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Kohn's Zone

Kohn's Zone

Released: 2025-07-01
Copyright © 2025 by Alfie Kohn
Kohn's Zone - QR Code
2 Episodes
Audio
Listen on Apple Podcasts
2 Episodes
Audio
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Released: 2025-07-01
Copyright © 2025 by Alfie Kohn
Most Recent Episode
Little Ed Koches

Little Ed Koches

June 17, 2025 Little Ed Koches Grades and tests get in the way of learning for multiple reasons, but this episode digs deeper to explore how any practices that lead students to focus on how well they're doing in school -- as opposed to what they're d
Time: 24:19
July 1, 2025
Little Ed Koches
Grades and tests get in the way of learning for multiple reasons, but this episode digs deeper to explore how any practices that lead students to focus on how well they're doing in school -- as opposed to what they're doing -- are bad news. Policy makers who trumpet their demands for higher standards, "rigor," and "raising the bar" may not realize that this focus on achievement makes kids think less about learning because, like a certain bald former mayor of New York City, they're constantly asking, "How'm I doin'?"
For details about the harmful effects on learning of overemphasizing achievement, please see chapter 2 of The Schools Our Children Deserve (https://www.alfiekohn.org/schools-children-deserve/).
 
A note from Alfie Kohn:
I made two decisions when I decided to start this podcast. The first was not to accept ads. The second was to avoid putting certain episodes behind a paywall (or offering special content only to those who pay). But this means that I depend on the generosity of everyone who listens to help cover the production costs. So: Can you afford a modest contribution -- ideally on a regular basis, since a podcast, after all, is not a one-shot event? If so, I'd be grateful if you'd support the project with whatever amount seems fair to you. (Your generosity will also confirm the thesis of my book The Brighter Side of Human Nature.)
Oh, and if you enjoy the podcast, please tell other people about it. Thanks!
Please click the button below to donate.
If you don’t see a button, please go to Buy Me a Coffee (https://coff.ee/kohnszone).
Donate
PRODUCTION SUPPORT: Ultraviolet Audio
ART: Abi Kohn
Episode ID: 1000714665385
GUID: https://www.alfiekohn.org/?p=5405
Release Date: 01/07/2025, 17:05:05

Description

Over more than a third of a century, Alfie Kohn has offered a multifaceted defense of progressive education as well as research-based critiques of rewards and punishments, grades, standardized testing, homework, competition, and other aspects of traditional schooling (and parenting).
If all his books and essays have one thing in common, however, it's that they are extremely inconvenient to read while driving, exercising, or making dinner. Thus, when he learned (just a few weeks ago) that something called "podcasts" had been invented....well, you can see where this is going...
Each episode of Kohn's Zone will offer 20-30 minutes of provocative reflections on a topic having to do with teaching and learning -- or with human behavior more generally; occasional longer segments will feature conversations with leading experts in education. Watch this space for new episodes, which will appear as if by magic every two weeks or so. You can listen here, or, better yet, on its home: AlfieKohn.org/podcasts, which contains more resources.
A NOTE FROM ALFIE KOHN:
I made two decisions when I decided to start this podcast. The first was not to accept ads. The second was to avoid putting certain episodes behind a paywall (or offering special content only to those who pay). But this means that I depend on the generosity of everyone who listens to help cover the production costs. So: Can you afford a modest contribution -- ideally on a regular basis, since a podcast, after all, is not a one-shot event? If so, I'd be grateful if you'd visit https://coff.ee/kohnszone and support the project with whatever amount seems fair to you. (Your generosity will also confirm the thesis of my book The Brighter Side of Human Nature.)
Oh, and if you enjoy the podcast, please tell other people about it. Thanks!
PRODUCTION SUPPORT: Ultraviolet Audio
ART: Abi Kohn

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