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Pseudoscience in the US education system is a danger to American democracy as we know it. In his new book, writer and professor of physics Joseph Ganem deconstructs the incorrect conclusions brought on by pseudoscientific narratives, along with the misuse of data that has ultimately created an uneducated citizenry and dehumanized workforce. The Robot Factory delivers an enlightening connect-the-dots journey of how being treated like a widget in school translates to a continued lack of relatedness later in life.
The book begins with a poignant short essay, Why I Would Fail Third Grade Math, in which he observes a lesson in his daughter's class that is typical in many American schools. Here he sets up a scenario for the book's premise by discovering how the language and process used in this real classroom actually minimizes learning and understanding for most students. He unveils the disconnect between teachers and students through simple dialog.
Later in the book Ganem illuminates other unintended consequences from overly prescriptive and restrictive curricula such as diminishing joy and creativity when learning, discouraging long-term interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math), and the stunning effect of stunting parental involvement - especially in critical early grades.
Ganem concludes, "The dehumanization of education is a trend that must be reversed or ultimately it will destroy our relatedness with one another, and with that our ability to collectively face impending challenges that threaten our future, challenges in which the stakes are already high and are continuing to escalate."
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Joseph Ganem, Ph. D. is Professor of Physics at Loyola University Maryland in the US. His research focuses on laser materials and he is an author on numerous scientific papers in the fields of laser development and magnetic resonance. He has taught physics in the classroom for more than 20 years and has served on the Maryland State Advisory Council for Gifted and Talented Education. In 2017, Baltimore magazine named him one the "Best Baltimoreans" in its "People in the Media" section.
Joseph Ganem
The Robot Factory
Pseudoscience in Education and Its Threat to American Democracy
2018, 255 p. 1 illus.
Softcover 34,99 € | £19.50 | $34.99
ISBN 978-3-319-77859-4
Also available as an eBook