NECC 08 Sunday Question

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Permalink Reply by Scott McLeod on June 29, 2008 at 10:08pm

I've read Surowiecki's book. One of the things he emphasizes is that it's important for crowds NOT to collaborate / interact before they vote. That way their independent uniquenesses don't get commingled. I think that's a pretty big challenge when thinking about your scenario, Dorothy. First you'd have to be able to set up a system like the U. Iowa markets where people can somehow vote. Second, you'd have to persuade people to adopt and act upon the voted solution...

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Permalink Reply by Madell Dobrushin on July 1, 2008 at 1:35pm

I do believe that when teachers collaborate they do share expertise including successful practices. Although, as you say Scott, it is not consistent with his findings, I have seen significant improvement when teachers come together to improve instruction and learning for all of their children. Let's hope we aren't moving to the lowest common denominator.

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