The power to question is the basis of all human progress.
My dyslexic husband shared that quote, attributed to Indira Gandhi, with me when we were talking on Saturday after the Professional Development Forum's Office Hours meeting. It certainly resonated with me. I remember being told by my sixth grade teacher that I asked too many questions and needed to reduce the number. I don't remember what I was asking too many questions about, but it still feels like the absolute wrong advice.
But it seems like my former sixth grade teacher isn't the only one who thinks it's okay to squash questions. Based on new information that I recently learned, that approach is in full force on a prominent linguistic phonics social media group. Do you know which one? Anything that is even remotely negative is reported and removed. At the same time, tutors are actively being recruited and offered payment to go forth and spread the "gospel" of this program.
It reminds me of the various public relations tactics I worked on at the agencies I worked at in New York City in the 90s. Skilled practitioners are adept at crafting and finding novel ways to disseminate messages that benefit their clients. We had a cadre of physicians who we could call upon whenever new research was about to be published about a prescription drug, such as hormone replacement therapy, one of the products I directly worked on. Even when there wasn't direct evidence for a particular benefit, physicians could say things about off-label uses of a drug that the pharmaceutical company itself was prohibited from saying. And my very smart colleagues took full advantage of this. Of course, back then, we had print media, good old-fashioned newspapers and magazines, along with television and radio. Now, the channels are multiplied but the tactics remain the same.
I know that many parents frequent these groups and I wonder if they're aware that some of the testimonials they're reading may be from tutors who are being paid to promote the program. I think that financial relationship should be clearly disclosed in the post. Do you?
The Professional Development Forum welcomes all thoughtful criticism of any particular program or approach. That includes approaches I personally use and recommend. To me, the willingness to ask questions is the sign of a keen intellect and an ongoing commitment to growth. As I used to tell my yoga students, you're either getting better - when it comes to physical health - or declining. I think the same principle applies to our professional growth.