1. Learning is not necessarily beneficial: I can learn to take drugs or beat up my wife.

2. The only thing that we can ever do, qua teachers, is teach. Call it “facilitating learning” or “constructing learning environments” if you like, but “teaching” is shorter and more straightforward.

I have argued these points at greater length on my blog at http://edtechnow.net/2012/12/05/tel/ (your comments welcome).

I would add that I think people who de-prioritize teaching underestimate the vital importance of imitation in the development of personality.

Where I agree with you is that students do not necessarily learn what we try and teach. So continually assessing outcomes and managing progression accordingly is part of the iterative, conversational, adaptive cycle that constitutes good teaching.

I came across your name by chance when I saw a message to you from John Malone regarding the McGovern family from Shotts. I too am related to the McGoverns through my Great Grandfather, Patrick McGovern who was Elizabeth McGoven’s older brother. I’ve also met Marie Dougan and she had lots of information on the McGovern family. Reading about your Grandfather reminded me of my dad who was a miner from age 14 years in Hamilton before moving to Fife via Bathgate. My dad was very big on education and eating the right food (plain eating he would have called it) walked for miles and rarely took public transport. He once told me that he hated every single day working in the pit and that as a boy had been offered some type of scholarship to study music. Because his mum was widowed he had to refuse and go down the pit. It was such a pity as he had a great voice and loved opera. I really enjoyed your story John. Regards Mary O’Hara (nee Berry)