Seven Myths About Education, Daisy Christodoulou
Seven Myths About Education, Daisy Christodoulou
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Seven Myths About Education

Author: Daisy Christodoulou

Narrator: Rachael Miller

Unabridged: 6 hr 6 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 06/09/2026

Categories: Nonfiction, Education


Synopsis


In this controversial new book, Daisy Christodoulou offers a thought-provoking critique of educational orthodoxy. Drawing on her recent experience of teaching in challenging schools, she shows through a wide range of examples and case studies just how much classroom practice contradicts basic scientific principles. She examines seven widely-held beliefs which are holding back pupils and teachers:Facts prevent understandingTeacher-led instruction is passiveThe 21st century fundamentally changes everythingYou can always just look it upWe should teach transferable skillsProjects and activities are the best way to learnTeaching knowledge is indoctrinationIn each accessible and engaging chapter, Christodoulou sets out the theory of each myth, considers its practical implications and shows the worrying prevalence of such practice. Then, she explains exactly why it is a myth, with reference to the principles of modern cognitive science. She builds a powerful case explaining how governments and educational organisations around the world have let down teachers and pupils by promoting and even mandating evidence-less theory and bad practice.This blisteringly incisive and urgent text is essential reading for all teachers, teacher training students, policy makers, head teachers, researchers and academics around the world.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Geourska on February 22, 2015

My initial reaction, upon seeing this book, is that I thought I would largely agree with it. The myths listed are certainly ones that I have come across many times in education and based on my own reading and experience, do not agree with. In the end, I was surprised to find myself disagreeing with......more

Goodreads review by Scott on January 21, 2018

In this short book, Daisy Christodoulou tackles 7 myths about education. Each chapter contains a myth. She begins by showing the theoretical evidence for the myth, including important educational figures who have espoused the myth. Next she moves on to how this is seen in educational practice in Bri......more

This book is an antidote to the pseudo-scientific pedagogy that may have been impressed upon you at teacher's college, from the downplaying of knowledge (kids can just look facts up now, right?), to the promotion of 21st century education (because any new technology has lasting value, right?), to cu......more

Goodreads review by Vesa on September 01, 2019

Great and well-backed criticism on ”modern ways of teaching” This fluent and well-cited criticism challenges the ”modern ideas” to refurbish schooling. Student-centered projects are not always as effective ways of learning as the traditional teacher-led instruction is.......more

Goodreads review by Aidan on August 11, 2020

Excellent summary of seven common and pervasive myths that still exist in the education system today. Food for thought as the new academic year gets underway.......more