Dispirited by sweeping generalisations

2nd March 2012, 12:00am

I am always wary of articles that start with “A friend of mine told me ...” as they invariably use second-hand, anecdotal evidence to make sweeping generalisations. Lucy Edkins surpassed herself in this regard (“I don’t act, I teach. Grow up and focus”, 24 February) and managed to condemn idiot consultants, pupils for their low concentration spans, enthusiastic teachers who try and e-learning all in one article.

I know this sort of thing perhaps raises a ragged cheer in some staffrooms, but I grow very weary of the casual demonisation of our pupils. They are only exercising choices that did not exist in our childhoods.

Bradley Lightbody, Author of The i-Learning Revolution: A new pedagogy, Batley, West Yorkshire.