DISQUS

The difference now, perhaps, is that we actually know what needs to change, and why. We know that setting is a contributory factor, for example. We know that preoccupation with exam results is a factor, for example because it can lead to us putting our best teachers in front of the most able students.

The dynamics of the system are such, though, that these choices are locally rational for the decision-makers involved, despite being irrational in terms of the whole system.

The more I learn about this stuff, though, the more I can see how the antibodies move in to attack any new ideas that might pose a threat to the status quo; many people are happy with things just the way they are.

Perhaps the most important thing about Curriculum for Excellence is that offers an opportunity to make improvements. Which brings us neatly back to the antibodies...

It's always a hoot to Google "best practice". Just tried Googling: teaching "best practice"

... a mere 2,480,000 hits.:lol: They can't all be the best.

Thanks, this is fascinating. If only my brain could get itself round the possibilities... Do you ever get the feeling that you just know something's useful, but just can't put your finger on exactly how? It's going to be one of these things that will click in the shower, I think!

Do you think they would work on a video iPod-type screen? Maths as a subject doesn't lend itself to audio podcasting, but with video things could be different. Has anyone tried?

This looks like a big step forward - well done all. I've joined the group and hope I'll be able to add something!

This is a timely idea. Now that we're forming ideas of where the gaps are, it's feedback from early-adopters like you that will help us get it right. I'd appreciate a note of where you think the problems areas are.

BTW, if you've read Robert's post, and you want to subscribe to the RSS feed from any of the Exc-el WordPress blogs, there are two feeds for each, one for Posts, one for Comments.

They're always of the same form:
Posts: http://exc-el.org.uk/blogs//feed
Comments: http://exc-el.org.uk/blogs//comments/feed

I can see this is going to blow a hole in my weekend. You're getting the blame when the family complain...

Mind you, I could have sworn I typed (without the spaces) [ graph ]3x+2[ /graph], and that's not the graph I'd have expected. There must be more to the syntax than I thought.

Wow, it works. That's the easiest graph I've ever drwn.

I've got to try this... [graph]3*x+2[/graph]

Your son's got the right idea. I've always found that kind of curiousity a rich source of useful knowledge. It was amazing what you found with a product from pre-PC days called the Digital Equipment All-In-1 office system. Odd key combinations would bring up all sorts of useful stuff on screen, providing a useful peek behind the scenes. The real keyboard whizzes could at one time, it was rumoured, crash the server by creative use of unusual terminal key sequences. Happy days!

If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.
BTW, I liked this 3-column design, so have just made it (3K2) - and 3some - available on Exc-el, so you could use it for the interactivemaths blog if you want.

This is another thing that's on the Exc-el plans.. I'm all registered with my chunk of code all ready to go - but site migration & blogs are further up the list!