The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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A formal language for first-order predicate logic

Infinitely More β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 02 Mar 24
🚌 Education Mathematics Logic Philosophy Semantics
  1. A formal language for first-order predicate logic involves understanding the basic syntax, terms, variables, and structure interpretations.
  2. Signatures in structures specify the elements like relations, functions, and constants in a mathematical structure, detailing their features and meanings.
  3. Mathematics uses a wide array of first-order structures to study various concepts like orders, graphs, groups, and more, unifying different mathematical investigations.

The marketplace of rationalisations

Optimally Irrational β€’ 18 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 23
🚌 Education Media influence Information Consumption Political Bias Consumer behavior
  1. Consumers shape the features of the modern public sphere by driving the demand for biased information.
  2. Providers of rationalisations compete on quality in a marketplace where reputation plays a crucial role.
  3. Market dynamics in the information sphere highlight agglomeration economies, the influence of demand on supply, and the risk of audience capture.
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Start the week #85: Circularity

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 24
🚌 Education Teaching Literacy Technology Economics
  1. Starting a new career can come from a need to adapt to changing job markets. It's important to explore new opportunities when your current field seems uncertain.
  2. Learning new skills is crucial, and sometimes it takes the help of others to succeed. Getting guidance from colleagues can make a big difference.
  3. Connections made in the past can lead back to new opportunities. You might meet people again who can help you progress in your career.

Recent Notes...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 09 Nov 24
🚌 Education Literacy Critical Thinking Philosophy Cultural Studies Theory
  1. C.P. Snow's The Two Cultures highlights the divide between the sciences and humanities. Learning more about both can make anyone smarter.
  2. John Ganz is an example of a hardworking person who could benefit from understanding the ideas in Snow's work.
  3. The goal of sharing this information is to help readers become smarter and enhance their understanding of important cultural concepts.

Why University Matters Beyond Jobs and Skills

Theory Matters β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 25 Jan 24
🚌 Education University Academia Teaching Higher education
  1. Universities are facing financial struggles due to a decline in student numbers, both domestic and international.
  2. There is a shift in the perception of universities, moving away from being seen as places of intellectual exploration to mere stepping stones for jobs.
  3. There is a call for universities to prioritize intellectual experiences over skill-building, avoid becoming 'skills factories,' and uphold honesty and standards.

Representing integers as a sum

Infinitely More β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 27 Oct 24
🚌 Education Mathematics Learning Teaching Proofs Exercises
  1. Every positive integer can be split into a sum in a specific number of ways. For any integer n, there are exactly 2^(n-1) ways to do this.
  2. To figure out how to split an integer, you can visualize it as a series of ones with spaces in between. Each space can either have a plus sign or not, giving rise to different sums.
  3. A common mistake in math is the 'fence-post error,' where people confuse the number of items with the number of spaces between them, leading to miscounts in things like days or numbers.

#11: Productive discomfort

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jan 20
🚌 Education Learning Theory Cognitive Science Professional development Personal Growth
  1. Embracing discomfort can lead to personal growth. Learning new things often feels uncomfortable, but it can help expand your skills and knowledge.
  2. Regularly challenging yourself can make discomfort easier to handle. By gradually exposing yourself to tough situations, you can improve your ability to cope with stress and anxiety.
  3. Curiosity in the face of discomfort leads to valuable insights. Instead of avoiding unpleasant feelings, exploring what makes you uncomfortable can reveal opportunities for learning and innovation.

What's gone wrong at university

Theory Matters β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jan 25
🚌 Education Higher education Curriculum Development Academic standards
  1. Universities are becoming more focused on producing workers rather than promoting true learning. Students are often funneled into narrow paths instead of exploring a wide range of ideas and subjects.
  2. The pressure on universities to grow is leading to bigger class sizes and less individual attention for students. This results in a decline in the quality of education and weakens the relationships between students and teachers.
  3. There's a shared responsibility between the institutions and students for the decline in education standards. Everyone needs to push for better learning experiences instead of taking the easy way out.

Understanding Alpha School: Can We 10x Education?

FutureIQ β€’ 2 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 25
🚌 Education Pedagogy Technology Curriculum Assessment Policy
  1. Alpha School claims students learn effectively in just two hours a day, but really they spend more time involved in activities. The focus is on quality learning rather than the number of hours.
  2. The school promotes the idea of AI tutors, but the reality is more about structured lessons and feedback. It’s less about advanced technology and more about good learning practices.
  3. Incentives play a big role in student motivation at Alpha School. They have a reward system that encourages kids to stay on track and complete their lessons, showing that rewards can help boost learning.

Problem 4: ZigZag String [PayPal]

Technology Made Simple β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 04 Sep 21
🚌 Education Problem Solving Coding
  1. The ZigZag String problem involves printing a string diagonally in a zigzag pattern based on the number of lines specified.
  2. This problem was asked by PayPal, demonstrating the type of coding challenges that may be encountered in job interviews.
  3. For access to solutions and breakdowns of similar problems, subscribing to coding publications may offer valuable resources for improving coding skills.

Forecasting the College Enrollment Gender Gap

Data Taboo β€’ 20 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jul 23
🚌 Education Gender gap Predictive Modeling Societal Impact Historical Trends
  1. Male college enrollment has been declining relative to females, with significant historic changes in gender ratio.
  2. Learning outcomes like SAT scores and GPA are not driving the changing college enrollment gap.
  3. Changes in admission criteria, such as emphasizing GPA over standardized tests, have impacted male acceptance rates and enrollment.

Problem 3: Square Elements of Sorted List and return in Sorted Order [Google]

Technology Made Simple β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 28 Aug 21
🚌 Education Problem Solving Coding Interview Prep
  1. This post discusses a coding problem posed by Google. It involves squaring the elements of a sorted list of integers and returning them in sorted order.
  2. The problem requires taking a sorted list of integers, squaring each element, and outputting the results in a sorted array.
  3. Sample input given is [-9, -2, 0, 2, 3], which should result in the output [0, 4, 4, 9, 81].

one idea, one week

Jyri And β€’ 1 HN point β€’ 29 Apr 24
🚌 Education Writing Teaching Learning Research
  1. Writing one piece each week can help you think deeply about your topic without rushing. This way, you have time for ideas to develop and connect.
  2. Using an intense weekly writing schedule can mimic the tutorial system of schools like Oxford. It encourages self-discipline and in-depth learning.
  3. Even when you struggle with your writing during the week, taking notes and coming back to the topic can spark new insights and make everything click at the end.

Lecture 3 Replay

Quantum Formalism β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 02 Aug 21
🚌 Education Quantum physics Topology
  1. The lecture was split into 3 parts for easy replay: Opening Discussion & Post Crash Course Program, Introduction to Metric Spaces (PART A), and Introduction to the Metric Topology (PART B).
  2. Viewers can watch the replay on YouTube after networking issues during the live session.
  3. The registration page for the next live session on the Topology Crash Course is available at the provided link.

Chaos train and monkey madnessβ€”fun with quantifiers

Infinitely More β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 19 Feb 24
🚌 Education Logic Language Mathematics Semantics Exercises
  1. First-order predicate logic provides a formal language and semantics capable of expressing fine distinctions and shades of meaning.
  2. Understanding quantifiers, such as βˆƒ and βˆ€, is crucial in first-order logic as they allow one to make statements like 'there is an x such that Ο†' or 'every x has property Ο†.'
  3. Engaging in logic puzzles and practice can help in developing a deeper comprehension of first-order logic concepts and their applications.

Back in the Classroom: Time to Teach!

Musings on Markets β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 21
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Online Learning Investment Strategies
  1. Online teaching can come very close to the experience of being in a classroom, so it's important for teachers to offer something special to keep students engaged.
  2. Some subjects work better in an online format and will continue to be taught that way even after the pandemic, making it essential to adapt teaching methods.
  3. While teaching online has its perks, there's a unique energy and connection in a physical classroom that many teachers miss and cherish.

Technical Education vs. Mental Illness

Rounding the Earth Newsletter β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 10 Dec 24
🚌 Education Technical Skills Mental health Community Engagement Technology impact
  1. Learning about technology is really important for understanding how to manage our finances, especially with things like Bitcoin. If people don’t educate themselves, they might miss out on important advantages.
  2. Misunderstanding technical subjects can lead to harmful decisions in society, like when someone protests against effective solutions due to fear or misinformation. We need to have informed discussions rather than relying on opinions that lack depth.
  3. It's crucial to recognize the hard work that goes into becoming an expert in technical fields. Just knowing a little isn’t enough; serious commitment and study are necessary to really understand complex topics.

The method of exhaustion

Infinitely More β€’ 23 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 23
🚌 Education Mathematics History
  1. Archimedes used the method of exhaustion to find the area of a parabolic segment, a concept that predicted calculus ideas by 2000 years.
  2. Archimedes focused on calculating the area between a parabola and a linear chord, exploring the geometry of parabolas in his work.
  3. To read more about the method of exhaustion and key mathematical concepts, subscribe to Infinitely More for a 7-day free trial.

Should we teach children to memorize the multiplication tables?

The Science of Learning β€’ 4 HN points β€’ 26 Jun 23
🚌 Education Mathematics Learning Theory Curriculum Development Cognitive Science Pedagogy
  1. Children benefit from memorizing multiplication tables because it helps them solve math problems more easily. When students know their math facts, they can focus on more complex thinking instead of getting stuck on basic calculations.
  2. Research shows that students who memorize math facts do better in math overall. This memorization builds a strong foundation for advanced math skills later on.
  3. It's important to strike a balance between memorization and understanding in math education. Teaching kids to remember math facts can actually support their overall learning and make problem-solving easier.

Six thinking hats

A Bit Gamey β€’ 13 implied HN points β€’ 17 Dec 23
🚌 Education Problem Solving Decision-making Creativity Critical Thinking Personal Development
  1. The Six Thinking Hats method by Edward de Bono helps in problem solving by considering different perspectives.
  2. Each hat represents a specific viewpoint like emotions, caution, facts, optimism, creativity, and control.
  3. Using the Six Thinking Hats approach can lead to clearer thinking, innovative ideas, effective communication, and better decision-making.

Best writers and thinkers on the Machine?

Reactionary Feminist β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 14 Feb 24
🚌 Education Philosophy History Literature Technology
  1. Ruth Gaskovski at School of the Unconformed compiled a reading list on the Machine and asked for suggestions.
  2. There is a summer seminar in Cambridge, MA on the philosophy of technology called 'The Machine Has No Tradition'.
  3. Selected readings from the seminar's syllabus include works by Karl Marx, Carl Schmitt, Ivan Illich, and others.

Crash Course Tips & Approach

Quantum Formalism β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 20 May 21
🚌 Education Crash course Live session
  1. The crash course on Quantum Formalism will cover Lie Theory as a prerequisite.
  2. A live session will be hosted on May 28 to share the approach and practical tips for overcoming abstraction barriers.
  3. Completion of the module 2 course offers an internship opportunity with Zaiku Group's projects exploring Algebraic Topology ideas in quantum error correction.

How AI Will Change Education

Messy Progress β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 16 Feb 24
🚌 Education Tech Learning System Society Future
  1. AI is expected to revolutionize education by providing personalized tutoring, making learning more efficient and engaging.
  2. Current education systems may change with AI tools, enabling on-demand skill learning and reducing the need for extensive pre-existing education.
  3. AI has the potential to transform traditional job recruitment processes by offering virtual interviews, possibly reducing the reliance on college degrees as the primary filter.

Module II Crash Course Prerequisite: Basic Real Analysis

Quantum Formalism β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 10 May 21
🚌 Education Mathematics Physics Quantum Research
  1. Understanding basic real analysis, like open intervals and closed intervals, is important for the upcoming crash course on Point-Set Topology and standard topology.
  2. Being challenged to work with abstract concepts can help in feeling comfortable before starting Module II.
  3. Learning sophisticated mathematics can better prepare individuals for making theoretical contributions in physics or quantum information.

The Crisis Decision-Making Quadrant

DruGroup β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 05 Oct 21
🚌 Education Leadership Crisis Management Decision-making Diagrams
  1. Diagrams can help make complex ideas easier to understand. They are simple, visual tools that stick with us and can be very effective for communication.
  2. In a crisis, leaders must balance what they want to do with what they need to do. Using a decision-making quadrant can help clarify priorities and actions in challenging times.
  3. There are different types of diagrams for different purposes, like synergy diagrams for exploring complex relationships or process diagrams for visualizing steps. Leaders can use these tools to enhance their decision-making skills.

The Class Where All Students Won a Nobel Prize: Or Factchecking 101

FutureIQ β€’ 2 implied HN points β€’ 26 May 25
🚌 Education AI literacy Critical Thinking Storytelling
  1. Fact-checking is becoming more important, especially with the rise of AI and misinformation. It's a skill that everyone should work on developing.
  2. Stories about historical figures can sometimes be exaggerated, so it's important to verify claims before believing them. Always look for reliable sources when you hear something that sounds too good to be true.
  3. Historians face challenges sorting through conflicting information from the past. Even recent events can lead to differing accounts, showing how tricky it can be to get to the truth.

Teach Information Architecture If You Care About Trust

The End(s) of Argument β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jun 21
🚌 Education Information Architecture Trust Science Education
  1. Teaching information architecture is crucial for building trust in online information.
  2. Engaging students in analyzing sources like NOAA and the IHO helps them understand the knowledge infrastructure and develop critical thinking skills.
  3. It is essential to introduce students to knowledge-producing organizations and processes, such as scientific agencies, to equip them for making informed decisions in the face of misinformation.