Fighting false paradigms

Today is the day where you get to name your favourite false paradigm ... however, before we start - if you are unsure, this is what paradigm means >>>

In science and philosophy, a paradigm is a distinct set of concepts or thought patterns, including theories, research methods, postulates, and standards for what constitute legitimate contributions to a field.?

Wikipedia

Also - if you have never seen this word before, or never heard it spoken paradigm is pronounced para+dime. Do not be embarrassed if you did not know this, one has encounter many who mispronounce technical words and I have become immune to this.

Now you know what a paradigm is, it is time to consider all of those false paradigms out there, that persist to haunt us in education. Learning Styles still makes me shudder, as it reappears like an academic zombie over the last twenty years.

Often, an idea is postulated and while in principle it is sound - it is extrapolated to a point of no return with little evidence or consideration of the entire factual landscape. Equally, we will home in on ideas that fit our bias, our preconceived world view. These are difficult to challenge - however, doing so becomes an asset as minds need to change as the world changes around us.

The same applies, when involved in long established communities of practice. While the world changes around us, the programme changes, certifications change and models of delivery and assessment adapt. We continually encounter souls sharing with us, terms, technologies, concepts and practices that were already legacy many years ago. Fortunately, we attempt to help them move beyond this and discover the new paradigms and what they offer for their practice and of course students.

When have you encountered a false paradigm that you have needed to fight?