The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

Earlywood: I Love Difficult Teachers

The American Peasant • 738 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Craftsmanship Student experience Pedagogy Skill development
  1. Difficult teachers can actually help students grow. They might seem tough, but their strictness often leads to better learning and skill development.
  2. Experiencing challenges in learning can make students better. When pushed to perform at a high level, students may realize their true potential over time.
  3. Feedback from teachers can sometimes feel harsh, but it's important for improvement. Learning to accept and understand this feedback is crucial in any craft.

2 Questions for You

The American Peasant • 2555 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🚌 Education Teaching Learning Skills Workshops Customer Relations
  1. Asking clear questions helps start conversations better. It allows you to understand what someone really needs right away.
  2. Understanding students' goals in classes helps tailor the teaching approach. This way, you can mix in production techniques or focus on traditional methods based on their interests.
  3. Using direct questions in any interaction makes communication smoother. It helps you get to the point without unnecessary details.

Sub Club Weekly Digest # 6

The Sub Club Newsletter • 118 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🚌 Education Writing Publishing Workshops Career Advice
  1. There is a new column called 'Jobs for Writers' for finding jobs in the writing industry. It's a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience.
  2. The newsletter features some cool competitions where people can win money or subscriptions for sharing their writing stories or job listings. It's a fun way to get involved!
  3. They are offering workshops and events for writers to come together and submit their work while getting support and guidance. It's a good chance to learn and improve your writing skills.

Crumbling DIEvory Towers

Postcards From Barsoom • 6999 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Academic standards Systemic Issues
  1. Many colleges, like Whittier College, are struggling with issues like low enrollment and poor management. This is leading to unhappy students and worried alumni.
  2. At some prestigious universities, standards are declining because of changes to grading and admission policies. More focus is being put on participation and homework rather than exams.
  3. The increasing role of administrators in universities is changing the focus of education. Important academic traditions are being lost as the emphasis shifts toward managing feelings rather than fostering intellectual growth.

How I taught my 3-year-old to read like a 9-year-old

The Intrinsic Perspective • 26836 implied HN points • 28 May 25
🚌 Education Child development Tutoring Reading Cognitive Science Parenting
  1. Teaching a child to read early can lead to them enjoying books and reading for pleasure. This habit can help with their brain development and emotional well-being.
  2. Using methods like reading together, fun activities, and spaced repetition can make learning to read more effective and enjoyable for kids.
  3. The process of teaching reading requires patience and flexibility, as each child learns at their own pace. Making it fun is key to keeping them interested.
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The New Normal

russ880 • 1016 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Student life
  1. Many students in Israel are missing school due to military service obligations, especially during times of conflict. This makes starting the academic year very challenging.
  2. Despite the ongoing war and personal losses, students still find value in their education. They appreciate having a safe place to learn and grow during difficult times.
  3. Life in Israel during wartime is a mix of joy and sorrow. People celebrate moments like weddings while also mourning losses, showing resilience amid challenges.

The Most Compelling Argument Against Tech in Schools

After Babel • 2022 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🚌 Education Child development Technology impact Learning methods Digital Literacy Mental health
  1. Too much screen time is hurting kids' learning and development. It's taking their focus away from teachers and each other, making them more anxious and isolated.
  2. Studies show that using too much technology in schools isn't helping students. In fact, it can make their learning worse and even affect their mental health.
  3. We need to rethink how much tech kids use in school. Instead of relying on screens, we should promote reading books and spending time with teachers to help kids learn better.

Bayes For Everyone

Astral Codex Ten • 14660 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Philosophy Cognitive Science Student Engagement
  1. Teaching needs to blend old and new learning methods. By mixing traditional storytelling with modern scientific methods, we can help students connect better and fall in love with learning.
  2. Bayes' theorem is best understood visually and emotionally. Using simple images and relatable examples can make this complex idea easier and more engaging for students.
  3. We should teach students why concepts matter in real life. Connecting topics like Bayes' theorem to their interests can make learning more relevant and impactful.

Academia is Women’s Work

Postcards From Barsoom • 15604 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Gender Studies Social Psychology Workforce Trends
  1. More women are enrolling in college than men, and this trend is changing how we view various professions. When too many women join a field, men tend to leave, as they see it as less competitive and valuable.
  2. Academia is becoming feminized, which could lead to a decline in its status and quality. As more women join, some believe that the competitive drive that often leads to higher performance in academia may be fading.
  3. Lower male participation in colleges can hurt the university's reputation and funding. If schools are seen as feminine spaces, they might struggle to attract male students and the resources that come with them.

Friday brief: Course cuts considered by under pressure university

NN Journal • 139 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🚌 Education Higher education
  1. The University of Northampton is considering cutting some courses due to financial issues. This may include merging or dropping certain subjects to stabilize their finances.
  2. Students are worried about how these changes might impact their education and the quality of teaching. Some are actively petitioning to save specific courses that they feel are being undervalued.
  3. Local MPs are concerned about the university's financial stability and have called for better funding for higher education. They emphasize that the university is important for the local economy and workforce.

Should economists read Marx?

Noahpinion • 37588 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🚌 Education Economics Philosophy History Theory Social Science
  1. Many economists don't need to read the original works of thinkers like Marx or Smith to understand economics. They usually study practical models and theories that help solve real-world economic problems.
  2. Modern economic education often emphasizes foundational papers by influential economists, which explain key concepts like market failures and public goods, rather than focusing on Marxist ideas.
  3. Reading Marx can be useful, but mainly as a cautionary tale about how economic theories, if misapplied, can lead to disastrous outcomes in real life. It reminds economists to approach their work with humility.

A Glimpse Inside the Vanity Project

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🚌 Education Course design Psychology Interactivity Teaching Methods
  1. The Vanity Project aims to create an interactive seminar that teaches students about human interdependence. The project is still in progress and needs dialogue improvements.
  2. The course outline includes multiple chapters and concepts related to psychology, social order, and government. Each chapter breaks down complex ideas into manageable parts.
  3. The project requires collaboration and possibly funding for future developments. There's a bigger plan to create seminars for professors based on their courses.

Freedom of enquiry in academia is dead, murdered by Professor Plum in the library with the lead piping of identity politics.

Heterodox STEM • 206 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Academia Freedom Expression Politics Censorship
  1. Academic freedom is under threat, with many professors feeling censored by current identity politics. This makes it hard for them to express differing views openly.
  2. Modern universities are focusing more on adhering to policies rather than encouraging innovation and critical thinking. This shift is harming the quality of education.
  3. There is a call for a return to objective truth and open discussions in academia. Without diverse opinions and debates, intellectual growth is stunted.

Selfishly Speaking, Who Should Skip College?

Bet On It • 488 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🚌 Education Higher education Career Paths Economic Impact
  1. College might not be worth it for everyone, especially if your grades or test scores are not high. It's important to understand your own abilities before deciding.
  2. Don't let others' opinions about jobs or status dictate your choices. Sometimes a job that's seen as 'low' can actually be a good career for you.
  3. If you work hard and have the right skills, there are many paths to success that don't require a college degree. Focus on what suits you best.

Student Assessment in the Age of AI

In My Tribe • 501 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🚌 Education Assessment AI Integration Teaching Methods Critical Thinking
  1. AI can help monitor student assessments and make cheating harder. By having someone supervise, universities can ensure students aren't using AI to cheat during tests.
  2. Interviews can be a better way to assess students than traditional exams. They allow professors to see how well students understand important concepts and let students explain their reasoning.
  3. Using AI to conduct these interviews can be efficient and consistent. This way, professors can evaluate a large number of students fairly without getting overwhelmed by grading.

EXCLUSIVE: A High Schooler Graduated with a 3.4 GPA. He Couldn’t Even Read.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1711 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🚌 Education Policy Reform Legal Assessment Access
  1. A high school student graduated with a 3.4 GPA but couldn't read or spell his own name. This raises concerns about the education system's effectiveness.
  2. The student is suing his school district, claiming they didn't provide him with the education he needed, which is required by law.
  3. A federal appeals court agreed with the student, saying his lack of education caused him serious harm and that he was capable of learning to read.

How American Educators Are Conning Kids

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2411 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🚌 Education Student Performance Teaching Methods
  1. American students are falling behind in education, yet standards are being lowered instead of improved. This approach might make everyone feel better, but it doesn't help kids succeed.
  2. Experts agree that the U.S. education system is not world-class and needs major improvements. It's important for a superpower to provide high-quality education.
  3. The perception is that educators are not being honest about students' abilities, similar to saying everyone is a great swimmer even when many are struggling. This could harm students in the long run.

Assorted Links

In My Tribe • 470 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🚌 Education Higher Ed Academic Freedom Student outcomes
  1. Colleges, especially elite ones like Harvard, have been criticized for not being open to conservative ideas and for having a biased hiring process. Many believe they aren't likely to change on their own.
  2. There's a call for breaking up large universities into smaller entities to focus on research and education more effectively. This might help reduce their political activism and improve academic standards.
  3. New societal trends are shifting the way people view knowledge and expertise, often valuing common sense over traditional authority. This can create a space for new types of knowledge systems to emerge.

American Economic History Midterm This Friday!

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 199 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🚌 Education Academic History Economics Lectures
  1. The midterm exam will focus on the readings, so doing them is key to doing well. It's designed to be easy if you're prepared.
  2. The course looks at American economic history through various significant episodes instead of a continuous timeline. This approach highlights important events and their impacts.
  3. Upcoming weeks will cover topics like immigration, feminism, and the rise of Silicon Valley. Each week connects historical discussions to current economic issues.

The Knowledge Illusion

In Bed With Social • 416 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🚌 Education Learning Knowledge Technology AI Critical Thinking
  1. AI can provide quick answers, but this doesn't lead to real understanding. It's important to engage in learning actively to truly grasp the knowledge.
  2. The value of knowledge is changing with technology. While access to information is easier now, it can lead to shallow thinking if we rely on AI too much.
  3. Learning should be about growth, not just getting answers. We should use AI to inspire deeper questions and foster our critical thinking instead.

AI-generated Anki cards are not to be trusted

De Novo • 121 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🚌 Education Learning Memory Technology AI Biology
  1. AI-generated Anki cards can have mistakes that may lead to learning incorrect information. It's important to double-check AI content, especially on complex topics.
  2. Relying on AI for learning new material may not be wise, as it could lead to errors that are not obvious at first glance.
  3. Even when asking different AI systems to review the same content, they can miss errors or indicate correct information as wrong. Human oversight is crucial.

Do Math, Touch Grass, Repeat

Kids Who Love Math • 167 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
🚌 Education Math education Child development
  1. It's great for kids to love math, but that shouldn't mean they have to give up everything else to become math geniuses. Parents should let kids decide their own paths.
  2. While math is important and helpful in many areas, it doesn't handle everything in life. Kids need to connect with people and the world outside of math.
  3. The pressure to make kids succeed in math, like in sports, can take the fun out of it. Instead, kids should also spend time playing outside and enjoying other activities.

HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Again, This Year, I Lament I Have No Opportunity to Give My "How to Think Like an Economist" Lecture

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 99 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Economics Higher education
  1. Learning economics requires new ways of thinking, similar to learning a new language. It helps people see the economy more clearly but may also overlook things that are not easily measured.
  2. There's an ideal time in college to teach how to think like an economist. Teaching it too early or too late may not be effective.
  3. Economics is viewed differently based on background; some see it as a science, while others view it as outdated psychology. Both views have some truth to them.

Can You Really Learn the Humanities in 52 Weeks?

The Honest Broker • 7480 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🚌 Education Humanities Literature Arts Culture Learning
  1. You can learn the humanities in a year by following a structured plan with about 250 pages of reading each week. This makes it manageable and not overwhelming.
  2. The course covers a wide range of topics, including literature, art, and music, allowing you to explore human culture broadly.
  3. It's flexible; you can do it at your own pace and even join a reading group if you want to learn with others.

'Something Terrible Has Happened': Carl Sagan Saw What US Schools Were Doing to Children Decades Ago

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 594 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🚌 Education School System Child development Government Role
  1. Young children are curious and ask deep questions about the world, but as they grow older, that curiosity often fades away. This change happens during their school years.
  2. Simply throwing more money at schools does not solve the problem. Good schools need choices and options that meet students' needs rather than just more funding.
  3. Many believe that schools should be run more by the people and less by the government. This could help create better learning environments for children.

Why are tech people suddenly so into homeschooling?

Cloud Irregular • 3400 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🚌 Education Homeschooling Child development Parenting
  1. More tech parents are choosing to homeschool their kids. They see it as a way to give their children a better, more tailored education.
  2. Many homeschooling parents want to 'opt out' of average society. They think that keeping their kids away from regular school and its challenges can help them succeed.
  3. Homeschooling can help kids learn valuable skills, but it might also lead to issues with social connection and resilience. It's important for kids to experience challenges to grow.

Taking a New Direction

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🚌 Education Higher education AI Technology Software Development Teaching Methods Digital learning
  1. The focus is shifting towards developing an AI-assisted seminar, which aims to improve higher education through new technology. This will involve creating a learning environment where students can interact with AI characters instead of traditional lectures.
  2. The project is driven by concerns that current universities are not equipped to innovate or improve their practices, especially after past mistakes. The hope is that AI can help create a better educational model without the need to build completely new institutions.
  3. The developer is learning about modern software development and working step-by-step with a software partner to create a functional product. They plan to share progress updates and insights from this journey, showcasing both the potential of AI and the seminar format.

So Near and yet So Far

In My Tribe • 182 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🚌 Education Learning Theory Educational Technology Pedagogy Curriculum design Online Learning
  1. The project aims to create an interactive seminar experience, but it's currently more like reading a textbook with an AI assistant. It’s not quite the same feel as a real seminar.
  2. Using AI can help shape effective dialogue, but it requires careful prompting to get the right tone and perspective, especially if it needs to reflect a specific viewpoint.
  3. The goal is to develop structured and authentic discussions in educational content, which could fill a gap by balancing sterile lectures and chaotic forums.

Flaws in a Recent Lancet Study on Phone Use in Schools

After Babel • 853 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🚌 Education Mental health Student Performance Research Methodology
  1. The study compared schools with only slight differences in phone policies, making it hard to see if phone restrictions really help students.
  2. The research didn't truly prove which phone policies caused changes in student mental health or grades, since it mainly showed correlations.
  3. There were issues with how they measured students' academic performance and phone use, which could affect the study's conclusions.

#55. What Do Kids at a Center for Self-Directed Education Do on Their Smartphones?

Play Makes Us Human • 1136 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Technology Use Child development Social media Mental health
  1. Kids in self-directed education tend to use their smartphones for creative and educational activities rather than scrolling on social media. They engage in things like music editing, game design, and learning through simulators.
  2. Many teens at the Macomber Center are not very interested in social media, often finding it unnecessary. They feel they have better things to do, like spending time with friends and exploring their interests.
  3. The overall happiness and fulfillment of these kids seem to come from their fulfilling social interactions, which reduces their reliance on social media to meet their social needs.

Why College Students Can't Read Books

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1119 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Literacy Curriculum Teaching Methods Higher education
  1. Many college freshmen have never read a whole book, which surprises their professors. This shows a gap in reading experience among students entering college.
  2. Curricula like Common Core focus more on articles and excerpts rather than full books. This might not prepare students well for the demands of college reading.
  3. There is a lot of discussion about why this is happening, but Common Core isn't often mentioned as a reason. It suggests that the structure of education could be contributing to the problem.

How Jonathan Haidt Won the Fight Against Smartphones in Schools

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4655 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Child development Digital Literacy School Policy Parenting
  1. Having rules about smartphone use in schools helps students connect better with their teachers. Many teachers noticed students paying more attention and being more respectful after limiting phone use.
  2. The shift away from screens in the classroom has made a positive difference in students' behavior and engagement. Teachers are seeing students who are more willing to participate and communicate.
  3. Promoting more unsupervised play can help children develop important social skills. This balance is important to counteract the heavy use of technology in their lives.

Why Employees Quit

The Future of Education • 59 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🚌 Education Career development Educational Policy Learning Strategies Employee retention
  1. Many people quit their jobs because they don't find their work meaningful and don't feel valued by their colleagues or managers. To keep employees happy, companies should focus on providing fulfilling work experiences.
  2. People are leaving jobs despite being offered good pay because traditional hiring and retention strategies are not addressing their real needs. Employers need to look beyond just salaries and benefits to understand why employees leave.
  3. Relationships and connections in life matter a lot for both personal happiness and career success. It's important to nurture these relationships, as they can provide joy and future opportunities.

Stanford Starts to Make Ammends: Lessons from the Pandemic

COVID Reason • 535 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🚌 Education Health Education Public Policy Civic engagement
  1. Open dialogue is key to understanding different viewpoints and creating solutions. It's important to have respectful conversations, especially when opinions differ.
  2. Universities should promote healthy discussions and critical thinking. They play a big role in preparing future leaders to engage with tough topics.
  3. Recognizing past mistakes can lead to better decisions in the future. Learning from errors is essential for growth in both education and public policy.

Local education authority ‘not getting the basics right’,says council boss

NN Journal • 198 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🚌 Education School funding
  1. The new director of children's services says the local education department is struggling and needs to improve quickly. Parents are pulling their kids from schools and choosing to homeschool them because they don't trust the system.
  2. There is a big funding crisis affecting the schools budget, which is in serious deficit. Officials warn that if things don't change, the entire system could collapse and impact everyone's education.
  3. The council is facing a crisis with increasing numbers of children in care and not enough support for those with special needs. Leaders say they need to act fast to fix these problems and make services better for the community.

Today is the Last Day to Register for Fall 2024 Courses @ IPAK-EDU

Popular Rationalism • 99 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🚌 Education Discounts Enrollment Health Education Online Learning
  1. Today is the last chance to register for Fall 2024 courses at IPAK-EDU, so don’t miss out if you're interested.
  2. There are discounts available, such as 25% off for veterans and older individuals, making it a great opportunity to learn.
  3. The courses cover a range of topics, from health and wellness to biology and law, so there's something for everyone.

The Shape of Stats to Come

arg min • 634 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🚌 Education Statistics Optimization Philosophy Data Analysis Mathematics
  1. Statistics often involves optimizing methods to get the best results. Many statistical techniques can actually be viewed as optimization problems.
  2. Choosing a statistical method isn't just about the math—it's also based on beliefs about reality. This philosophical side is important but often overlooked.
  3. There's a danger in relying too much on tools and models we can solve. Sometimes, we force the data to fit our preferred methods instead of being open to the actual complexities.

Transforming Education: AI-Powered Seminar Learning at Scale

In My Tribe • 303 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🚌 Education Online Learning AI Technology
  1. Distance learning is often boring and lacks human interaction, leading to high dropout rates. People want more engaging, conversation-based classes like those in elite schools.
  2. AI can create virtual classmates with different personalities to enhance learning. This setup allows for dynamic discussions and personalized learning experiences, similar to real seminars.
  3. There’s a big market for this kind of innovative education. Many corporations and universities are looking for ways to make learning more engaging and scalable, which this AI seminar approach can meet.

How to (and How NOT to) Mandate Phone-Free Schools

After Babel • 1103 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🚌 Education School Policy Child development Mental health Legislation Technology impact
  1. More schools are going phone-free, which means students won't use phones during the whole school day. This helps them focus on learning and connecting with friends.
  2. Total phone bans can improve students' grades and attention in class. Teachers also feel less distracted and more engaged with their students.
  3. Policies are being created to guide schools on how to effectively limit phone use. This is often driven by parents who see the negative effects of phones on children.