Cheap talk, big gains in Education
How Strategic Conversation, Rigorous Thinking, and a Little Philosophy Can Revolutionize Classrooms

What if the key to better education wasn't more money or more testing—but better talk?

In Cheap Talk, Big Gains in Education, Dr. Matthew Weinberg invites readers into a transformative vision for learning—one that doesn't rely on gimmicks, inflated budgets, or political trends, but on the timeless power of strategic conversation. Drawing from his groundbreaking work at The Barrett School, a pioneering STEM institution in Florida, Dr. Weinberg introduces Dialogic Education, a method rooted in ancient philosophy and sharpened by modern science.

Inspired by his daughter's battle with childhood apraxia—a neurological condition that makes speech difficult—Weinberg embarked on a personal and professional mission to reimagine how we engage with learners. The result is a deeply human, intellectually rich framework for teaching that honors both neurodivergent and neurotypical students.

Inside this book, you'll discover:

* Why traditional schooling is failing today's students—and what we can do about it.

* The core principles of Dialogic Education, a revolutionary model where student-teacher dialogue becomes the engine of discovery.

* Classroom-tested lesson plans and discussion templates that empower students to wrestle with big questions while mastering foundational skills.

* Real-world applications, from engineering challenges and archaeology digs to quantum physics experiments—designed to thrill even the most disengaged learners.

* Assessment strategies that actually measure learning, not just test-taking ability.

Weinberg weaves insights from thinkers like Plato, Kuhn, and Wittgenstein into practical, relatable guidance for teachers, parents, and educational leaders. Whether you're a veteran educator or a parent looking for answers, this book challenges you to think differently about what it means to learn, to teach, and to speak.

More than just a theory, Cheap Talk is a call to action: to reintroduce truth-seeking dialogue into our schools, and to prepare students—not just to pass tests—but to understand the world.
1147160785
Cheap talk, big gains in Education
How Strategic Conversation, Rigorous Thinking, and a Little Philosophy Can Revolutionize Classrooms

What if the key to better education wasn't more money or more testing—but better talk?

In Cheap Talk, Big Gains in Education, Dr. Matthew Weinberg invites readers into a transformative vision for learning—one that doesn't rely on gimmicks, inflated budgets, or political trends, but on the timeless power of strategic conversation. Drawing from his groundbreaking work at The Barrett School, a pioneering STEM institution in Florida, Dr. Weinberg introduces Dialogic Education, a method rooted in ancient philosophy and sharpened by modern science.

Inspired by his daughter's battle with childhood apraxia—a neurological condition that makes speech difficult—Weinberg embarked on a personal and professional mission to reimagine how we engage with learners. The result is a deeply human, intellectually rich framework for teaching that honors both neurodivergent and neurotypical students.

Inside this book, you'll discover:

* Why traditional schooling is failing today's students—and what we can do about it.

* The core principles of Dialogic Education, a revolutionary model where student-teacher dialogue becomes the engine of discovery.

* Classroom-tested lesson plans and discussion templates that empower students to wrestle with big questions while mastering foundational skills.

* Real-world applications, from engineering challenges and archaeology digs to quantum physics experiments—designed to thrill even the most disengaged learners.

* Assessment strategies that actually measure learning, not just test-taking ability.

Weinberg weaves insights from thinkers like Plato, Kuhn, and Wittgenstein into practical, relatable guidance for teachers, parents, and educational leaders. Whether you're a veteran educator or a parent looking for answers, this book challenges you to think differently about what it means to learn, to teach, and to speak.

More than just a theory, Cheap Talk is a call to action: to reintroduce truth-seeking dialogue into our schools, and to prepare students—not just to pass tests—but to understand the world.
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Cheap talk, big gains in Education

Cheap talk, big gains in Education

Cheap talk, big gains in Education

Cheap talk, big gains in Education

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Overview

How Strategic Conversation, Rigorous Thinking, and a Little Philosophy Can Revolutionize Classrooms

What if the key to better education wasn't more money or more testing—but better talk?

In Cheap Talk, Big Gains in Education, Dr. Matthew Weinberg invites readers into a transformative vision for learning—one that doesn't rely on gimmicks, inflated budgets, or political trends, but on the timeless power of strategic conversation. Drawing from his groundbreaking work at The Barrett School, a pioneering STEM institution in Florida, Dr. Weinberg introduces Dialogic Education, a method rooted in ancient philosophy and sharpened by modern science.

Inspired by his daughter's battle with childhood apraxia—a neurological condition that makes speech difficult—Weinberg embarked on a personal and professional mission to reimagine how we engage with learners. The result is a deeply human, intellectually rich framework for teaching that honors both neurodivergent and neurotypical students.

Inside this book, you'll discover:

* Why traditional schooling is failing today's students—and what we can do about it.

* The core principles of Dialogic Education, a revolutionary model where student-teacher dialogue becomes the engine of discovery.

* Classroom-tested lesson plans and discussion templates that empower students to wrestle with big questions while mastering foundational skills.

* Real-world applications, from engineering challenges and archaeology digs to quantum physics experiments—designed to thrill even the most disengaged learners.

* Assessment strategies that actually measure learning, not just test-taking ability.

Weinberg weaves insights from thinkers like Plato, Kuhn, and Wittgenstein into practical, relatable guidance for teachers, parents, and educational leaders. Whether you're a veteran educator or a parent looking for answers, this book challenges you to think differently about what it means to learn, to teach, and to speak.

More than just a theory, Cheap Talk is a call to action: to reintroduce truth-seeking dialogue into our schools, and to prepare students—not just to pass tests—but to understand the world.

Product Details

BN ID: 2940184311432
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date: 03/29/2025
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
File size: 4 MB

About the Author

Dr. Matthew Weinberg is the founder of The Barrett School, a pioneering STEM institution in Destin, Florida, dedicated to integrating cutting-edge technology, project-based learning, and inclusive education for both neurodivergent and neurotypical students. A former radiation oncologist turned educator, Dr. Weinberg blends classical liberal education with modern scientific inquiry, emphasizing hands-on experimentation, archaeology, and engineering challenges to engage students in real-world problem-solving.

Dr. Weinberg’s teaching philosophy encourages students to explore complex scientific concepts ranging from quantum mechanics and Einsteinium physics to paleontology and object conservation through immersive, interdisciplinary projects. His curriculum includes engineering challenges like the Egg Drop on Other Planets, archaeological investigations of fossils and coins, and robotics-based problem-solving, ensuring that students develop critical thinking skills alongside technical expertise.

With a background in medicine, bioengineering, and the pharmaceutical industry, Dr. Weinberg brings a unique perspective to contemporary education, challenging outdated pedagogies and advocating for a paradigm shift in STEM learning. His work explores the intersection of philosophy, politics, and education, drawing on thinkers from Plato to Kuhn to argue for a more rigorous, truth-oriented approach to knowledge.

Beyond academia, Dr. Weinberg is a lifelong student of game theory, a fitness enthusiast, and a historian of Jewish political movements in America. His writings and research challenge prevailing narratives, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and the evolving demands of 21st-century education.
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