Reflections on Education

This blog was conceived as a platform to foster meaningful and thought-provoking discussions centered around various observations and writings about the current state of education. Through these reflections, it aims to share my personal insights, experiences, and perspectives on the challenges, trends, and opportunities within the educational landscape, encouraging readers to engage in dialogue, share their own thoughts, and contribute to a deeper understanding of this vital subject.

Why I Give My Students AI—and Then Ask Them to Prove It Wrong

by Alfred Abouchar | August 19, 2026 | Technology in the Classroom | 0 Comments

Every summer, I give my students Devoirs de vacances—summer homework—in mathematics, and ask them to read a book in French and another in English, each submitted as a full book report. This year, I also gave them a machine. We introduced it in the English report only,...

Headmaster’s Speech at the 25th anniversary Celebration of La Catadelle – Friday, May 9, 2025

by Alfred Abouchar | May 29, 2025 | La Citadelle & Reflections | 0 Comments

Mesdames, Mesdemoiselles, Messieurs, dear parents, colleagues, alumni, students, and friends, Tonight, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit stirred by reflection. It is no small thing to witness a dream come to life, take root, flourish, and...

Reclaiming Discipline as Cultural Renewal

by Alfred Abouchar | April 17, 2025 | School Culture & Discipline | 0 Comments

In classrooms across the globe, educators are facing an increasingly troubling dilemma: how to maintain order and foster character in a culture that has grown wary—even suspicious—of discipline. Classrooms that once functioned on mutual respect and clear expectations...

Banning Cell Phones in Schools

by Alfred Abouchar | March 1, 2025 | Technology in the Classroom | 0 Comments

The use of cell phones in schools remains a persistent topic of debate among educators, parents, policymakers, and students. While mobile phones, smartwatches, and other digital devices offer significant advantages, including improved communication and access to...

STEAM and the Science Fair

by Alfred Abouchar | February 20, 2025 | Curriculum & Learning | 0 Comments

Science fairs are much more than exhibitions of science projects—they are dynamic educational experiences that provide a comprehensive, hands-on approach to learning. As integral components of K-12 education, science fairs not only stimulate intellectual curiosity but...

Restoring the Intellect of Reading in the Age of Soundbites

by Alfred Abouchar | February 12, 2025 | Reading & Intellectual Formation | 0 Comments

In today’s digital age, we are bombarded with information through a constant stream of soundbites—short, bite-sized pieces of content designed to grab our attention but often lacking in substance. Whether it's a headline, a social media post, or a 30-second video,...

How Extracurriculars Undermine School Education

by Alfred Abouchar | February 12, 2025 | Curriculum & Learning | 0 Comments

Designing and implementing a truly holistic program to meet the educational needs of children within a school is a complex task that requires careful alignment of academic goals, teaching strategies, and student assessments. A seamless and progressive learning...

Summer Homework

by Alfred Abouchar | February 7, 2025 | Curriculum & Learning, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Summer vacations are often regarded as a period of rest and relaxation for students, which is undoubtedly well-deserved. However, many educators firmly believe that academic learning should not be completely interrupted during this time. Just like practicing the piano...

The Importance of Exams

by Alfred Abouchar | January 22, 2025 | Curriculum & Learning | 0 Comments

Exams have long been a cornerstone of academic evaluation, serving as a structured and objective means of assessing student progress, knowledge retention, and skill development. Far from being mere formalities, exams play a vital role in the learning process by...

Selecting a School for my Child

by Alfred Abouchar | January 15, 2025 | Parents & School Choice | 0 Comments

One of the most important decisions parents have to make is to select a school for their children. This decision becomes to a large extent more difficult in a society such as ours with so much information and so many interest groups and experts in the field. The truth...