John Bald: Williamson is right. Pupils should sit in rows facing the teacher.
His view is backed by evidence about how the brain forms the neural networks that embody learning – as well as the example of our best schools.
Posts by John Bald
John Bald began teaching in 1973, and has extensive experience as an adviser with Essex and Hackney, as a trainer of new and experienced teachers and as an Inspector. He has written two books on the teaching of reading and spelling.
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John Bald: This week has seen the cynicism of teaching union leaders exposed
Rather than having a genuine regard for safety, the hard left is resorting to threats and scaremongering as a “negotiating position”.
John Bald: Relying on home education will hit poor children hardest
Highly-educated parents transmit their knowledge and understanding to their children. For others it is less easy.
John Bald: Copying is not an effective way for pupils to learn
It can mask a lack of knowledge and causes constant switches in attention. The time is right for a concerted effort to get rid of it.
John Bald: My law of education – the more that is written down, the less is actually done
The paperwork mountain grows for Special Needs – yet children are still sent to schools that leave them suffering.
John Bald: Labour’s education policy of hiding failings by abolishing tests and independent inspection is the way of the ostrich
But there remains important unfinished business for the Conservatives to carry out – if we get the opportunity.
John Bald: Education was once a source of pride in Scotland. It is now a serious embarrassment to the SNP.
Wales is the only home country to be below the OECD average in reading, maths, and science.
John Bald: Tolerating poor behaviour in schools is a major threat to the mental health of teachers
There should be the right to impose an immediate and substantial detention. Heads who don’t maintain order should be required by Ofsted to change their ways.
John Bald: A new approach is needed to sort out the mess of special needs provision
A global approach to quite different challenges has failed. A long-term decline in specialised teaching skills must be reversed.
John Bald: The legal system – and a book that indoctrinates, not educates
A feminist account declares that judges “decide our laws”. There is no mention of parliament.
John Bald: Labour’s threat to take schools back to the 1970s
Successful schools would have to toe the line or be subject to the attentions of local democratic controllers. They could be destroyed without shutting them down.
John Bald: The party conferences have shown up deep-seated divisions over the purposes of education
Despite the proven success of schools like Michaela, the Left’s policies are more destructive than ever.
John Bald: Why other schools should and can apply Michaela’s principles
Despite the obstacles and abuse she faced while setting up the school, Birbalsingh had staff who shared her values, commitment and determination.
John Bald: “Points mean prizes” has to stop.
It was a great slogan for Sir Bruce Forsyth’s game show. It does not serve the needs of children, teachers and schools.
John Bald: Academy scandals. Hinds now needs to take control to stop them.
We must listen to whistleblowers, cut out the graft, and make sure that the money is spent for the benefit of children.