The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

How to evaluate statistical claims

The Counterfactual • 199 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🚌 Education Statistics Research Methods Data Analysis Critical Thinking
  1. Always look at the whole distribution of data, not just the average. The average can be affected by extreme values, so it's crucial to see the bigger picture to understand what the data really tells us.
  2. Consider the baseline or reference point when evaluating numbers. Knowing how a number compares to others helps us understand if it's large or small, which gives us better context.
  3. Understand the story behind the data-generating process. This means recognizing the factors that led to the results we see, which helps in identifying possible biases or alternative explanations.

How to teach science

The Bell Ringer • 219 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Science Education Curriculum Development Student Engagement Research Methods
  1. Learning science should be fun, but it's important to share the complete story behind science and math. This helps students understand its real value.
  2. Teachers should balance fun activities with serious discussions about scientific concepts. This approach encourages deeper understanding.
  3. Engaging students effectively means showing them how science relates to the real world. This makes learning more relevant and interesting for them.

Medium School Will Officially Open Its Doors and 30-Day Writing Challenge in April

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 579 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
🚌 Education Writing Online Learning Community Challenges Personal Development
  1. Medium School is opening soon, offering a chance for people to improve their writing skills. It's a great opportunity for anyone looking to get started with their writing journey.
  2. There's a 30-day writing challenge to encourage participation and help boost your writing practice. Even if you're late to join, it's never too late to start.
  3. The school will provide resources and support to help writers earn from their work. The aim is to help participants progress from making little money to achieving their goals.
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The Central Valley’s ‘Wonderful Schools’: An Our Towns Report.

Breaking the News • 897 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🚌 Education Schools Philanthropy Community Health Agriculture Innovation
  1. The Wonderful Company is helping improve education in California's Central Valley by supporting local charter schools. These schools focus on fitting their curriculums to the needs and culture of their communities.
  2. Programs at these schools aim to prepare students for college early and make higher education feel accessible. Students even take college-level classes while still in high school.
  3. The schools also emphasize health and community support, offering services like free meals and medical clinics. This approach aims to tackle local issues like obesity and access to healthcare.

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.

Deep Knowledge, and Three Ways to Get There

Human Programming • 51 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🚌 Education Lifelong learning Higher education STEM Education Civic Education Mentorship Career development
  1. Deep knowledge combines lasting, rigorous ideas with true, detailed understanding instead of shallow, trendy consumption.
  2. People reach deep knowledge in different ways — sustained reading and practice, formal academic training and mentorship, or interdisciplinary applied work — but all involve lots of reading, writing, and hands-on experience.
  3. To build deep knowledge, pick subjects that feel solid and meaningful, find communities or mentors, and be willing to commit years of focused study and practical work rather than quick browsing.

Academia’s most notorious thought criminals unite to discuss controversial topics

Heterodox STEM • 192 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🚌 Education Higher education Academic Freedom Campus politics University Governance Student activism Education & Policy
  1. A group of academics urged open, uncensored debate on taboo or controversial topics, arguing that free discussion is needed to challenge prevailing campus norms.
  2. They criticized a strong egalitarian and cultural-relativist mindset, saying it can block honest inquiry about human differences and raise real concerns about cultural compatibility and assimilation.
  3. Universities were described as facing a crisis of protests, weak leadership, and mission drift, prompting debate over whether outside pressure or government leverage is necessary despite potential harms to international students and STEM.

Ontario Schools Get a Feeble Phone Policy

The Analog Family • 399 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🚌 Education School Policy Technology Use Student behavior Cognitive Science
  1. The new cellphone policy in Ontario schools is seen as weak and not based on effective research. It's not enough to just keep phones out of sight to reduce distractions.
  2. Even with the policy, many students still use their phones during class time. Teachers often allow this, which undermines the effort to minimize distractions.
  3. Parents are part of the problem too. Many want stricter rules at school but still send their kids with smartphones, missing the chance to set limits at home.

Scenes from Warwick

The Lens • 825 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🚌 Education Economics Students Books
  1. Many students were inspired to study economics after reading 'The Deficit Myth' by Stephanie Kelton.
  2. Students at the Warwick Economics Summit showed interest in integrating MMT and ecological economics.
  3. Torrens University offers online postgraduate courses in Modern Monetary Theory and Ecological Economics.

You Can't Just "Control" For Things

Cremieux Recueil • 803 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🚌 Education Statistics Research Methods Causality Data Analysis Experimental Design
  1. Statistical controls aren’t a magic solution; using them incorrectly can lead to wrong conclusions. It's important to understand the underlying relationships between variables before just plugging numbers into an equation.
  2. Matching groups in studies to control for variables often isn't enough. You might still end up with biases if the controls aren’t comprehensive or well-measured.
  3. Over-controlling or trying to account for too many factors can confuse the results. Sometimes, less control can provide a clearer picture, just like how comparing fast food and fine dining should keep their unique qualities intact.

Transparency Crisis: A Black Box of Overhead Spending & Academia’s Mission Creep from Rigorous Science

OpenTheBooks Substack • 121 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🚌 Education Higher Ed Research Funding Academic Research DEI Policy
  1. Universities get growing federal research dollars plus large overhead payments that have fueled administrative bloat and pulled resources away from core scientific work.
  2. Science faces reproducibility problems and many recent graduates lack the practical job skills employers want, revealing a gap between academic priorities and workforce needs.
  3. Grant rules requiring “broader impacts” and targeted outreach (including DEI goals) shift money and faculty time toward programs and administration instead of direct research.

Really, Really Big News

DrawTogether with WendyMac • 1533 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
🚌 Education Arts Public Schools
  1. DrawTogether is launching DrawTogether Classrooms for educators for free, combining art and social emotional learning.
  2. DrawTogether Classrooms is adaptable for various learning environments and designed for students aged 4-11.
  3. Educators signing up immediately get access to resources, curriculum, and support, with a focus on building a community.

Hillsdale and the N=1 Problem

Aaron Renn • 746 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed Leadership Replication Success Stories
  1. Hillsdale College's unique success story is hard to replicate by other colleges.
  2. Some successful models, like Hillsdale, are challenging to copy due to unique leadership and historical factors.
  3. Creating models like Hillsdale or other successful entities requires singular leaders and specific conditions that are not easily reproduced elsewhere.

This week in the science of learning, August 11, 2024

The Bell Ringer • 59 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Learning Science Educational Research School Systems Student Engagement
  1. Emily Hanford discusses the importance of effective reading strategies in schools. It's crucial for teachers to understand how children learn to read.
  2. Research shows that traditional methods may not be the best for teaching literacy. New approaches are needed to help all students succeed.
  3. The conversation around learning science highlights the need for continuous improvement in education. We should always look for better ways to teach and support learners.

Workshop announcement: demand estimation

Scott's Substack • 904 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🚌 Education Workshops Econometrics Learning
  1. Upcoming workshop in late February and early March on demand estimation by Ariel Pakes and Jeff Gortmaker.
  2. The workshop will cover demand estimation methods in applied microeconomics and bridge between reduced-form and structural frameworks.
  3. Attendees will get hands-on experience with practical exercises and training using a python package for estimating demand.

Childhood and Education #8: Dealing with the Internet

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2060 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🚌 Education Childhood Internet Technology Social media Bullying
  1. Smartphones in schools are a big distraction, and many people think they should be banned. Too many notifications from social apps during class just makes it hard for kids to focus.
  2. Social media can harm kids, especially girls, by exposing them to things like cyberbullying and unwanted advances. Many parents want more safety and protection for their children online.
  3. There's a scary trend called sextortion where scammers take advantage of kids online. It's important for parents to talk to their kids about it so they know how to handle such situations.

How to Start Writing on Substack in 2023 (Beginners Guide)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1458 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🚌 Education Writing Tips Online Platforms Content creation Digital Publishing Self-Improvement
  1. Substack is more than just a newsletter; it's like a personal book club where readers can engage and interact. It creates a cozy atmosphere for sharing thoughts and ideas.
  2. Getting started on Substack involves setting up an account, choosing a name for your publication, and customizing your URL. It's about making your space unique and welcoming for your audience.
  3. There are many underutilized tools in Substack that can help writers get seen, read, and paid. Exploring these tools can make your writing journey more effective and rewarding.

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.

The EdTech Revolution Has Failed

After Babel • 2486 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🚌 Education EdTech Learning methods Student Performance Classroom Management Digital Tools
  1. Using too many digital devices in schools doesn't seem to help students learn better. In fact, it might be making their test scores worse.
  2. Students often get distracted by things like social media when they're supposed to be learning, which can hurt their ability to focus and remember what they've learned.
  3. Some schools are starting to move away from using devices in the classroom and focus more on traditional teaching methods, which might lead to better outcomes for students.

Visualization as a shared revealing experience

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 139 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
🚌 Education Visual communication Teaching Methods Data Analysis
  1. Visualization can be a powerful tool for learning. When you create visuals with clear learning objectives, it helps the viewer understand and remember the message better.
  2. In legal settings, visuals can be persuasive. They help juries see the facts in a more impactful way, making it easier to follow along and draw conclusions.
  3. Creating visuals is a shared experience. When designers and their audience connect over a visualization, it can lead to moments of discovery and understanding together.

Education Links, 11/21/2025

In My Tribe • 167 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
🚌 Education Higher Ed K-12 Teaching Methods Student life
  1. A lot of teachers believe it's important to show students that America is a good country. Most teachers don't have extreme views and the idea that they're anti-American isn't true.
  2. Students should learn practical skills for the job market, especially in tech, rather than just theory. AI might change how software engineering is done, with most code being generated by machines in the future.
  3. High schoolers are increasingly taking college courses, showing families want a blended education. This shift suggests we need to create a more flexible learning path for students.

Weekly Reality Report

Reality's Last Stand • 687 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🚌 Education Lecture Presentation Discussion
  1. The Weekly Reality Report is a publication for paying subscribers that includes article roundups, reading lists, news headlines, and a special Moment of Zen.
  2. Renowned evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins endorsed a lecture on the sex binary and its importance.
  3. The author shares a presentation exploring the motivations behind challenging the binary nature of sex.

Part 2, Breaking the bureaucratic mold of instruction

Unsafe Science • 42 implied HN points • 24 Jan 26
🚌 Education Higher Ed Pedagogy Curriculum Assessment Academic Freedom
  1. Universities often proclaim values like critical thinking and open debate, but growing surveillance and tight classroom controls can quietly undermine those ideals.
  2. Students and institutional pressures push education toward measurable outcomes, detailed rubrics, and atomized syllabi, turning learning into scorekeeping instead of exploration.
  3. Instructors can push back by leaving room in the syllabus, encouraging student initiative and struggle, and treating knowledge as testable hypotheses rather than demanding one cookbook solution.

Schools Need to Ban Smartphones

The Analog Family • 419 implied HN points • 01 Apr 24
🚌 Education School Policy Technology impact Mental health
  1. Smartphones in schools are harmful to student focus and learning. When kids use their phones in class, it distracts them and lowers their grades.
  2. Banning phones can improve the school environment. Schools that already have strict phone rules report better student behavior and more meaningful social interactions.
  3. Parents and schools should work together on this issue. By supporting a ban on smartphones, families can help kids focus better and feel happier at school.

How to Get Better At Learning From Experience

Range Widely • 1336 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🚌 Education Learning Reflection Experiments Problem Solving
  1. Success is not always a good teacher, especially in unpredictable and impactful scenarios like earthquakes
  2. Differentiate between 'kind' and 'wicked' learning environments, where experience can either improve judgment or give false confidence
  3. Reflecting on and analyzing experiences can lead to better learning outcomes than relying solely on intuition or repetitive actions

Starting Early

Obvious Bicycle • 854 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🚌 Education Learning Skills Personal Growth Motivation Development
  1. Starting early is important for mastery. Many successful people began their passion before they turned ten, showing that practice over time leads to excellence.
  2. Be prepared to struggle when learning something new. Everyone starts off as a beginner and it takes time and effort to become skilled.
  3. Time will pass regardless, so it's better to start working on your goals now. You'll grow and have something to show for it in the future.

We Weren't Taught To Learn

New Means • 1257 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🚌 Education Political theory
  1. Traditional education often focuses on memorization rather than critical thinking.
  2. Learning with others can provide different perspectives and make education more practical and engaging.
  3. Continuous learning, especially in political theory and skills, is crucial for creating meaningful change in society.

Michael D. Smith's False Prophecy for Higher Education

The Recovering Academic • 554 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🚌 Education Higher Ed Teaching Online Learning
  1. Higher education is facing challenges of scarcity in access, instruction, and credentials, leading to market power exploitation by institutions.
  2. The proposed shift towards digital education may widen the class divide in higher education rather than solving existing problems.
  3. The current trend in education, as proposed by Michael D. Smith, risks devaluing PhDs and academic jobs, leading to a potential collapse of the system.