Alfie Kohn is an education theorist who believes in a student-centered "working with" approach in the classroom. He has a bachelor's degree from Brown University and a master's from the University of Chicago, and has written 12 books on topics related to education, parenting and human behavior. Kohn's theories are influenced by John Dewey and Jean Piaget and emphasize allowing students to learn through their interests, focusing on learning over achievement, and giving students control over their own assessment and classroom management. He argues teachers should relinquish control to students and that standardized tests and homework should be limited.

2. Kohn’s Background

 Alfie Kohn is a leading theorist in education who strongly
believes in a “working with” approach in the classroom.
 Kohn has a B.A. from Brown’s University, and an M.A.
from the University of Chicago in social sciences.
 He is a former high school and college level teacher, but
now works as an independent scholar.
 He resides in the Boston area.
 Kohn has written twelve books, numerous articles, and
has given many lectures at universities on his beliefs
about human behavior, education, and parenting

3. Kohn’s Mentors

 Kohn’s approach is based on constructivism
and is influenced by
John Dewey and Jean Piaget

4. Kohn’s Beliefs about
Classroom Management

 Students should learn from their interests
 Students should focus on learning not achievement
 Teacher should relinquish control to the students
 Standardized Tests and Homework should not be
given
 Students should control their own assessment

5. Kohn’s Own Words

Video about Kohn’s view on motivating kids with grades.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQt-ZI58wpw
Video about Kohn’s view on learning v’s achievement.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sywMkf5QhI
Video about Kohn’s view on homework.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npZ4dkt4e4U

6. Kohn on Classroom Management

 Instead of telling students what to do, allow them to
figure it out by themselves and work together.
 Cut out traditional disciplines such as: praise and
rewards
 If problems continuously occur chances are the
activities are not engaging enough for the students

7. Pros to Kohn

 Students learn better by doing. His hands on
approach is ideal.
 Students learn more if they are interested in a subject
area or if something is familiar to them.
 Qualitative assessment in stead of quantitative gives
a more complete overview of an individuals success.
 Students are allowed to be free thinkers

8. Cons to Kohn

 Although homework should be limited and at the
child’s capacity, some things are mastered through
practice and repetition.
 Some children may not have the skills or mindset to
assess themselves.

9. Sources
(2013, November 9). Retrieved from
http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/alfie-kohn/views
on-management.html
Biography. (2013, November 9). Retrieved from
www.alfiekohn.org:
http://www.alfiekohn.org/bio.htm
Kohn, A. (1996). Beyond Discipline. Education Week.
Kohn, A. (2007). Rethinking Homework. Principal.
Kohn, A. (2011). Well, Duh! Ten Obvious Truths That
We Shouldn't Be Ignoring. American School Board
Journal, 11-16.
(2013) Videos via YouTube, username Alfiekohn