knowledge is disseminated knowledge is accepted for schools knowledge is accepted for schools 6 of 10

Curriculum Development Process (cont.) textbooks are written textbooks are written textbooks are adopted textbooks are adopted textbooks are in classrooms textbooks are in classrooms teachers are trained to use new textbooks teachers are trained to use new textbooks This curriculum development process takes years This curriculum development process takes years 7 of 10

Curriculum Development Process (cont.) The half life of knowledge is 6 mo. to 5 yrs. The half life of knowledge is 6 mo. to 5 yrs.  Result: Schools are required to be obsolete A totally new curriculum development, dissemination, and implementation process is needed A totally new curriculum development, dissemination, and implementation process is needed A totally new definition of what should be taught and learned is needed A totally new definition of what should be taught and learned is needed We must find ways to add, revise or discard curriculum elements with ease We must find ways to add, revise or discard curriculum elements with ease 9 of 10