The hottest Education Substack posts right now

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Welcome to the Science of Learning!

The Science of Learning โ€ข 179 implied HN points โ€ข 06 Jun 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Learning Science Cognitive Psychology Neuroscience
  1. The newsletter focuses on the latest research in learning science and how it can improve teaching practices. It's a great way for educators to stay informed.
  2. Readers can expect to see summaries of studies and practical tips for applying research findings in the classroom. Itโ€™s meant to help enhance teaching effectiveness.
  3. It's free to subscribe and will have new content coming out once or twice a month. This offers a chance for teachers and learners to engage with new ideas together.

Why is the Golden Ratio Hiding in the Fibonacci Sequence?

The Palindrome โ€ข 4 implied HN points โ€ข 30 Jan 26
๐ŸšŒ Education Mathematics Linear Algebra Combinatorics Number Theory Tutorials
  1. The Fibonacci sequence has a simple closed-form (Binet's) formula that uses the golden ratio phi (ฯ†) and its conjugate psi (ฯˆ) to compute Fn directly. It yields exact integers even though ฯ† and ฯˆ are irrational.
  2. Generating functions turn the recurrence into the rational function F(x)=x/(1-x-x^2), and partial fraction decomposition expresses F(x) as a sum of two geometric series, which leads to Binet's formula.
  3. The recurrence can also be encoded by a 2ร—2 Fibonacci matrix whose eigenvalues are ฯ† and ฯˆ; diagonalizing that matrix and raising it to the nth power gives the same closed-form result, and computing matrix powers is often numerically more stable than directly evaluating Binet's formula.

Spiral Sudoku

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained โ€ข 60 implied HN points โ€ข 23 Jul 25
๐ŸšŒ Education Math Puzzles Learning Science Logic
  1. Spiral Sudoku is a type of puzzle that involves filling a grid in a spiral pattern with numbers. The challenge is to ensure that every row and column has the numbers 1 to 5 without repetition.
  2. The grid is designed with specific circled positions that guide where the numbers should be placed. Understanding these positions is key to solving the puzzle successfully.
  3. This puzzle not only tests your problem-solving skills but also makes math fun and engaging. It's a great way to practice logic and critical thinking.

Against using Nicholas Cage movies to teach correlation and causation

Unconfusion โ€ข 39 implied HN points โ€ข 31 Mar 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Statistics Pedagogy Cognition Research Methodology Data Analysis
  1. Using silly examples to teach correlation and causation can let students off too easily. It's important to challenge them with examples that make them think.
  2. Most teaching examples use time-series data, but many real-world correlations don't fit this model. We should focus on typical variations found in research.
  3. Mixing random correlations with spurious connections creates confusion. Teaching should clearly explain how confounders can lead to false relationships.
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Before Claudine Gay retroactively corrected her plagiarized PhD thesis... there was Terrell Strayhorn

Karlstack โ€ข 433 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Mar 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Misconduct Plagiarism Consulting Publications
  1. Terrell Strayhorn faced consequences for financial misconduct and plagiarism, leading to a downgrade in his academic career.
  2. The case highlighted the controversial practice of retroactively correcting theses to address plagiarism issues, as seen in the examples of Strayhorn and Claudine Gay.
  3. The story of Terrell Strayhorn serves as a larger commentary on the issues within the DEI-industrial complex and the exploitation of noble ideals for personal gain in academic circles.

In Memory of Donald Black

Bullfish Hole โ€ข 58 implied HN points โ€ข 10 Feb 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Sociology Theory Mentorship
  1. Donald Black made significant contributions to sociology with his theory on law and social control, providing a new perspective on understanding social reality.
  2. Donald Black was passionate about developing new ideas in sociology and was dedicated to ensuring the science of social life was explored thoroughly.
  3. Donald Black's work serves as a reminder of the true essence of sociology, focusing on explaining social conflicts rather than taking sides in moral debates.

Tenure Is a Total Scam

Bet On It โ€ข 644 implied HN points โ€ข 05 Sep 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Research Teaching Academia
  1. Getting tenure involves a complex process of academic achievements and connections.
  2. Tenured professors have minimal job responsibilities and are difficult to fire.
  3. The tenure system in academia may be sustained by perverse incentives and weak selection pressure.

LECTURE NOTES: 1.1. What the History of Economic Growth Is

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality โ€ข 199 implied HN points โ€ข 20 Nov 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Economics History Lectures Learning University
  1. Economic growth has a long history, with most of it being slow until a major change around 1870. Before then, people lived with little advancement in their living standards for centuries.
  2. Reliable data about economies was mostly unavailable before the 19th century. This makes it hard to understand past living conditions or wealth distribution.
  3. Many technological advancements didn't lead to better lives for common people until recently. Before 1870, despite progress, most still struggled with poverty and poor living conditions.

TWELVE SLIDES: The History of Economic Growth :: (Roughly) Seven Summary Bullet Points per Lecture

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality โ€ข 192 implied HN points โ€ข 27 Nov 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Economic History Growth Theory Social Dynamics Technological Change Globalization
  1. Economic growth means people's living standards and productivity improve over time. It's not just about having more money, but also how everyone shares those resources fairly.
  2. Before 1870, most economic progress was slow, and many people lived in poverty. After that, societies began to develop better ways of organizing and sharing wealth, leading to real improvements for many.
  3. Today, we face challenges like climate change and inequality that threaten our progress. We need to find new ways to support everyone and ensure that future generations can thrive.

'Luckily, we love tedious work'

imperfect offerings โ€ข 119 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Aug 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Workplace dynamics Artificial Intelligence Humanities Critical Thinking
  1. Generative AI may impact the job market, emphasizing marketization over addressing economic and social challenges.
  2. Artificial intelligences may free humans from tedious tasks, but can also lead to uncreative and repetitive work.
  3. AI technologies are evolving, but their impact on graduate job market transformation may not align with initial expectations.

Edu-Snippets

The Science of Learning โ€ข 119 implied HN points โ€ข 07 Sep 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Learning methods Student Performance Classroom Management
  1. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that helps people stay focused and fight procrastination by working in short, timed intervals followed by breaks.
  2. Taking practice tests can lower test anxiety and help students remember what they've learned, making them better prepared for actual exams.
  3. Classrooms experience a lot of interruptions throughout the year, which can hurt student learning. Reducing these interruptions may help improve student performance.

"0% detection has never felt better"

imperfect offerings โ€ข 119 implied HN points โ€ข 07 Aug 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Risk Analysis Academic Integrity Ethical Concerns
  1. Generative AI tools may fail to expose users to diverse ideas and perspectives, reinforcing existing biases.
  2. There is a risk that the use of generative AI may not respect human rights and safeguard individual autonomy, especially for children.
  3. It is important for educators to carefully consider the consequences of incorporating generative AI tools in teaching, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.

Three Things

The Analog Family โ€ข 119 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Sep 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Teaching Methods Technology Use Child development
  1. Talking with others about kids being screen-free can lead to unexpected creative projects, like building a squirrel house from twigs. It's a fun way to encourage children to use their imagination.
  2. The book 'The Art of Gathering' teaches how to host events effectively, emphasizing thoughtful planning and creating engaging themes for gathering guests. Consider making a toast or having a theme for your next dinner party.
  3. Some European countries are moving away from technology in schools, suggesting that traditional learning methods like reading books and writing by hand are better for students. This is different from the tech-focused approach seen in places like Canada.

The Benefits of Walking Your Cynic

Outlandish Claims โ€ข 19 implied HN points โ€ข 31 May 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Philosophy History Travel Literature Science
  1. Standardized education can be damaging, labeling individuals based on narrow criteria and stifling unique strengths.
  2. Achieving financial independence can enable one to pursue personal passions and explore the world at one's own pace, like 'Walking Stewart'.
  3. The philosophy of interconnectedness, kindness, and self-love espoused by 'Walking Stewart' emphasizes the importance of empathy and positivity.

On language, language models and writing

imperfect offerings โ€ข 119 implied HN points โ€ข 21 Apr 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Language AI Academic Integrity Curriculum design Future of work
  1. AI tools like language models cannot be credited with authorship in academic publications due to lack of accountability and responsibility for the work.
  2. Universities need to consider the implications of students using AI writing tools and ensure they are transparent, accountable, and responsible for their own use of these systems.
  3. Writing is a social technology that shapes new selves and identities, and universities play a crucial role in shaping what writing is, what it does for individuals, and why it matters.

A retracted paper tells us something important about academia

The Path Not Taken โ€ข 418 implied HN points โ€ข 13 Mar 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Academia Standards
  1. A retracted paper revealed resistance in academia to the idea of certain subjects or institutions having more merit than others, especially regarding external hierarchies.
  2. In academia, there appears to be a growing trend of reluctance towards acknowledging external hierarchies, potentially leading to declining standards and subjects being vulnerable to market pressures.
  3. Editorial actions and societal trends reflect a shift towards more egalitarian philosophies in academia, raising concerns about defending academic standards and traditional disciplines against cost-cutting measures.

The Cleavage and Technologization of Knowing

Banana Peel Pirouette โ€ข 118 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Aug 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Philosophy Literature History Science Technology
  1. Specialization of labor and the rise of a literate elite led to a cleavage of knowledge across societies, with information monopolies and limited access to learning.
  2. The printing press and now the internet have transformed how we handle information, shifting towards automated thinking but potentially limiting deep understanding and critical thinking.
  3. Progress in human intelligence and virtue through technology has been a long debate, as greater access to information doesn't necessarily equate to greater wisdom or reason.

๐Ÿงฎ The Best PreK-12th Grade Math Curriculum

joinmodulo โ€ข 117 implied HN points โ€ข 25 Mar 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Math
  1. Choosing a math program is a personal decision based on the child's learning preferences and parent's teaching style.
  2. Different children prefer different learning methods like digital apps or hands-on materials.
  3. There are diverse math curricula available to cater to every learner's needs, including game-based apps and nature-based materials.

Three Ways I Would Like to Contribute in My New Role at Northwestern

Mike Talks AI โ€ข 117 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Aug 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Teaching
  1. The author wants to benefit students by sharing their work experience in implementing business solutions using data and math.
  2. The author aims to strengthen industry connections through teaching a class where students work as consultants on real-world projects.
  3. The author enjoys bridging the gap between technical and business worlds, and looks forward to sharing knowledge with colleagues.

Does cursive writing offer educational benefits over printing?

The Science of Learning โ€ข 119 implied HN points โ€ข 21 Aug 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Literacy Curriculum Writing Research Child development
  1. Handwriting, whether cursive or printing, is better than typing for young kids. It helps them with spelling, letter recognition, and memory.
  2. There is no solid proof that cursive writing is better for cognitive skills than printing. Both styles seem to be pretty equal in benefits.
  3. The claims about cursive writing being more helpful for critical thinking or expression are not supported by research. It's important for kids to practice any handwriting to become fluent.

Sunday Listens: Talking math instruction

The Bell Ringer โ€ข 39 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Mar 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Math education Curriculum Development Podcasting Research Trends
  1. Podcasts can be a great way to learn about math instruction and research. They offer discussions that can inspire teachers and parents alike.
  2. Listening to experienced educators helps us understand new strategies in teaching math. This can improve how we approach learning in schools.
  3. The focus on elementary math is essential for building a strong foundation. Early math skills are important for students' future success.

Ready for anything

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) โ€ข 139 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Aug 23
๐ŸšŒ Education Critical Thinking Teaching Methods Curriculum Development
  1. Students need to learn how to adapt to constant change, especially with the rise of digital technology. Traditional teaching methods focused on stable information aren't enough anymore.
  2. Digital proficiency isn't about mastering specific technologies but developing skills to understand and respond to changes. This means being able to identify problems, evaluate sources of information, and think flexibly.
  3. Teaching these skills effectively can happen in any subject, not just in standalone courses. Teachers can use creative methods to build critical thinking while covering standard curriculum content.

Unbundling the University, Part 1

The Good Science Project โ€ข 66 implied HN points โ€ข 27 Jun 25
๐ŸšŒ Education Higher education Technology development
  1. Universities have become overloaded with many roles, like teaching, research, and technology development. This bundling can lead to problems in performing any one role well.
  2. Unbundling universities into specialized institutions can help focus on specific missions, like technology research and education. This means creating new types of organizations that are good at just one thing.
  3. The current system slows down innovation and research. By allowing new institutions to emerge, we can better harness ideas and technologies that don't fit into traditional university structures.

Intro to Economic Life 1: Creatures on a Planet

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness โ€ข 410 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Feb 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Economics Philosophy History Environment Political
  1. The economy is not separate from the planet, but rather a part of it, with everything deriving from the ecological systems of Earth. This interconnectedness should be a foundational element of economic analysis.
  2. Products we see as separate entities are actually collections of human labor and resources from the planet, with objects being made up of multiple acts of labor combined with natural elements like sunlight, air, water, and food.
  3. The illusion of separation in the economy can hide exploitative practices and hinder our ability to make informed decisions, leading to disconnection, confusion, and alienation. Understanding these interconnected processes is crucial to developing a holistic view of the economy.

Introducing QF GPT

Quantum Formalism โ€ข 59 implied HN points โ€ข 26 Jan 24
๐ŸšŒ Education Quantum Mechanics Mathematics
  1. QF GPT is a learning assistant tool for those studying quantum mechanics and quantum information science, especially those struggling with mathematical definitions.
  2. QF GPT utilizes ChatGPT's capabilities to provide accurate responses most of the time and encourages users to correct errors to solidify their understanding.
  3. Access to QF GPT is currently limited to users with ChatGPT Plus or higher subscription plans, but the hope is to make it accessible to the entire QF community in the future for advanced mathematical learning in QM and QIS.

Living Truths and Dead Dogmas: How the Humanities Honors Freedom of Thought and Expression

Humanities in Revolt โ€ข 279 implied HN points โ€ข 08 Sep 22
๐ŸšŒ Education Humanities Critical Thinking Dialogue Cultural analysis
  1. The humanities teach us not to judge something before we understand it, promoting open-mindedness, love for enemies, and freedom of thought and expression.
  2. Criticism of conventional schooling highlights the need for education that fosters critical thinking, independence, and a love for learning, rather than regimentation and conformity.
  3. Humanistic inquiry reinvigorates our understanding of beliefs, encourages critical examination, and emphasizes the ongoing effort necessary to maintain living truths instead of dead dogmas.