Phonics instruction harms creativity. → challenged → I just mean students should stay engaged.
Answer: Motte-and-bailey
So you think kids should just sit silently and memorize all day?
Answer: Straw man
Either we use inquiry learning or students won’t learn to think.
Answer: False dichotomy
This curriculum must be effective—Stanford researchers support it.
Answer: Appeal to authority
Your argument about reading instruction is invalid—you’re not a real teacher.
Answer: Ad hominem
Grades should be eliminated entirely. → challenged → I just mean we shouldn’t overemphasize grades.
Answer: Motte-and-bailey
If you believe in phonics, you must think meaning doesn’t matter.
Answer: Straw man
We should adopt this program—it’s used by elite private schools.
Answer: Appeal to authority
You only support that because you’re resistant to change.
Answer: Ad hominem
Students should control all their learning. → challenged → I just mean they should have some choice.
Answer: Motte-and-bailey
Either we reduce testing or we don’t care about student well-being.
Answer: False dichotomy
This must be true—a best-selling author said it.
Answer: Appeal to authority
Your view on discipline is wrong because you’re too strict as a person.
Answer: Ad hominem
Memorization is useless. → challenged → I just mean understanding is more important.
Answer: Motte-and-bailey
So you’re saying students should never collaborate?
Answer: Straw man
If we don’t make learning fun, students will hate school forever.
Answer: False dichotomy
We should trust this—it’s backed by experts.
Answer: Appeal to authority
You’re just saying that because you’re inexperienced.
Answer: Ad hominem
Lecture is ineffective. → challenged → I just mean lectures shouldn’t be the only method.
Answer: Motte-and-bailey
So you think teachers should do all the thinking for students?
Answer: Straw man
Either students discover everything themselves or they won’t understand deeply.
Answer: False dichotomy
This method works—top universities use it.
Answer: Appeal to authority
Your opinion doesn’t matter—you’re biased.
Answer: Ad hominem
Content knowledge doesn’t matter. → challenged → I just mean skills are also important.
Answer: Motte-and-bailey
