Feel Bad Education by Alfie Kohn

And Other Contrarian Essays on Children and Schooling

A sharp critique of mainstream schooling that argues common practices—standardized testing, grading, competition, and punitive behavior management—undermine students’ intrinsic curiosity and meaningful learning; through essays grounded in research and classroom observation, the book challenges conventional assumptions and advocates for more humane, democratic, and student-centered approaches that prioritize engagement, critical thinking, and respect for children as autonomous learners.