"Classroom learning can generate the same thrill as gambling or riding a rollercoaster, when an element of chance is introduced, a new study suggests."
"As a result, pupils’ minds are intensely focused on the task at hand, the research shows. They can even end up screaming with excitement as they learn."
"Paul Howard-Jones, professor of neuroscience and education at the University of Bristol, believes, therefore, that the majority of lessons, in all subjects, should be taught using computer gambling games."
"Using brain-imaging technology, Professor Howard-Jones examined the effects of a gambling-based rewards system on 24 postgraduate students. Competing against one another in teams of three, the students were awarded points for each question they answered correctly."
"They then spun a `wheel of fortune`, which offered them a 50-50 chance of either doubling their points or losing all of them."
"Professor Howard-Jones found that the area of the students’ brains that indicates distraction and inattention – `When they stopped thinking about the test they were being asked to do, and started thinking about what’s for dinner tonight – was rarely active while they played the game`."
"By contrast, the brain’s dopamine responses – usually associated with more visceral pleasures, such as good food or sex – were generated by the game’s level of risk and reward."
"The project is one of six trials being funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Education Endowment Foundation to see how neuroscience can improve education."
"It will now be rolled out to classrooms across the country: 10,000 Year 8 pupils will spend a year learning science using Professor Howard-Jones’s wheel-of-fortune game."
https://www.tes.com/news/school-news/breaking-news/gambling-pupils-scream-excitement-they-learn-study-finds
So they`re going to addict 8 year olds to dopamine.
bowling
Sunday, 10 January 2016
Saturday, 9 January 2016
The surveillance state
"Anytime you see the word 'SMART', you should perhaps consider who it is 'SMART' for ... 'cos it sure isn't 'SMART' for you or me! SMART Phones, SMART Meters, SMART Motorways and now Glasgow is being set up as the experimental SMART City."
"For the past decade Pippa King has been at the forefront of the resistance against the use of Biometrics and RFID monitoring in schools and colleges. Through the prolific use of Freedom of Information Requests (FOIR's), Pippa has been able to establish where when and how these surveillance and tracking tools are introduced ... and then strives to get them shut down. It is primarily thanks to Pippa's tenacity that all UK students are NOT yet wearing active RFID devices! However, the latest move is to promote internet CCTV in the classroom; thereby enabling parents to monitor their children via their 'SMART' Phone ... or could it perhaps also provide the Establishment paedophile community to identify their next victims? "
"Pippa's presentation illustrates how we have slowly become accustomed to sharing our data, our biometrics, the radio frequency grid, devices we use and carry - mass data gathering. The 'big data' that is gathered is used for profiling, us individually and en mass as a society, analysed by A.I. Artificial Intelligence. As our cities, homes and lives move to become 'smart' - what exactly is gathered about us, how is it used ... and by whom? "
Website: www.stateofsurveillance.blogspot.co.uk
"For the past decade Pippa King has been at the forefront of the resistance against the use of Biometrics and RFID monitoring in schools and colleges. Through the prolific use of Freedom of Information Requests (FOIR's), Pippa has been able to establish where when and how these surveillance and tracking tools are introduced ... and then strives to get them shut down. It is primarily thanks to Pippa's tenacity that all UK students are NOT yet wearing active RFID devices! However, the latest move is to promote internet CCTV in the classroom; thereby enabling parents to monitor their children via their 'SMART' Phone ... or could it perhaps also provide the Establishment paedophile community to identify their next victims? "
"Pippa's presentation illustrates how we have slowly become accustomed to sharing our data, our biometrics, the radio frequency grid, devices we use and carry - mass data gathering. The 'big data' that is gathered is used for profiling, us individually and en mass as a society, analysed by A.I. Artificial Intelligence. As our cities, homes and lives move to become 'smart' - what exactly is gathered about us, how is it used ... and by whom? "
Website: www.stateofsurveillance.blogspot.co.uk
G4S staff accused of abusing teenagers
"The G4S employees in question, which include team leaders, two duty operation managers and training center assistants, have all been suspended."
"The allegations concerning Medway Secure Training Centre in Kent were uncovered by a BBC Panorama investigation, the findings of which are yet to be broadcast."
"The center is co-managed by G4S and the Youth Justice Board (YJB). The government has halted the placement of new young people in the facility until the claims are properly investigated."
"The staff suspected of abusing the teenagers were suspended on December 30 after Panorama wrote to G4S. Panorama’s letter outlined the abuse it said it had uncovered while filming at Medway Secure Training Centre in an undercover capacity."
"The allegations, which are believed to date from autumn 2015, include assault, verbal abuse and intimidation, and a deliberate attempted to cover-up the maltreatment. The staff are alleged to have punched one teenager in the ribcage and slapped another across the head on a number of occasions."
"It has also been claimed G4S personnel forcibly pressed on the necks of the youngsters and deployed unnecessary restraint methods, such as squeezing a teenager’s windpipe, leaving him struggling to breathe..."
"G4S defended itself on Twitter, saying it does not work alone at the training center. The security firm said both the YJB and children’s charity Barnardos are "on site and form part of its operation and oversight."
"The Howard League for Penal Reform subsequently hit back at G4S, tweeting: "This begs the question: why did it take undercover reporting from BBC Panorama to reveal the Medway allegations?"
https://www.rt.com/uk/328290-g4s-abuse-teenagers-medway/
House of Commons debates number of children going into care
"The backbench business debate was started by Ms Allan and former Home Secretary Alan Johnson, the debate’s other lead member."
"The debate, which lasted more than three hours, required Ms Allan to secure cross-party support for her motion which then needed to be approved by the Backbench Business Committee."
"Ms Allan introduced the motion, calling on Government to do more to help families stay together, by providing the support to enable children to stay safely at home."
"Speaking ahead of the debate, she said: "I’m delighted to have secured this debate to discuss this important issue. The rising number of children entering the care system is a real concern with a permanent impact on children and families."
"The Prime Minister has recently spoken of his desire to see fewer children in care and spoken of how the plight of children in care shames our country." [Actually David Cameron wants speedier adoptions and to boost regional adoption agencies. That is not something that keeps families together.]
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2016/01/07/watch-live-telford-mp-lucy-allans-commons-debate-on-child-care/
Friday, 8 January 2016
UK Column News 7 January 2016
The UK Column News yesterday (7 January 2016) had a number of references to the situation in the UK and with regard to children in particular.
They talk about Naomi Wolf`s 10 steps to fascism and point out that this is what is taking place in the UK.
Of course, Scotland is ahead of the game with its one Police Scotland (armed) and its Named Person surveillance system in place.
Mike Robinson invites listeners to read an article on the common purpose effect on the UK Column website by Martin Edwards, Leadership Training for a Common Purpose, which is the final one of a series. It can be found on their website:
http://www.ukcolumn.org/
They give a summary of information received from a police whistleblower in contact with the UK Column about the level of abuse suffered by children and give a figure of 56,000 children.
The abuse statistics are so dangerous to the government that charities have been threatenend that no funding will be provided to them if they speak out. What happened to Kids Company is a warning.
They then go on to question the supposed independence of the Goddard Inquiry and point out the many connections Goddard has to the Home Office. Also, there is a statement on the Child Abuse Inquiry website which is puzzling.
"What does this mean?" asks Brian Gerrish. " Looking at solutions even before you know what the problem is..?....You know where you`re going with this... and then you bring in the Named Person scheme, possibly...So you haven`t investigated the crimes, but you`re already working on what the solutions are? "
"It`s a cover-up, Mike."
Listen at https://soundcloud.com/ukcolumn/uk-column-news-podcast-7th-january-2016
UPDATE 8 January 2016
As regards the Named Person scheme, people are told that parental engagement with the Named Person is voluntary but the legislation says otherwise.
Are politicians lying or just incompetent? Time will tell.
They talk about Naomi Wolf`s 10 steps to fascism and point out that this is what is taking place in the UK.
Of course, Scotland is ahead of the game with its one Police Scotland (armed) and its Named Person surveillance system in place.
Mike Robinson invites listeners to read an article on the common purpose effect on the UK Column website by Martin Edwards, Leadership Training for a Common Purpose, which is the final one of a series. It can be found on their website:
http://www.ukcolumn.org/
The abuse statistics are so dangerous to the government that charities have been threatenend that no funding will be provided to them if they speak out. What happened to Kids Company is a warning.
"What does this mean?" asks Brian Gerrish. " Looking at solutions even before you know what the problem is..?....You know where you`re going with this... and then you bring in the Named Person scheme, possibly...So you haven`t investigated the crimes, but you`re already working on what the solutions are? "
"It`s a cover-up, Mike."
Listen at https://soundcloud.com/ukcolumn/uk-column-news-podcast-7th-january-2016
UPDATE 8 January 2016
At 21 minutes David Scott goes through the situation in Scotland. For instance, the remit of the Child Abuse Inquiry north of the border only covers abuse of children in residences and so dismisses over 90% of child abuse cases and has lost the confidence of child abuse survivors.
Are politicians lying or just incompetent? Time will tell.
Midwife found guilty of drugging pregnant women
"Kirsteen Stewart, from Newmachar, Aberdeen, administered expectant mothers with a labour-inducing drug which resulted in some babies' heartbeats dropping as low as 50bpm."
"A nursing watchdog said the only plausible explanation was a desire to speed up labour in order to 'serve the midwife's own interests'. "
"Some 13 of the mothers had to undergo an emergency caesarean section after Ms Stewart gave them Syntocinon, which causes the muscles in the uterus to contract."
"Although no babies were killed by her actions, two had to be resuscitated at birth and one had to spend time in a neonatal unit...."
"Police investigated Ms Stewart in 2010 but no criminal proceedings were brought. The Crown Office said today that they reserved the right to reopen the investigation if further evidence became available."
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3389200/Midwife-deliberately-drugged-15-pregnant-patients-hormone-slowed-babies-hearts-make-work-easier.html#ixzz3wes3oQAj
Another potential Named Person.
Thursday, 7 January 2016
Child protection conference in Glasgow 5 May 2016
"On the 5th May 2016 between 10am and 6pm Glasgow has the privilege of hosting Scotland's 1st ever Child Protection Conference. With world class speakers from across the world in the line-up, Freedom Talk Radio is holding an International Conference that will demonstrate and indeed begin to challenge the longstanding failings of government policy and practice, by challenging domestic accountability through a new multi-survivor approach. We will hear stories from many diverse walks of life to raise awareness on how best to protect our children and families from the devastating effects of Child abuse, rape and all other forms of abuse."
"For the 1st time ever Scotland's victims, survivors and professionals have been given a platform to be heard, understood and respected, a platform for us all to unite and protect our future children from the harm so many of us have sadly faced at the hands of others."
"Freedom Talk Radio is delighted to be holding this International Conference that will discuss the structure which takes children on future risk of emotional harm, imprisons parents or labels them with mental illness and covers up serious crimes against babies, children, pregnant or nursing mothers, dads, parents and relatives, for corporate profit, to feed off vulnerable families going through difficult times we need to change these views and we all need to work together."
"Inviting all the brave whistleblowers, survivors, witnesses, victims of crimes by the State, including employees, ex-employees, corporate policy makers, heads of Local & Central Government to discuss corporate co-operations with the remedies sought by parents, to be reunited with much loved children."
"On Scotland’s Polling Day May 5th we hold our conference in Glasgow and we will take the time to hear and give honour to Survivors of Satanic or Sexual Abuse, parents of fostered or adoptive children, whistleblowers, McKenzie Friends, victims of false prosecutions (Joanne Peacher Melanie Shaw, Peter Hoffshroer...)"
Details at website below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-child-protection-task-force-takes-on-its-1st-scottish-conference-in-co-operation-with-thriving-tickets-19728073198
"For the 1st time ever Scotland's victims, survivors and professionals have been given a platform to be heard, understood and respected, a platform for us all to unite and protect our future children from the harm so many of us have sadly faced at the hands of others."
"Freedom Talk Radio is delighted to be holding this International Conference that will discuss the structure which takes children on future risk of emotional harm, imprisons parents or labels them with mental illness and covers up serious crimes against babies, children, pregnant or nursing mothers, dads, parents and relatives, for corporate profit, to feed off vulnerable families going through difficult times we need to change these views and we all need to work together."
"Inviting all the brave whistleblowers, survivors, witnesses, victims of crimes by the State, including employees, ex-employees, corporate policy makers, heads of Local & Central Government to discuss corporate co-operations with the remedies sought by parents, to be reunited with much loved children."
"On Scotland’s Polling Day May 5th we hold our conference in Glasgow and we will take the time to hear and give honour to Survivors of Satanic or Sexual Abuse, parents of fostered or adoptive children, whistleblowers, McKenzie Friends, victims of false prosecutions (Joanne Peacher Melanie Shaw, Peter Hoffshroer...)"
Details at website below:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-child-protection-task-force-takes-on-its-1st-scottish-conference-in-co-operation-with-thriving-tickets-19728073198
Tests will be central plank of National Improvement Framework
"More details of plans to introduce standardised testing in Scotland's primary schools have been revealed."
"Local authorities will be required to use new standardised assessments, in reading, writing and numeracy, in P1, P4, P7 and S3."
"First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the raw data would not be made public."
"However, information would be published on the proportion of children reaching the expected standards in numeracy and literacy..."
"Teachers' unions, including the Educational Institute of Scotland, have been concerned about the possible unintended consequences of the assessments if the test results were used to produce unofficial league tables."
"The tests are a central plank of the National Improvement Framework which the Scottish government claimed would help narrow the attainment gap between the least and most deprived children."
"Ms Sturgeon formally launched the framework at an event in Glasgow, saying it offered Scotland the opportunity to become a world leader in education." ...
"SSTA General Secretary Seamus Searson said: `The standardised assessment can only be a small part of any assessment as it can only confirm a relatively small part of a teachers professional judgement`. "
"`The teacher is working with a young person for a considerable amount of time and would be able to give a reasonably accurate assessment of the level of literacy and numeracy`. "
"`Any computerised test would only be an indicator and could not overturn that judgement`." [So private companies are going to get a slice of the education budget. For what ?]
"Information on the percentage of children achieving curriculum levels in literacy and numeracy will be published nationally and by school and local authority."
"The Scottish government said the data would be used to set specific milestones for closing the gap in attainment between children from the least and most deprived communities."
"Parents will also be able to access information about their own child's progress to know if further support may be required at home and in school..."
"Earlier this week, the Scottish Parent Teacher Council (SPTC) published the findings of a survey of parents` views on the new assessments."
"It suggested mixed opinions with many uncertain and concerned about how the information on pupils' progress, gathered through the new tests, might be used."
"Last month, a major report by the Commission on School Reform warned the introduction of the new assessments would have to be handled `carefully.`"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-35237834
Isla O’Reilly, spokesperson for the Greens:
"Local authorities will be required to use new standardised assessments, in reading, writing and numeracy, in P1, P4, P7 and S3."
"First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the raw data would not be made public."
"However, information would be published on the proportion of children reaching the expected standards in numeracy and literacy..."
"Teachers' unions, including the Educational Institute of Scotland, have been concerned about the possible unintended consequences of the assessments if the test results were used to produce unofficial league tables."
"The tests are a central plank of the National Improvement Framework which the Scottish government claimed would help narrow the attainment gap between the least and most deprived children."
"Ms Sturgeon formally launched the framework at an event in Glasgow, saying it offered Scotland the opportunity to become a world leader in education." ...
"SSTA General Secretary Seamus Searson said: `The standardised assessment can only be a small part of any assessment as it can only confirm a relatively small part of a teachers professional judgement`. "
"`The teacher is working with a young person for a considerable amount of time and would be able to give a reasonably accurate assessment of the level of literacy and numeracy`. "
"`Any computerised test would only be an indicator and could not overturn that judgement`." [So private companies are going to get a slice of the education budget. For what ?]
"Information on the percentage of children achieving curriculum levels in literacy and numeracy will be published nationally and by school and local authority."
"The Scottish government said the data would be used to set specific milestones for closing the gap in attainment between children from the least and most deprived communities."
"Parents will also be able to access information about their own child's progress to know if further support may be required at home and in school..."
"Earlier this week, the Scottish Parent Teacher Council (SPTC) published the findings of a survey of parents` views on the new assessments."
"It suggested mixed opinions with many uncertain and concerned about how the information on pupils' progress, gathered through the new tests, might be used."
"Last month, a major report by the Commission on School Reform warned the introduction of the new assessments would have to be handled `carefully.`"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-35237834
Isla O’Reilly, spokesperson for the Greens:
"Class sizes are the largest they’ve been since 2007, teachers are overworked and additional support needs provision has been cut. Tackling these issues should be the priorities if we are to improve the chances of children from poorer backgrounds.
Wednesday, 6 January 2016
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