The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics
Unsafe Science β€’ 100 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jul 25
  1. Many experimental studies show that men face more bias than women in academic hiring. This means that when faculty evaluate job candidates, they're often less favorable towards male applicants than females.
  2. The data from a major study indicates that women are hired more than their numbers in the applicant pool would suggest. This suggests that hiring practices might favor women in certain areas.
  3. There's a big gap in how research about gender bias is cited. Studies that find bias against women get talked about much more than those that find bias against men, even when there is more evidence for the latter.
Mindful Modeler β€’ 479 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 22
  1. Conformal prediction turns point predictions into prediction sets with a probability guarantee of covering the true outcome, working for any model without requiring a distribution assumption.
  2. The 5-week email course on conformal prediction offers a free, convenient way to learn about this uncertainty quantification method.
  3. Resources like Valeriy's list on conformal prediction and an academic introduction paper can be helpful for diving into and understanding conformal prediction.
Contemplations on the Tree of Woe β€’ 791 implied HN points β€’ 06 Mar 24
  1. The physiocratic curriculum delves deep into economics, highlighting a long reading list and raising unanswered questions.
  2. Classical economics is explored starting with Richard Cantillon, followed by influential figures like Adam Smith, David Ricardo, and Henry George.
  3. Alternative economic theories include Austrian economics, Austro-Classical synthesis, and American School, offering unique perspectives on trade, tariffs, and government intervention.
Don't Worry About the Vase β€’ 1568 implied HN points β€’ 11 Apr 23
  1. Child care is becoming more regulated and expensive, making it challenging for parents to afford quality child care.
  2. Parents are facing challenges in allowing their children to play and be independent due to strict regulations and societal fears.
  3. The education system is facing criticisms for ineffective techniques, pushing unnecessary pressure on students, and focusing more on signaling than actual education.
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Kids Who Love Math β€’ 335 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 24
  1. Math can be really hard to learn for everyone, at any age. It's normal for students to find math difficult as they progress in their education.
  2. Choosing challenges like math for kids can help them build perseverance. It's often easier to support their learning in a comfortable environment like home.
  3. It's important for kids to enjoy the challenge they're taking on. If they like math, they're more likely to stick with it and succeed.
SPARC '24 JC Blog β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 14 Sep 24
  1. TKS helped me find my drive and purpose, giving me the tools and encouragement to pursue my passions.
  2. Despite the positives, I struggled with pressure to conform to certain ideals, which sometimes felt overwhelming and isolating.
  3. It's important to trust your own feelings and values, and remember there are many paths to success that don't involve strict adherence to someone else's vision.
Technology Made Simple β€’ 299 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 23
  1. Understanding Data Structures and Algorithms is crucial for success in technical fields like software development.
  2. Many resources focus on DSA for coding interviews, but it's important to go beyond that to deepen your knowledge.
  3. Learning DSA effectively doesn't have to involve answering countless questions or watching numerous tutorials; there are better approaches available.
Humanities in Revolt β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 17 Aug 23
  1. The 19th Amendment marked a significant advancement in women's rights in the US, championed by suffragists like Susan B. Anthony who fought tirelessly despite not living to see the victory.
  2. Lessons from feminist foremothers emphasize the importance of lifelong commitment to the cause of justice, regardless of age, and the need to honor those who paved the way for expanded rights.
  3. Challenges by suffragists like Sojourner Truth and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper against dehumanizing norms and cultural ideologies demonstrate the vital role of critical consciousness in driving social change.
David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 296 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 25
  1. Universities should strive for neutrality to focus on truth and avoid political distractions. When they take sides, it can harm their ability to explore different ideas and create a closed environment.
  2. Even if universities don't make public statements, their choices still communicate views on controversial topics. They can avoid unnecessary conflicts by being careful about their decisions and who they hire.
  3. The idea of neutrality isn't just for universities but also applies to professional organizations. When these groups take political stances, it can affect their integrity and the public's trust in their expertise.
The Recovering Academic β€’ 217 implied HN points β€’ 21 Jul 23
  1. Quality in higher education is not just about academic content; it also involves factors like faculty-student relationships and the overall health of the institution.
  2. General education requirements should be reimagined to focus on developing essential skills and qualities in students, rather than just breadth of knowledge.
  3. Institutions should consider aligning their educational offerings with what students actually value and seek in order to adapt to changing dynamics in higher education.
The Recovering Academic β€’ 217 implied HN points β€’ 13 Sep 23
  1. The Recovering Academic newsletter offers exclusive interviews, essays, poetry, and resources for writers.
  2. Paying subscribers get access to behind-the-scenes interviews, thought pieces on higher ed, personal essays, and craft resources.
  3. Joshua Dolezal, the writer behind the newsletter, has 20 years of experience, has published a memoir, and co-produced a podcast.
In My Tribe β€’ 865 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jan 24
  1. Great economists of the 20th century were motivated by the conflict between capitalism and communism.
  2. There was a trade-off between freedom and economic pain, with differing views on how to handle it.
  3. The focus of 21st century intellectuals has shifted to issues like climate change and terrorism, moving away from the economic debates of the past.
Scott's Substack β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
  1. Workshop offering discounted price of $95 for non-tenure track professors or those with high teaching loads
  2. Workshop covers topics like potential outcomes model, unconfoundedness, and instrumental variables
  3. Teaching style focuses on comprehension, confidence, and competency in applying causal inference methods
Mathworlds β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 13 Apr 23
  1. For effective teaching, teachers and students need a shared set of experiences to talk about before introducing new vocabulary.
  2. Use 'contrasting cases' like 'Which one doesn't belong?' to surface older knowledge and make connections to new vocabulary.
  3. Provide opportunities for students to experience the need for new vocabulary in activities like Polygraph to enhance understanding.
The Hard Fork by Marvin Liao β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jul 23
  1. Children start with wild creativity and courage but often conform as they grow older due to social pressures.
  2. To succeed, it's important to be authentic, think independently, and stand out from the crowd.
  3. Balancing formal education with informal learning is crucial for helping kids develop critical thinking skills and avoid becoming 'cookie-cutter sheeple.'
Timeless & Timely β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 16 Sep 23
  1. The U.S. government promotes plain language in communications.
  2. Federal plain language guidelines emphasize clarity and conciseness.
  3. Guidelines include writing for the audience, organizing information, and choosing words carefully.
In My Tribe β€’ 394 implied HN points β€’ 18 Oct 24
  1. More women are going to college, but many young men feel it's not a masculine environment. This creates a gap where some boys are looking for other paths instead.
  2. There's a belief that too many people are attending college, especially those who may not need a degree for their career goals. It might be better for those individuals to seek alternative options.
  3. The way colleges handle dating and social interactions may be discouraging relationships, leading some to think less about the college experience as a place to meet partners.
Kids Who Love Math β€’ 335 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
  1. Viewing new math topics as adventures makes learning more fun. It helps kids feel excited and curious about what they'll discover.
  2. Preparation is important before starting a math adventure. Physically, emotionally, mentally, and philosophically getting ready can help kids face challenges.
  3. Tracking progress and celebrating discoveries during and after the adventure makes learning rewarding. It encourages kids to think about what they learned and plan for future adventures.
David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 287 implied HN points β€’ 18 Jan 25
  1. The modern university system often struggles with being neutral on controversial issues while needing to take positions. A new model could focus more on individual choices and interests.
  2. A market-based education system would allow students to directly choose and pay for classes with teachers, which might lead to more diverse subjects being taught, based on what students want.
  3. Starting this new university model could be easier by partnering with existing institutions for degrees, and setting up near current universities could attract students and teachers looking for more affordable options.
Friends of Parsnip β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 26 Oct 23
  1. Mass education is often one-size-fits-all, expensive, and frustrating for both teachers and learners.
  2. Personalized education, like mastery learning and 1-to-1 tutoring, can be more effective in improving learning outcomes.
  3. Technology, such as AI-powered skill trees, has the potential to revolutionize learning by providing personalized, interactive, and scalable education.
Unsafe Science β€’ 88 implied HN points β€’ 06 Aug 25
  1. Universities often resist change from within because insiders have little motivation to admit their problems and reform themselves. They need external pressure to push for actual improvements.
  2. Internal efforts to reform academia have largely failed, with free speech increasingly restricted and ideological homogeneity growing. There's evidence showing that academic environments have become less open and more tribal over time.
  3. Younger generations of students appear even less supportive of free speech and more eager to self-censor, which suggests that without outside accountability, the situation in universities could worsen even further.
David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 278 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 25
  1. In today's world, it's really important to know how to find good information online and tell what's true from what isn't. Being able to filter through all the noise is a skill we need to learn.
  2. AI is a big part of our lives now, and we need to understand how to use it effectively and recognize when we're interacting with it. It’s also important to know how to protect ourselves from scams online.
  3. Learning how to navigate online spaces for socializing and education has become essential. Whether it's finding friends, dating, or learning new things, being savvy with technology and online interactions is key.
Knowledge Problem β€’ 196 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 23
  1. The knowledge problem is pervasive among individuals and socially, impacting coordination and decision-making among agents.
  2. Different types of knowledge problems exist, such as complexity and contextual knowledge problems, affecting decision-making and outcomes.
  3. Institutional design should consider the knowledge problem, as institutions interact with preferences and the environment to shape individual actions and interactions.
Sunday Letters β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 24
  1. People often resist new technologies because they feel uncomfortable with change. This can lead to silly arguments against using something that actually helps.
  2. In the past, teachers were hesitant to accept printed papers due to concerns about quality, but this resistance seems odd now. It shows how we can misjudge new tools.
  3. It's important to examine why we push back against new ideas. Sometimes our reasons might not make sense and could actually prevent us from benefiting.
Secretum Secretorum β€’ 378 implied HN points β€’ 22 Oct 24
  1. The Orbis Tertius Society is described as a secret group that aims to explore new ideas and thoughts. It's seen as a mix of a fun experiment and a serious quest for understanding.
  2. Andrew Rose is offering a space for this society at Fractal University in NYC, which focuses on community education. People can apply to join and be part of this unique initiative.
  3. The society blends the concepts of a hidden community with positive intentions, promoting collaboration and thoughtful discussions among its members.
De Novo β€’ 121 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jun 25
  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.
THE FREEDOM BLOG β€’ 98 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
  1. Free speech is a core value of Western democracy and crucial for safeguarding other liberties.
  2. Speech is essential for participating in societal and political life, fostering friendship, rational inquiry, and statesmanship.
  3. Defending and promoting relatively free speech is crucial for upholding values like friendship, the pursuit of truth, artistic expression, and serving the common good.
Heterodox STEM β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jul 25
  1. Math education could be more interesting and useful. Students should learn concepts like calculus and coding, which are important for understanding technology today.
  2. The current teaching approach is too focused on memorization and lacks real-world problem-solving. Instead, it should simplify concepts to aid understanding from the start.
  3. Some changes need to happen, like integrating coding into math lessons and allowing students to progress based on ability rather than age. This can help everyone learn better and faster.
Science Forever β€’ 199 implied HN points β€’ 31 Aug 23
  1. University investigations often lead to the end of college presidencies, even when results may not be severe
  2. Presidents should communicate openly and address questions from reporters during investigations to better manage public perception
  3. Investigations may not fully resolve issues, leading to a buildup of negative perception that can still result in consequences
Poczwardowski Notes β€’ 118 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 24
  1. Clear messages in business writing are crucial for good understanding and execution.
  2. The 'Writing at Work Framework' consists of three steps: Prep, Tell, and Remove.
  3. When writing, it's important to focus on simplicity, clarity, and removing unnecessary words to enhance communication.