EBTV presents host Evita Ochel (
http://www.evitaochel.com) with special guest Denis G. Rancourt (
http://rancourt.academicfreedom.ca/) in a dialogue about the limits of the current education system.
Denis
is a former tenured and full professor of physics at the University of
Ottawa in Canada. He practiced several areas of science (including
physics and environmental science) which were funded by a national
agency and ran an internationally recognized laboratory. He is the
author of over 100 articles in leading scientific journals, social
commentary essays, and his book "Hierarchy and Free Expression in the
Fight against Racism".
General topics discussed in the video episode include:
1. Denis shares his story of why he is no longer a professor at the University of Ottawa. (
1:30)
- how Denis discovered the true nature of the system
- the impacts of confronting the system
2. What the larger framework and pretext was for Denis' dismissal from his position as a professor. (
6:00)
- the inside political story
3. The role of transparency and secrecy in governing organizations. (
9:20)
- the political endeavour of educational systems
4. The helpful and harmful role of mainstream media in Denis' case. (
11:20)
- the corporate ties of mainstream media
- the media blackout of certain topics
5. How awareness influences obedience and indoctrination within the education system. (
16:15)
- the role of awareness, as connected to action
- the importance of "praxis"
- the symbiotic combination of reflection and action
- the importance of finding authentic rebellion
6. Denis shares his views and opinions about the shortcomings of the current education system. (
21:00)
- the oppression of the education system
- the battle between hierarchal system and the individual
- the atomization and destruction of the individual
- the importance of gaining independence as an individual, and consciousness about one's own oppression
7. Inspiration to face our own oppression. (
28:20)
- the role of whistleblowers
8. The limits of the curriculum forced upon teachers and students. (
31:15)
- the necessity of natural exploration and interaction within the scope of learning
- Denis shares an example from his teaching methods to promote true learning
9. The limits of the grading system and standardized testing. (
39:00)
- inadequacy of appropriate measurement of understanding through testing
- the importance of feedback that is student-centered
- the benefit of authentic dialogue between teacher and student
10.
The increasing trend of students not pursuing post-secondary education
due to not wanting to participate in the education system. (
45:00)
- the economic control over education
- the forced certification for many jobs
- the alternative paths, which do not necessarily require post-secondary education
11. Denis shares some solutions and advice for teachers who wish to be part of the education system and contribute positively. (
50:00)
12. Denis shares some solutions and advice for students who are part of the education system. (
54:00)
13. Denis shares his next steps, work and projects. (
57:22)
