"The (Progressive) Schools Our Children Deserve" Alfie Kohn

Our knowledge of how children learn – and how schools can help — has come a long way in the last few decades. Unfortunately, most schools have not: They’re still more about memorizing facts and practicing isolated skills than understanding ideas from the inside out; they still exclude students from any meaningful decision-making role; and they still rely on grades, tests, homework, lectures, worksheets, competition, punishments, and rewards. Alfie Kohn explores the alternatives to each of these conventional practices, explaining why progressive education isn’t just a realistic alternative but one that’s far more likely to help kids become critical thinkers and lifelong learners.

Alfie Kohn is one of education’s most outspoken and provocative thinkers. For decades, he has challenged conventional wisdom about teaching, learning, motivation, behaviour and parenting — questioning practices that are often accepted simply because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”

Known for his bold ideas and willingness to challenge the status quo, Alfie invites educators and parents to look differently at what children need to learn, thrive and become independent thinkers. His work has influenced educators and families around the world, and his presentations are guaranteed to challenge your thinking — and perhaps change the way you see children and education.

 

REGISTRATION DETAILS

Registration Fees

General Registration: $69 per person (incl GST)

 

YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES

• 1.5 hours of professional development
  • Access to the live webinar on 10th November 2026
  • Access to the recording of the webinar from 11th November - 30th November 2026
• Certificate of Attendance

 

Alfie Kohn writes and speaks widely about education, parenting, and human behavior. He is the American author of 14 books, including The Schools Our Children Deserve, Punished by Rewards, Unconditional Parenting, and The Myth of the Spoiled Child. Kohn's criticisms of rewards and competition -- and his defense of progressive education -- have helped to shape the thinking of educators and parents around the world. A popular American magazine once described him as the country’s “most outspoken critic of education’s fixation on grades and test scores.” He lectures widely and has been featured on numerous TV programs, including two appearances on “Oprah.” Among his hundreds of articles and essays: “Five Reasons to Stop Saying ‘Good Job!’”, “The Case Against Grades,” 'It's Not About Behavior,' and 'Confusing Harder With Better.' Kohn lives (actually) in Boston and (virtually) at www.alfiekohn.org. He hosts a podcast on education called Kohn's Zone.

 

BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

• Access is provided for the registered individual/s only. Access details are unique to you and cannot be shared. Sharing access details will compromise your access to the platform and your registration will be cancelled. You will not be eligible for a refund.  
• All bookings are non-refundable and are unable to be cancelled.
• Refunds will not be offered in the event of non-attendance.
• Where access details are not received, it is the responsibility of the registered attendee to contact admin@illumelearning.com.au. Please check any junk/spam folders first. 
• Access to the recording will cease at 11:59pm AEST on 30th November 2026. No extensions will be available under any circumstances.