The hottest Curriculum Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics
Heterodox STEM β€’ 206 implied HN points β€’ 24 Sep 23
  1. Woke cancer mirrors the progression of physical cancer stages.
  2. Woke cancer spreads through academia by infiltrating departments and administration.
  3. Different treatment options are discussed, from non-invasive methods to aggressive measures like cutting DEI programs.
State of the Future β€’ 34 implied HN points β€’ 26 Mar 25
  1. The current education system is outdated and doesn't prepare kids for a future dominated by AI, which will take over many jobs. We need to rethink education to emphasize skills that AI can't replicate.
  2. Key human skills like authentic presence, accountability, and emotional intelligence will be essential as we move away from traditional work roles. These are things that make us truly human and can't be replaced by machines.
  3. We should focus on educational approaches that develop children's emotional and social skills, such as Montessori and Waldorf. The goal is to help kids find purpose and meaning, rather than just preparing them for jobs.
The Permanent Problem β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 25
  1. There's a growing concern that American students are struggling with basic reading and writing skills. Many students can't handle complex texts, which affects their ability to think critically.
  2. The shift away from deep reading and literature in schools, combined with distractions like TV and smartphones, is hurting our literacy. This decline in reading habits might be making society less capable overall.
  3. As more students lean on AI tools to do their thinking for them, there's a risk that they won't realize their potential. Learning requires effort, and using AI in the wrong way could stunt their cognitive growth.
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Economic Forces β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 25
  1. Introductory courses often try to cover too many topics too quickly. It’s better to focus on fewer topics so students can really understand them well.
  2. Teaching simple frameworks like supply and demand can help explain complex ideas like price controls. This method makes it easier for students to learn and apply economic concepts.
  3. There are both obvious and more hidden costs to price controls, like rent control. Understanding these costs can be complex, but it’s crucial for a deeper understanding of economics.
imperfect offerings β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 21 Apr 23
  1. Educators can design accountable writing assignments to help students develop critical thinking skills and focus on aspects of human writing that large language models struggle with.
  2. Encouraging students to write from different positions or points of view, reflecting on personal experiences, and engaging in writing as part of a community can enhance accountability and support the development of writing skills.
  3. Using language model tools critically involves questioning their accuracy, biases, and potential impacts, while utilizing them creatively should be balanced with considering the limitations and risks associated with these tools.
The Global Jigsaw β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 25 Sep 23
  1. Our educational system needs to adapt to the presence of AI and focus on nurturing human emotions and creativity
  2. Human uniqueness lies in emotional experiences, imagination, and empathy
  3. Schools should consider teaching courses in emotional intelligence, empathy, and situational awareness to prepare students for the age of intelligent machines
Outlandish Claims β€’ 1 HN point β€’ 10 Jul 24
  1. In language, marking certain traits as different or special allows us to understand norms. This concept of 'markedness' plays a significant role in societal perceptions.
  2. An unmarked system can hide problems or biases. For example, schools being seen as the norm might overlook issues like sexual abuse within them.
  3. Standardized education doesn't always equate to real-life success. Studies show homeschooled children, often considered 'marked,' can perform similarly or better academically.
State of the Future β€’ 7 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jun 25
  1. Online education models like Bina School can lower costs by removing the need for physical buildings and administrative overhead that traditional schools have. This could push regular schools to rethink their business models.
  2. Instead of just preparing students for specific jobs, education should focus on helping them become adaptable, decision-making individuals. This means measuring success in new ways, beyond just test scores.
  3. The merging of education and publishing will change how content is delivered. Schools could become more responsive ecosystems, using real-time data to tailor learning experiences to students' needs.
I Might Be Wrong β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 16 Jan 25
  1. Without grades, college can become a joke, leading many students to slack off instead of genuinely engaging with learning. It’s important to have some accountability to encourage real effort.
  2. Professors often pass students regardless of their actual participation or effort, which undermines the purpose of education and makes it hard to assess true performance.
  3. To improve education, grades need to mean something again so that employers can better understand which students truly excel and which do not. Making grades meaningful is a better alternative than removing them altogether.
The Bell Ringer β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 09 Dec 20
  1. The author took time to rethink their publication on education topics, showing the importance of reflection before action.
  2. The new newsletter aims to cover important issues related to education and hopes to engage readers.
  3. Subscribers are encouraged to share the newsletter with friends if they find it valuable, highlighting the value of community support.
Natural Selections β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 26 Nov 24
  1. K-12 education should include more hands-on experiences like field trips and creative classes such as art and music. Students learn better when they can explore the world around them.
  2. Schools need better schedules and healthier environments. Later start times and more recess can help kids focus and stay active during the day.
  3. Teachers should have the freedom to teach in different ways, and they should be well-qualified in their subjects. This creates a better learning experience for students.
Journal of Free Black Thought β€’ 11 implied HN points β€’ 25 Oct 24
  1. The Empowered Ed Leadership Summit is happening in Sacramento from October 27-29. It's focused on improving education by promoting critical thinking and mutual respect.
  2. A diverse group of organizations is working together to counter political agendas in school curricula. They want classrooms to be inclusive without pushing one-sided views.
  3. The summit aims to create practical plans to make education better by teaching students how to think critically rather than telling them what to think.
Midnight Musings β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 31 May 22
  1. The education system focuses too much on grades and test scores, which can harm creativity and genuine learning. Students often end up learning how to game the system instead of being curious.
  2. Learning is too structured and doesn't allow for exploration. This can lead to people thinking in ways others define, rather than developing their own unique problem-solving skills.
  3. Students are taught to measure their worth by their output and how others view them. This can create unhealthy competition and pressure, leading to a lack of fulfillment.
FutureIQ β€’ 2 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 25
  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.
Natural Selections β€’ 14 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jul 23
  1. Education aims to enrich students' lives by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and courage.
  2. Promoting uncertainty and questioning in education is essential for a scientific approach to the world.
  3. Expecting high quality from students helps them rise to meet those expectations and develop valuable skills for life.
The Palindrome β€’ 2 implied HN points β€’ 23 Nov 23
  1. The role of talent in education is important, but having the right environment and support is crucial.
  2. The education system often focuses on problem-solving skills, but it's essential to also value teamwork, communication, and open-ended problem-solving.
  3. There is a gap in science communication where content needs to be accurate and rigorous without sacrificing accessibility to a wider audience.
ThΓ‘i | Hacker | Kα»Ή sΖ° tin tαΊ·c β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 01 May 13
  1. It's essential to take responsibility for your own education and growth, even when facing challenges or disappointment.
  2. Choosing a field of study based on genuine interest and passion can lead to a fulfilling career, despite shortcomings in traditional education.
  3. Self-motivation and determination are crucial for personal development and success, especially in environments where external factors may not fully support individual growth.
SAURABH SAHA β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 30 Mar 23
  1. Skills are the ability to do a job well, leading to productivity and better lifestyle.
  2. The education system in India focuses more on knowledge than practical skills, leading to a gap in real-world preparedness.
  3. To succeed in a changing world, students and professionals need to focus on building practical skills through experiential learning and community interaction.
Penelope Trunk's Substack β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 10 May 23
  1. Unschooling can work well until third grade without needing structured curriculum, allowing kids exploration and eagerness to learn.
  2. Good private schools can offer better education than homeschooling, especially as kids get older and need more specialized learning.
  3. Investing in top private schools for kids, especially in middle and high school, can provide better opportunities in later education and career paths.
Penelope Trunk's Substack β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 26 Mar 23
  1. Some successful homeschoolers follow a structured curriculum, providing a sense of belonging and purpose separate from their parents.
  2. Parents need to invest in quality education for homeschooling, including academic rigor and access to better opportunities and communities.
  3. Taking full responsibility for a child's education is crucial; involvement should increase as children get older to ensure a positive educational experience.
resonantbrain β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 14 Sep 23
  1. Playful learning involves purposeless activities that help discover purpose, perspective, and meaning in the long term.
  2. Conventional schooling often focuses on visible skills, but children's learning is rooted in the real world and builds on invisible competencies.
  3. In fostering playful exploration in topics like reading and math, emphasis should be on building core invisible skills like attention, critical thinking, logical reasoning, and abstract thinking.
resonantbrain β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 23
  1. Education needs to shift from traditional 'i-talk-you-listen' models to focus on creating explorers, not just 'map memorizers'.
  2. Rigid classroom schedules should give way to on-demand learning for teaching concepts precisely when a child is ready to grasp them.
  3. Technology, as a patient assistant, can enhance education by supporting meaningful learning aspects like motivation and engagement.
Homo Ludens β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 14 Sep 19
  1. STEAM education is crucial for a well-rounded learning experience, promoting imagination, critical thinking, and cross-discipline conversations.
  2. The arts and imagination play a significant role in advancing scientific, technical, and engineering fields, offering vital inspiration and creativity.
  3. Prioritizing a STEAM-based approach over STEM alone fosters holistic education, better preparing students for the challenges of the future.
The Devil You Know β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jan 24
  1. AI integration in K-12 education can enhance personalized learning and critical thinking skills.
  2. Balancing benefits and pitfalls of AI in education through ongoing research and strategic implementation is crucial.
  3. The current education system should shift focus to assessing utility of information, building diverse knowledge bases, and empowering students as agents of their own learning.
Outlandish Claims β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 12 Apr 24
  1. School doesn't always teach practical life skills like tax preparation, which raises questions on its purpose.
  2. Institutions can exist without a clear purpose but can still have significant impacts, whether positive or negative.
  3. High school attendance is often influenced by external factors like truancy laws and job requirements, but this doesn't define the inherent purpose of the institution.
Musings on Markets β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 19
  1. Teaching is not just a job; it's a passion. Some people discover their true calling through teaching, realizing it's what they love to do most.
  2. Classes can be accessed in different formats. You can choose to watch long lectures or shorter, condensed versions depending on your schedule and attention span.
  3. Learning is flexible and personal. Students can pick what interests them from the courses and learn at their own pace, whether online or in person.
Musings on Markets β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 08 Sep 10
  1. Valuation issues keep changing, so each class feels fresh and relevant. Examples include shifts in focus from debt use to technology and emerging markets.
  2. The core principles of valuation remain the same and are essential for understanding any valuation question, especially in tough times.
  3. Each class experience changes with new audiences, making teaching dynamic and engaging like a performance.
Musings on Markets β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 09
  1. Teaching allows for a fresh start every semester, making it unique compared to other jobs. You can leave the past behind and embrace new beginnings.
  2. The excitement of starting a new class motivates the teacher, and they hope to share that enthusiasm with students.
  3. The opportunity to connect lessons from past experiences into fresh classes enriches the learning process for everyone involved.
The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jun 20
  1. Fear of failure is often unnoticed, especially in organizations. If we can't see it, we can't talk about it or fix it.
  2. People tend to create excuses to avoid actions that might lead to failure. Recognizing these excuses is key to overcoming them.
  3. Technology makes it easy to find answers, but it can prevent true understanding. Students need to learn that it's okay not to know everything.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 03 Dec 25
  1. Considering organizing a half-day Marx microconference at Berkeley in the spring to create space for focused discussion.
  2. The event would probe critical theory in the wake of the β€˜Steampower Society’ era and how to read Marx’s Capital in the world students will inherit.
  3. A central question is whether Marx should serve as a core, organizing framework for sociological study or be treated as an outdated relic.
Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 26
  1. A pre-class assignment for an economics course asks students to complete several readings and answer five questions, with a Sunday-midnight deadline so the instructor can use responses to shape Tuesday’s class.
  2. Students are asked to describe how they learn best, what they fear, and how much of the reading they’ve finished so the teacher can tailor instruction to the class’s needs.
  3. The full post is behind a subscription paywall but offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers and a sign-in option for existing subscribers.
joinmodulo β€’ 0 implied HN points β€’ 21 Feb 23
  1. Setting up a good online learning environment can impact your child's education greatly.
  2. Software and tools can help in organizing learning and connecting with other homeschoolers.
  3. Favorite resources include Khan Academy Kids, Khan Academy, Beast Academy, Meta Portal, and tools like Google Drive and MobyMax.