Kohn, Alfie

Presents eighteen essays from 1999 to 2003 by educational critic Alfie Kohn, in which he argues that standardized tests, grading, praise, and emphasis on achievement have negative effects and discusses alternatives as well as the study of education, the September 11 terrorist attacks, and school shootings.

The author criticizes several school reform proposals, such as, back to basics and standardized testing, and presents his vision of what a classroom should be.

Questions why teachers and parents insist on overloading students with homework after already spending several hours in the classroom, and maintains that there are no definitive studies proving its overall learning benefits.

A critique on the American obsession with competition and it destructive influence on individuals and society.

Argues against the practice of offering people rewards in order to persuade them to get good grades, do good work, or behave in a certain manner, presenting evidence that shows the practice often has a negative effect, and discusses alternative methods of influencing behavior.

Contains a series of questions and answers in which the author presents evidence to support his argument that standardized tests are a poor indicator of student progress, and to discuss more meaningful methods of assessment.