Dwight W. Allen
Encyclopedia
Dr. Dwight W. Allen is a professor of education, eminent scholar, and lifelong education reformist. He served as a professor and Director of Teacher Education at his alma mater, the Stanford University School of Education
from 1959 to 1967. He was Dean of the College of Education, UMASS, Amherst, from 1968-1975. In 1978, Allen became a Professor of Education and Eminent Scholar of Educational Reform at Old Dominion University
in Virginia. Allen retired from Old Dominion University in July 2008.
He is the author of nine books on educational reform and teacher education, including one book co-authored with former student, Bill Cosby.
For the past two years he has consulted with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help devise strategies to bring better information to smallholder farmers in South Asia and Africa.
.
, which is a teacher training practicum that has been used worldwide ever since then.
When he became the Dean of Education at the University of Massachusetts
, Amherst
, in 1968, Allen contended with the status quo and worked to combat institutional racism. He allowed students to create their own programs and abolished the traditional grading system. The college of education recruited non-traditional students and students of color, such as the then nationally famous comedian Bill Cosby
, for their doctoral programs, Doctoral students were made voting members of the faculty and participated fully in the governance of the college of education. Allen argues that the career achievements of the doctoral programs' graduates have vindicated his radical reforms.
Allen has worked toward educational reform worldwide. In Lesotho
he served as Founding Chief Technical Advisor for the National Teacher Training College (1974–76). In Botswana
he served as Technical Advisor to the Molepolole College of Education (1986–89). In Greece
, he served as Professor at the Kollegion Athenon (1953–54). In China
, he served as Consultant to the United Nations Development Programme
Project and focused on educational reform and teacher training (1991–2009). He has consulted on educational reform in more than 50 countries.
As a lifelong educational technology advocate, Allen himself served as an exemplar for the integration of technology in teaching and learning in his own instructional work. He believes "Education needs dot-com leaders desperately".
Allen proposed many new education reform initiatives in his co-authored book with Bill Cosby: American School: The 100 Billion Dollar Challenge. These initiatives range from establishing a national school reform experimentation system (NESA: the National Experimental Schools Administration) to merit pay for teachers. Allen and Cosby also proposed year-round school, 15 hour school days, strong community involvement in schools, professional discretion, professional incentives, and integration of technology.
Both Allen and Cosby view education as a fundamental aspect of national defence. They argue that we need to invest in education at similar levels to our military.
was developed in the early and mid 1960s by Allen and his colleagues at the Stanford Teacher Education Program. It was designed to enhance teaching via open collegial discussion about teaching performance. The original Stanford model took a “teach → review & reflect → re-teach approach”, using actual school students as an authentic audience. The model has been adapted to college and university teacher training programs where it has been used most often to elicit a concentrated, focused form of peer feedback
. The rationale of Microteaching is to apply collegial constructive criticisms to improve one's own teaching/learning strategies and, through assuming the student role, to sharpen one's insight into students' teaching/learning needs and expectations.
The core of microteaching
is the presentation of two 10-minute micro lessons by each participant. When one participant presents a lesson as an instructor, the other participants become students for that lesson. A timer is used to keep to the STRICTLY ENFORCED 10-minute time limit so that everyone can participate fully. Because of the strict time limit, it is impossible and unnecessary to cram an entire body of knowledge into 10 minutes; the 10-minute lesson can be excerpted from the beginning, middle or end of one lesson. This is designed to provide a snapshot of the teaching method or style of a participant in order to get a fresh perspectives on it from peers. Originally, a micro lesson was video-taped so that the presenter could review it and reflect on it after the presentation. Other participants also would review the tape and provide their feedback on the presentation. Based on his/her own reflections and peers' feedback on the micro lesson, the presenter would re-teach the same 10-minute lesson.
Years ago, Allen simplified the process of microteaching by incorporating the 2+2 performance appraisal system. The new microteaching model doesn't require video-taping the presentation. Participants are divided into small groups. When one group member does the presentation, other group members act as his/her students. After the presentation, these "students" provide feedback (oral or written) for the "teacher" on the lesson which includes 2 compliments and 2 suggestions (2+2). Based on his/her own reflections and peers' feedback, the presenter would re-teach the same micro lesson.
A micro lesson is an opportunity to present a sample “snapshot” of what/how a participant (teacher or pre-teacher) teaches and to get different feedback from colleagues/peers about how it was received. For half a century, microteaching
has been used widely in many teacher training programs in many countries, and it has been proven to be an effective approach in preparing and training effective teachers.
2+2 involves the giving of 2 compliments and 2 suggestions to a colleague (senior, junior or peer) based on the observations of a person’s behavior or performance. The observer is asked to identify and record the most important compliments and suggestions for improvement based on an observation session (which may last for as little as several minutes or as long as several days). There are five "Secrets" of 2+2 effective feedback: balance, specific, timely, focused, and with follow-up.
2+2 is designed to benefit both the observer and the observed. When 2+2 is successful, observation is viewed positively by all who participate, a major advantage over traditional evaluation. All are encouraged to be free in giving and receiving comments. If those observed are assured that all comments are for their benefit and that they are free to take the suggestions or ignore them, suggestions for improvement are most likely to be seriously considered.
Feedback and encouragement are the grist of learning and behavior change. 2+2 is a performance appraisal system which, in itself, can be motivational and encourage better performance.
was an Ed.D. student when Allen was the Dean of College of Education at UMASS Amherst in the 1960s. The professor and student relationship continued ever since. They are frequently collaborators on research and writing projects. They co-authored a book in 2000: American Schools: The $100 Billion Challenge
Cynthia Shepard Perry, received her Doctorate in Education in UMASS Amherst in 1972. Later on, she became a full Professor and Dean of International Affairs in Texas Southern University, and then she was appointed United States Ambassador to Sierre Leone, and later served as Ambassador to Burundi. Dr. Perry was the chief of education and human resources in the African Bureau of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. director of the African Development Bank.
Dr. Chis Dede received his Ed. D. degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is now a professor in the Graduate School of Education, Harvard University
. Dr Dede is an influential figure in research areas such as information technology and human learning capacities.
Steven Gluckstern, recently retired as an executive, entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and educator, received his Ed. D. from UMASS Amherst in 1974. He gave $1.7 million for two professorships, and Allen was appointed to one of them. This was the first endowed professorship in Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Another of Allen's students was Chris Daggett, who has strong interest in education reform. Chris Daggett went to the University of Massachusetts, where he received a Doctor of Education degree in 1977 when Allen was Dean of Education. Chris Daggett ran for Governor of New Jersey as an independent candidate in 2009.
as University Professor of Education, University Professor of Arts and Letters and Eminent Scholar of Educational Reform from 1978 to 2008. During his tenure in ODU, Allen acted as principal investigator for a $1.3 million grant to improve the technology training of teachers—The ACTTNOW (Aligning Credentialing with Teacher Training Now).
He was the founding coordinator of NewPAGE, ODU’s environmental education class, required for more than 2,000 freshmen for four years.
During 2007–2008, he has been researching strategies for student-written textbooks and other Web 2.0 initiatives.
), and the World Bank Group.
. From 1993 and 1998, he served as Chief Technical Advisor for a UNDP project in China
called “Basic Education: Teacher Education and Education Administration CPR 91/420”. From 1998 to 2001, he served as International Technical Advisor for a UNDP project China entitled “UNDP/CPR/96/401: Improving Nine-Year Compulsory Education in Poor Areas: Focusing on Girls”. From 2002 to 2007, he served as International Technical Advisor for a UNDP project in China called “UNDP/CPR/01/403: Using Distance Education and ICT
to Improve Teacher Quality in Poor Areas of Western China
”.
project in Lesotho National Teacher Training College, Maseru, Lesotho
, Southern Africa. In 1990, he served as Co-Director for Project IF, A drug education project funded by the U.S. Department of Education Technical Advisor, UNESCO
, Malawi
(Africa
) Primary Teacher Education Project. In 1993, he served as Technical Advisor in Teacher Education sponsored by UNESCO for Wuhan Institute of Education, Wuhan, China. From 1993 to 1995, he served as Technical Advisor for a UNESCO project in Namibia called “In-Service Teacher Education Project”.
for a China project in Shanxi Institute of Education, Taiyuan in 1991 and in Hunan Institute of Education, Changsha in 1993.
.
On his 44 visits to China
, Allen showed great concerns and interests in Chinese educational issues. He made significant contributions to various educational programs and technology improvement in elementary and secondary schools.
Stanford University School of Education
The Stanford University School of Education , is one of the seven schools of Stanford University. It is the second-oldest school of education in the United States, after NYU...
from 1959 to 1967. He was Dean of the College of Education, UMASS, Amherst, from 1968-1975. In 1978, Allen became a Professor of Education and Eminent Scholar of Educational Reform at Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University
Old Dominion University is a state university located in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools...
in Virginia. Allen retired from Old Dominion University in July 2008.
He is the author of nine books on educational reform and teacher education, including one book co-authored with former student, Bill Cosby.
For the past two years he has consulted with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help devise strategies to bring better information to smallholder farmers in South Asia and Africa.
Education
Allen earned his B.A. (1953), M.A. (1957), and Ed. D. (1959) degrees from Stanford UniversityStanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
.
Initiatives and achievements in education reform
Since his Stanford days as a graduate student and later as a faculty member, Allen was committed to integrating technology into teaching and learning and to extensive education reform. In Stanford, he developed the first computer based school scheduling system and microteachingMicroteaching
Microteaching is a training technique whereby the teacher reviews a videotape of the lesson after each session, in order to conduct a "post-mortem". Teachers find out what has worked, which aspects have fallen short, and what needs to be done to enhance their teaching technique. Invented in the...
, which is a teacher training practicum that has been used worldwide ever since then.
When he became the Dean of Education at the University of Massachusetts
University of Massachusetts
This article relates to the statewide university system. For the flagship campus often referred to as "UMass", see University of Massachusetts Amherst...
, Amherst
Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States in the Connecticut River valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,819, making it the largest community in Hampshire County . The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts...
, in 1968, Allen contended with the status quo and worked to combat institutional racism. He allowed students to create their own programs and abolished the traditional grading system. The college of education recruited non-traditional students and students of color, such as the then nationally famous comedian Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby
William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...
, for their doctoral programs, Doctoral students were made voting members of the faculty and participated fully in the governance of the college of education. Allen argues that the career achievements of the doctoral programs' graduates have vindicated his radical reforms.
Allen has worked toward educational reform worldwide. In Lesotho
Lesotho
Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name...
he served as Founding Chief Technical Advisor for the National Teacher Training College (1974–76). In Botswana
Botswana
Botswana, officially the Republic of Botswana , is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The citizens are referred to as "Batswana" . Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, Botswana adopted its new name after becoming independent within the Commonwealth on 30 September 1966...
he served as Technical Advisor to the Molepolole College of Education (1986–89). In Greece
Greece
Greece , officially the Hellenic Republic , and historically Hellas or the Republic of Greece in English, is a country in southeastern Europe....
, he served as Professor at the Kollegion Athenon (1953–54). In China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, he served as Consultant to the United Nations Development Programme
United Nations Development Programme
The United Nations Development Programme is the United Nations' global development network. It advocates for change and connects countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP operates in 177 countries, working with nations on their own solutions to...
Project and focused on educational reform and teacher training (1991–2009). He has consulted on educational reform in more than 50 countries.
As a lifelong educational technology advocate, Allen himself served as an exemplar for the integration of technology in teaching and learning in his own instructional work. He believes "Education needs dot-com leaders desperately".
Allen proposed many new education reform initiatives in his co-authored book with Bill Cosby: American School: The 100 Billion Dollar Challenge. These initiatives range from establishing a national school reform experimentation system (NESA: the National Experimental Schools Administration) to merit pay for teachers. Allen and Cosby also proposed year-round school, 15 hour school days, strong community involvement in schools, professional discretion, professional incentives, and integration of technology.
Both Allen and Cosby view education as a fundamental aspect of national defence. They argue that we need to invest in education at similar levels to our military.
Microteaching
MicroteachingMicroteaching
Microteaching is a training technique whereby the teacher reviews a videotape of the lesson after each session, in order to conduct a "post-mortem". Teachers find out what has worked, which aspects have fallen short, and what needs to be done to enhance their teaching technique. Invented in the...
was developed in the early and mid 1960s by Allen and his colleagues at the Stanford Teacher Education Program. It was designed to enhance teaching via open collegial discussion about teaching performance. The original Stanford model took a “teach → review & reflect → re-teach approach”, using actual school students as an authentic audience. The model has been adapted to college and university teacher training programs where it has been used most often to elicit a concentrated, focused form of peer feedback
Peer feedback
Peer feedback is a practice in language education where feedback given by one student to another. Peer feedback is used in writing classes of both first language and second language to provide students more opportunities to learn from each other...
. The rationale of Microteaching is to apply collegial constructive criticisms to improve one's own teaching/learning strategies and, through assuming the student role, to sharpen one's insight into students' teaching/learning needs and expectations.
The core of microteaching
Microteaching
Microteaching is a training technique whereby the teacher reviews a videotape of the lesson after each session, in order to conduct a "post-mortem". Teachers find out what has worked, which aspects have fallen short, and what needs to be done to enhance their teaching technique. Invented in the...
is the presentation of two 10-minute micro lessons by each participant. When one participant presents a lesson as an instructor, the other participants become students for that lesson. A timer is used to keep to the STRICTLY ENFORCED 10-minute time limit so that everyone can participate fully. Because of the strict time limit, it is impossible and unnecessary to cram an entire body of knowledge into 10 minutes; the 10-minute lesson can be excerpted from the beginning, middle or end of one lesson. This is designed to provide a snapshot of the teaching method or style of a participant in order to get a fresh perspectives on it from peers. Originally, a micro lesson was video-taped so that the presenter could review it and reflect on it after the presentation. Other participants also would review the tape and provide their feedback on the presentation. Based on his/her own reflections and peers' feedback on the micro lesson, the presenter would re-teach the same 10-minute lesson.
Years ago, Allen simplified the process of microteaching by incorporating the 2+2 performance appraisal system. The new microteaching model doesn't require video-taping the presentation. Participants are divided into small groups. When one group member does the presentation, other group members act as his/her students. After the presentation, these "students" provide feedback (oral or written) for the "teacher" on the lesson which includes 2 compliments and 2 suggestions (2+2). Based on his/her own reflections and peers' feedback, the presenter would re-teach the same micro lesson.
A micro lesson is an opportunity to present a sample “snapshot” of what/how a participant (teacher or pre-teacher) teaches and to get different feedback from colleagues/peers about how it was received. For half a century, microteaching
Microteaching
Microteaching is a training technique whereby the teacher reviews a videotape of the lesson after each session, in order to conduct a "post-mortem". Teachers find out what has worked, which aspects have fallen short, and what needs to be done to enhance their teaching technique. Invented in the...
has been used widely in many teacher training programs in many countries, and it has been proven to be an effective approach in preparing and training effective teachers.
2+2 performance appraisal system
A fundamental principle of human motivation is the importance of feedback. 2+2 is an observation protocol for providing motivational feedback. It can be used any time it is desirable to have a formal and systematic record of observation on one hand, or casual and informal feedback at the request of an individual who feels he or she needs some feedback in a given area on the other. 2+2 was initially developed as an alternative to more formal, elaborate evaluation visits, but is now used in much broader contexts, essentially whenever it is desirable to provide feedback based on observation.2+2 involves the giving of 2 compliments and 2 suggestions to a colleague (senior, junior or peer) based on the observations of a person’s behavior or performance. The observer is asked to identify and record the most important compliments and suggestions for improvement based on an observation session (which may last for as little as several minutes or as long as several days). There are five "Secrets" of 2+2 effective feedback: balance, specific, timely, focused, and with follow-up.
2+2 is designed to benefit both the observer and the observed. When 2+2 is successful, observation is viewed positively by all who participate, a major advantage over traditional evaluation. All are encouraged to be free in giving and receiving comments. If those observed are assured that all comments are for their benefit and that they are free to take the suggestions or ignore them, suggestions for improvement are most likely to be seriously considered.
Feedback and encouragement are the grist of learning and behavior change. 2+2 is a performance appraisal system which, in itself, can be motivational and encourage better performance.
Distinguished students
Bill CosbyBill Cosby
William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...
was an Ed.D. student when Allen was the Dean of College of Education at UMASS Amherst in the 1960s. The professor and student relationship continued ever since. They are frequently collaborators on research and writing projects. They co-authored a book in 2000: American Schools: The $100 Billion Challenge
Cynthia Shepard Perry, received her Doctorate in Education in UMASS Amherst in 1972. Later on, she became a full Professor and Dean of International Affairs in Texas Southern University, and then she was appointed United States Ambassador to Sierre Leone, and later served as Ambassador to Burundi. Dr. Perry was the chief of education and human resources in the African Bureau of the U.S. Agency for International Development and the U.S. director of the African Development Bank.
Dr. Chis Dede received his Ed. D. degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He is now a professor in the Graduate School of Education, Harvard University
Harvard University
Harvard University is a private Ivy League university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States, established in 1636 by the Massachusetts legislature. Harvard is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the first corporation chartered in the country...
. Dr Dede is an influential figure in research areas such as information technology and human learning capacities.
Steven Gluckstern, recently retired as an executive, entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and educator, received his Ed. D. from UMASS Amherst in 1974. He gave $1.7 million for two professorships, and Allen was appointed to one of them. This was the first endowed professorship in Education at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Another of Allen's students was Chris Daggett, who has strong interest in education reform. Chris Daggett went to the University of Massachusetts, where he received a Doctor of Education degree in 1977 when Allen was Dean of Education. Chris Daggett ran for Governor of New Jersey as an independent candidate in 2009.
Accomplishments at Old Dominion University
Allen has served Old Dominion UniversityOld Dominion University
Old Dominion University is a state university located in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools...
as University Professor of Education, University Professor of Arts and Letters and Eminent Scholar of Educational Reform from 1978 to 2008. During his tenure in ODU, Allen acted as principal investigator for a $1.3 million grant to improve the technology training of teachers—The ACTTNOW (Aligning Credentialing with Teacher Training Now).
He was the founding coordinator of NewPAGE, ODU’s environmental education class, required for more than 2,000 freshmen for four years.
During 2007–2008, he has been researching strategies for student-written textbooks and other Web 2.0 initiatives.
Work with international organizations
Allen has served as consultant and advisor as many international organizations including the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCOUNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
), and the World Bank Group.
UNDP
In 1986 and 1987, he served as a consultant for UNDP project coordinator for Donors' Conference for the Rehabilitation of Makerere, University at Kampala in Uganda. In 1992, he served as Technical Advisor UNDP Education Mission to ChinaChina
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. From 1993 and 1998, he served as Chief Technical Advisor for a UNDP project in China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
called “Basic Education: Teacher Education and Education Administration CPR 91/420”. From 1998 to 2001, he served as International Technical Advisor for a UNDP project China entitled “UNDP/CPR/96/401: Improving Nine-Year Compulsory Education in Poor Areas: Focusing on Girls”. From 2002 to 2007, he served as International Technical Advisor for a UNDP project in China called “UNDP/CPR/01/403: Using Distance Education and ICT
Information and communication technologies
Information and communications technology or information and communication technology, usually abbreviated as ICT, is often used as an extended synonym for information technology , but is usually a more general term that stresses the role of unified communications and the integration of...
to Improve Teacher Quality in Poor Areas of Western China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
”.
UNESCO
From 1974 to 1976, Allen served as Chief Technical Advisor for a UNESCOUNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
project in Lesotho National Teacher Training College, Maseru, Lesotho
Lesotho
Lesotho , officially the Kingdom of Lesotho, is a landlocked country and enclave, surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. It is just over in size with a population of approximately 2,067,000. Its capital and largest city is Maseru. Lesotho is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The name...
, Southern Africa. In 1990, he served as Co-Director for Project IF, A drug education project funded by the U.S. Department of Education Technical Advisor, UNESCO
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
, Malawi
Malawi
The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. Its size...
(Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
) Primary Teacher Education Project. In 1993, he served as Technical Advisor in Teacher Education sponsored by UNESCO for Wuhan Institute of Education, Wuhan, China. From 1993 to 1995, he served as Technical Advisor for a UNESCO project in Namibia called “In-Service Teacher Education Project”.
World Bank
He also served as Technical Advisor in Teacher Education sponsored by the World BankWorld Bank
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programmes.The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty...
for a China project in Shanxi Institute of Education, Taiyuan in 1991 and in Hunan Institute of Education, Changsha in 1993.
In China
Allen, American Eminent Scholar of Educational Reform, has served as a chief technical adviser and consultant to many Chinese educational programs sponsored by the United Nations or the World Bank since 1991, having helped prepare and train thousands of school teachers and education administrators in urban and rural ChinaChina
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
.
On his 44 visits to China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, Allen showed great concerns and interests in Chinese educational issues. He made significant contributions to various educational programs and technology improvement in elementary and secondary schools.
Involvement in teacher training programs in Shanxi Province, China
Allen first came to Shanxi in 1991 as a Technical Advisor under UNDP Education Mission to China. He held a month-long workshop on education reform in Taiyuan which started his 44 visits to China. He came to Taiyuan again in 1992, introducing microteaching to Shanxi educators. After that he revisited Shanxi a few more times to follow-up with microteaching progress. In 2008 and 2009, invited by Taiyuan Education Bureau, Jincheng Education Bureau and, Jincheng Technical & Vocational College, Allen came to Taiyuan and Jincheng to help with teacher appraisal system with a focus on 2+2 (an assessment system developed by Allen).Writings
- Dwight Allen (1992) Schools for a New Century: A Conservative Approach to Radical School Reform
- Bill Cosby & Dwight Allen (2000) American Schools: The $100 Billion Challenge
- Dwight Allen, Patrick M. O'Shea, & Peter Baker (2007) The Social and Cultural Foundations of American Education
- Dwight Allen (2004) "The University of Massachusetts School of Education: A Successful Experiment in Combating Institutional Racism" http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1033&context=pocpwi9
External links
- Dr. Allen's personal website
- Education conference honors former dean Dwight Allen
- More detailed information on microteaching
- Alumnus gives $1.7 million for two professorships
- UMASs Selebrating 100 Years of Educator Preparation
- Dwight Allen in Africa
- Dwight Allen and Global Education
- The University of Massachusetts School of Education: A Successful Experiment in Combating Institutional Racism