The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

The 5 Interview Mistakes You're Making Without Realizing

Behavioral OS for Techies • 259 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🚌 Education Interview Tips Career development Soft skills Technical Skills
  1. Make sure your answers during an interview are detailed and clear. It helps the interviewer see that you understand the topic well.
  2. Before jumping to solutions, always ask questions to clarify the problem. This shows you're thoughtful and focused on finding the right solution.
  3. Don't forget to showcase your real-world experiences. Sharing relevant stories makes your answers more relatable and authentic.

An Alternative University

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🚌 Education Higher education
  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.

Criticize by Creating

Polymathic Being • 66 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🚌 Education Innovation Creativity Collaboration Critical Thinking Communication
  1. Instead of criticizing ideas, try to build on them. Use 'Yes, and...' instead of 'Yes, but...' to create a more positive and innovative environment.
  2. Critiquing should focus on improving ideas, not tearing them down. A true critic aims to develop ideas into something better.
  3. Collaboration and combining ideas lead to greater innovation. Working together allows us to see new possibilities that we might miss when thinking alone.

Neutral Universities

David Friedman’s Substack • 296 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🚌 Education Academia University Policy Academic Freedom
  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.
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La pieuvre des désirs

L'Atelier Galita • 79 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🚌 Education Career development Personal Growth Psychology Philosophy Self-help
  1. Finding a career that fits you is sometimes hard. It's tough to know what you really love doing, even though other factors seem easier to identify.
  2. Tim Urban's idea of the 'octopus of desires' shows that our different aspirations can clash with each other. You can't easily satisfy all your desires at once.
  3. There are five types of desires: personal, social, moral, practical, and lifestyle. It's important to prioritize these to find better balance and fulfillment in your life.

Freedom to write, freedom to research, to do something together: An interview with Ruth Ben-Ghiat 

read • 10220 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
🚌 Education Academia Research Writing Income Feedback
  1. Scholars on Substack are reaching new audiences and earning income for their research and writing.
  2. Substack provides academics like Ruth Ben-Ghiat with financial freedom to pursue public-interfacing research.
  3. Academic writers use Substack for engaging with readers, testing new ideas, and shaping their research through feedback.

Does education increase intelligence and does it matter?

The Infinitesimal • 539 implied HN points • 27 Jul 24
🚌 Education Cognitive skills Statistical Methods
  1. Education seems to improve specific skills rather than overall intelligence. This means going to school might help you get better at certain subjects instead of making you smarter in a general way.
  2. The study raising these points had some issues in how it was set up. This makes us wonder about the validity of its conclusions regarding education and intelligence.
  3. A strong theory behind how education impacts intelligence is important for clear understanding. Without it, we might misinterpret results and make broad claims that don’t hold up.

When life is a metaphor

SPARC '24 JC Blog • 199 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
🚌 Education Learning Pedagogy Creativity Personal Growth Social Skills
  1. Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth. Trying new activities and meeting different people helps you learn more about yourself.
  2. Learning can happen in unexpected ways. Sometimes, you realize you've grown just by reflecting on your experiences rather than actively studying something new.
  3. Creating a supportive social group can inspire creativity and curiosity. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals makes it easier to explore new ideas and develop your passions.

Qian Chengdan on Area Studies in China

Pekingnology • 67 implied HN points • 21 May 25
🚌 Education Interdisciplinary Political Science Cultural Studies History
  1. China has a strict system for classifying academic disciplines which includes a recent addition of 'area studies.' This means universities can't create new fields without government approval, keeping academic studies organized but also rigid.
  2. Area studies is important because it combines different fields like politics, economics, and culture to understand specific countries or regions better. This helps in making informed government strategies and improving international relations.
  3. Despite the rise in area studies, there are challenges due to traditional academic boundaries. China is trying to support this field by officially recognizing interdisciplinary studies, which allows for more collaboration and talent development.

My Class About Causal Inference

By Reason Alone • 42 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🚌 Education Teaching Learning Causal Inference Social Sciences Mathematics
  1. Teaching causal inference helps students understand the relationship between cause and effect in social sciences. It's important to make complex ideas relatable to engage younger audiences.
  2. Using visual aids, like graphs, can enhance understanding of complicated topics, especially in a classroom setting. Students can connect better with the material when it’s presented visually.
  3. Recommended readings and real-world examples, like the draft lottery, can spark curiosity in students. Sharing interesting studies can help them see the relevance of these concepts in everyday life.

The Topography of Thought Edition

Why is this interesting? • 965 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🚌 Education Writing Research Learning Cognition Creativity
  1. Your writing style can show how you think and might predict your success. It's not just about the words you use, but how you organize your ideas.
  2. Some people can express a lot of different ideas briefly, while others might take longer to get through them. This can affect how effectively they communicate their thoughts.
  3. Understanding how successful people manage their ideas can help us improve our own writing and storytelling skills. It’s useful to have data to back up what we believe about writing.

Working memory: one of the most important things to understand about learning

The Bell Ringer • 519 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24
🚌 Education Learning Psychology Teaching Methods Cognitive Science Research
  1. Working memory is crucial for learning because it helps us hold and process information. Understanding how it works can improve teaching methods.
  2. Many teachers in the U.S. aren't trained on working memory, which limits their ability to support students effectively. Better training can help teachers use this knowledge in classrooms.
  3. Memorizing basic facts, like math facts, is important for building a strong foundation in learning. When students know these facts, they can focus on more complex problems.

How to Get a Standing Ovation

Remarkable People • 319 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🚌 Education Public Speaking Communication Audience engagement Storytelling
  1. Make sure you have something meaningful to say in your speech. Think about what your audience needs to hear instead of just what you want to say.
  2. Know your audience really well. Conduct research or polls to understand what messages will resonate with them and tailor your speech accordingly.
  3. Engage your audience with personal stories and humor. This makes your speech more relatable and keeps people interested.

What’s Missing?

Remarkable People • 759 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🚌 Education Motivation Life lessons Inspiration Personal Growth
  1. Asking 'What's missing?' helps you see where improvements can be made. It's a great question to avoid mistakes and think critically about any situation.
  2. Learning from experienced and remarkable people can inspire new ideas. Their stories can guide you in your own journey and help you grow.
  3. Commencement speeches often get forgotten, but focusing on one key message can make it memorable. Simplifying your takeaways can create a lasting impact.

Motivation 101 by Guy Kawasaki

Remarkable People • 519 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🚌 Education Motivation Personal Growth Storytelling Life lessons Self-help
  1. What really matters is that you find something that motivates you, no matter what it is. It doesn't have to be a big or noble goal; any drive can lead to success.
  2. Your personal experiences can shape what inspires you. For example, wanting a better car can be just as motivating as wanting to change the world.
  3. Don't stress too much about the nature of your motivations. What's important is that you are motivated to work hard and strive for your goals.

The pandemic's lesson on teacher licensure

Slow Boring • 4048 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🚌 Education Policy Pandemic impact
  1. Consider reevaluating teacher licensing requirements to improve access to quality educators.
  2. During the pandemic, emergency measures allowed flexibility and potentially revealed unnecessary licensing barriers.
  3. Evaluating and potentially removing certain licensing requirements can save time and money while increasing the pool of potential teachers.

It's hard to stop Math Acceleration once you start

Kids Who Love Math • 755 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🚌 Education Math education Child development Learning Styles Educational Policy
  1. Starting math acceleration at an early age can lead to kids getting really far ahead, even several years, if they enjoy it and continue practicing.
  2. Schools may not always know how to support kids who excel in math, leading to some frustration for parents trying to find help.
  3. It's important to check in with kids regularly about their interest in math, as their willingness to learn can change over time.

Replay: What parents should know about the science of learning

The Bell Ringer • 339 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
🚌 Education Learning Science School
  1. Understanding how children learn can help parents support their education better. It's important to know what methods work best for different types of learners.
  2. Staying involved in your child's education can make a big difference. Regular communication with teachers and participation in school activities can help children succeed.
  3. Encouraging a growth mindset in children is key. Teach them that making mistakes is part of learning and that effort leads to improvement.

A Course To Make Them Care

Everything Is Amazing • 760 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🚌 Education Storytelling Writing Non-fiction Content creation Communication
  1. Storytelling is more than just good writing; it's its own skill that can be developed. You can tell a great story even if the writing isn’t perfect.
  2. Storytelling isn’t just something for kids; it’s used in many professions, like therapy, business, and even law. It’s a tool that's relevant everywhere in life.
  3. You can learn to tell stories effectively; it’s not just a natural talent. Everyone has the potential to become a better storyteller with practice.

Thinking About Teaching Economic History to the First-Year Economic History Graduate Students This Forthcoming Semester

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 199 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🚌 Education Economic History Teaching Methods Historical Analysis Economic Theory
  1. Economic history helps us understand how preferences and market structures formed over time. Looking back can show us why things are the way they are today.
  2. It's important for economics students to learn about the historical context of economic principles. This context can enrich their understanding and practical applications in the real world.
  3. Questions about past economies can shed light on current issues, like inequality and technology progress. Exploring these questions can lead to valuable insights for today's economists.

We do Math because it's hard

Kids Who Love Math • 335 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🚌 Education Math Learning Parenting Skills Development
  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.

The high school gender gap in 6 charts

Of Boys and Men • 177 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🚌 Education Gender Studies High School College Admissions Standardized Testing
  1. Girls are performing better than boys in high school, especially when it comes to GPA. Most top students with high grades are girls.
  2. While boys do better on the math section of the SAT, they struggle with the verbal section. This shows that their strengths and weaknesses vary across different subjects.
  3. Boys are less likely to take Advanced Placement exams compared to girls. Encouraging more boys to participate in these tests could help improve their academic standing.

How to Apologize

Remarkable People • 379 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🚌 Education Personal Development Communication Skills Leadership Psychology Relationships
  1. A good apology has three key parts: saying 'I'm sorry', taking responsibility for what you did, and showing that you understand the hurt it caused.
  2. People often struggle to apologize because they think it makes them look weak, but admitting mistakes can actually make you stronger and more respected.
  3. Effective apologies should be followed up with actions to prevent the same mistakes, make amends, and ask for feedback to improve.

Summer (un)Schooling

Austin Kleon • 9052 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🚌 Education Unschooling Hobbies Outdoor activities Creative Expression
  1. Summer is a great time for unschooling, which means learning and having fun outside of traditional classrooms. It's a chance to explore and rest at the same time.
  2. Getting outside is important, whether it’s through walking, biking, or gardening. Nature can inspire and refresh you.
  3. Do what makes you happy, whether that's reading for fun, trying new hobbies, or just relaxing. It’s all about enjoying yourself and having a good time.

Kickstart Your Data Engineering Career: 9 Resources and Templates You Need

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 541 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🚌 Education Data Engineering
  1. Use the 100-Day Data Engineering Crash Course to start learning the basics of data engineering. It covers important topics like SQL, programming, and Cloud technologies.
  2. Creating your own data projects can help you stand out. The Data Engineering Side Project Idea Template will guide you in planning unique projects that add value.
  3. Prepare well before job interviews with the Data Engineer Interview Study Guide. Always check with the recruiter about what to study so you can be ready.

Does Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) improve academic outcomes?

The Science of Learning • 219 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
🚌 Education Learning Research Curriculum Instruction Assessment
  1. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students with their emotions and relationships but it's unclear if it boosts academic performance. Some studies show positive impacts, while others do not.
  2. Different schools use SEL in varied ways, making it tough to gauge its true effectiveness. This inconsistency leads to mixed results in research about SEL's benefits.
  3. There's no strong evidence that SEL reduces the achievement gap or promotes equity in education. More focused studies are needed to really understand SEL's long-term effects.

AI is going to break how schools work – but that will be good

Odds and Ends of History • 871 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🚌 Education AI Impact Teaching Methods Technology Integration
  1. AI will change how schools operate, making learning more efficient. It can help reduce the workload for teachers, like grading and paperwork.
  2. AI might even take over parts of teaching, which some might find troubling. There's a fear that it could impact the personal connection between teachers and students.
  3. Everyone needs to accept that AI is coming to classrooms. This will lead to big changes in education and how kids learn.

The game of Nim

Infinitely More • 10 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🚌 Education Mathematics Games Logic Strategy Learning
  1. The game of Nim is based on a smart mathematical strategy that lets informed players almost always win against those who don't know the trick.
  2. In Nim, players take turns removing coins from piles, and the goal is to take the last coin to win.
  3. Anyone, even kids, can learn the winning strategy and easily beat more experienced players who don't know it.

How to pass any first-round interview (even in a terrible talent market)

Lenny's Newsletter • 5228 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🚌 Education Interview Preparation Career development Professional Skills Job Searching Personal Growth
  1. First-round interviews are designed to filter out candidates who may not be a good fit for the role.
  2. Prepare for interviews by organizing your career story, walking down memory lane, and learning behavioral frameworks.
  3. Ask high-quality questions at the end of the interview to showcase your interest and stand out as a candidate.

Make Math Obvious

Kids Who Love Math • 251 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🚌 Education Math education Child development Learning Strategies STEM Education
  1. Math is everywhere in daily life, and parents can help kids see that. Pointing out math moments, like counting socks or planning in games, makes it more fun.
  2. Even if something seems obvious to adults, it may not be to kids. Making the role of math clear in everyday situations helps kids appreciate it more.
  3. The goal is to help kids enjoy math by showing them how it connects to their interests and experiences. Keep it light-hearted and fun to spark their curiosity.

The Obvious-Once-You-Think-About-It Reason Why Education Cuts Fertility

Bet On It • 659 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Social norms Economic Impact
  1. As education levels increase, people tend to have fewer children. This trend is seen in both individuals and countries.
  2. One reason for this is that students often want to finish their education before starting a family, leading to later parenthood.
  3. Education changes what people prioritize in life, making career success more important than having kids early.

Mathematical Adventures Await Us

Kids Who Love Math • 335 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🚌 Education Math education Learning Strategies Child development Teaching Methods
  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.

Four ways to prioritise tasks and optimise productivity

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Productivity Task management Time management Efficiency Strategy
  1. Use a triage system to prioritize tasks based on urgency and severity, similar to how medical teams manage injuries. It helps ensure that the most important tasks are handled first.
  2. Choose your productivity metric wisely. Whether it's deadlines, workload, completion speed, or task importance, the right focus can help you work smarter.
  3. Different strategies like prioritizing by deadlines or importance can help you manage tasks better. Each approach has its benefits, so pick the one that aligns with your goals.

The Forthcoming Future: MIT Students and Desired Number of Children

Heterodox STEM • 78 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🚌 Education Surveys Demographics Fertility Research Gender Studies Cultural Trends
  1. MIT students on average want around two children. The desire varies across different demographics and can be influenced by factors like gender and relationship status.
  2. Women at MIT generally desire fewer children, with many expressing concerns about balancing family and career. In contrast, men tend to prefer slightly larger families.
  3. Religious beliefs can affect how many children students want, with religious individuals generally preferring more children than those who identify as non-religious.