The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Cruising for Classical Music in LA

The Honest Broker • 7214 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Literature Education Creative Expression
  1. Dana Gioia's passion for modern classical music started in his teenage years when he sought out composers like Stravinsky and Copland instead of popular music.
  2. Today, technology has made it much easier to access a wide variety of music, unlike the past when finding new pieces required significant effort and was often limited.
  3. Diving into music discussions and experiences with friends helped shape individual tastes, and exploring art personally is more meaningful than relying on others' opinions.

Getting started with AI: Good enough prompting

One Useful Thing • 1807 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Education Workplace
  1. Most people struggle to use AI correctly because they treat it like a search engine. Instead, it works better when you give it detailed tasks and prompts.
  2. Getting to know AI takes time; spending about 10 hours using it can help you figure out what it can do for your work or daily tasks.
  3. Think of AI as a patient coworker who forgets everything after each chat. Be clear about what you want, ask for many variations, and have a conversation to get the best results.

Thank You

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 7304 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Teachers Policy Public Opinion Government
  1. The author is grateful to teachers who shared their thoughts about the DOE's possible changes. It's important to acknowledge the valuable input from educators.
  2. The author has learned a lot from the teachers' responses about classroom challenges. This shows how complex education issues can be.
  3. The author is still replying to teachers and values their insights. Ongoing communication is key to understanding problems in education.

Beyond Prediction: Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Workforce Technology Management Education Economics
  1. There are seven main stories shaping how we think about the future of work. Each one explores different trends and possibilities, like technology, job loss, and education.
  2. We can't predict exactly what will happen, but we can choose which narrative we want to believe in. Our choices can shape our future work experiences.
  3. Lifelong learning and adaptation are becoming essential. As technology changes, we need to keep learning to stay relevant in our jobs.

On Being Butthurt

The Elif Life • 3249 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Privilege Identity Education Humor
  1. Keeping a notebook can help capture funny or interesting moments in life. It’s a way to notice the lighter side of things, even when life feels heavy.
  2. Feeling butthurt often comes from comparing ourselves to others and their privileges. This can lead to unnecessary resentment instead of recognizing our own journey.
  3. Writing can be a way to overcome feelings of butthurt. It allows us to connect with our past selves and remember our growth over time.
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Infinite Loops, The Economist, Gut Feelings

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1231 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Interviews Psychology Social Issues Media Education
  1. Spending money can lead to more social connections, especially for men, compared to saving. It seems that being open to spending might attract more partners.
  2. Being with a spouse can significantly boost happiness and make activities feel more meaningful. This shows how important companionship is in our lives.
  3. Dog lovers tend to be more extroverted and organized, while cat lovers might be more open to new experiences. This suggests that our pet preferences can reflect our personalities.

AI & Python #29: Python Projects You Can Finish in a Weekend

Artificial Corner • 198 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software AI Education Development
  1. Working on Python projects is important because it helps you apply what you've learned. It's a great way to connect theory to practice and improve your coding skills.
  2. The article suggests projects for both beginners and advanced users, which helps cater to different skill levels. Starting with easier projects can build confidence before tackling more complex ones.
  3. Completing projects can also boost your motivation and help you create a portfolio. This can be really useful when looking for job opportunities or trying to showcase your skills.

How to Undo Woke Programming: 2024

Holly’s Newsletter • 2122 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Social Issues Identity politics Cultural critique
  1. College courses can shape how we think about ourselves and others. Some classes may focus too much on victimhood, which can lead to a negative mindset.
  2. It's important to control our reactions when faced with assumptions about ourselves. Choosing kindness instead of anger can lead to better outcomes.
  3. Cultural messages can make us doubt our abilities and feel like victims. It's crucial to challenge these beliefs and recognize our own strength.

Note to Readers: Any Public School Teachers Out There?

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 3463 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Government Policy Teachers
  1. The author is looking to talk with public school teachers about recent changes announced by Donald Trump regarding the Department of Education. They want to hear teachers' opinions on these ideas.
  2. They are inviting teachers and professors from federally funded schools to share their insights privately. This conversation aims to gather real experiences and thoughts about the education system.
  3. The author promises to keep the discussions brief and offers an email for teachers to reach out. It’s a chance for educators to contribute their voices on important educational issues.

On What Makes a Good Writer with Kevin Wilson

The Sub Club Newsletter • 1110 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
📚 Literature Writing Authors Publishing Community Education
  1. Finding a supportive community can really help a writer feel like their work matters. Connecting with others can make the writing journey feel a lot less lonely.
  2. Writing is both a personal and technical craft. It's important to enjoy the process and be open to learning, rather than getting too caught up in formal success markers.
  3. Art should be valued beyond just monetary success. Writers can thrive by focusing on what they love to create, regardless of whether they achieve fame or fortune.

On reading Iris Murdoch's The Sea, The sea and why kids these days can't read

Wondering Freely • 991 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Classics Reading Education Cultural critique
  1. Many students today struggle to read long novels and often rely on summaries instead. This shift shows how reading habits have changed in recent years.
  2. Reading literary fiction can be a journey that helps us grow as people. It lets us explore complex characters and their lives, which can lead to self-reflection.
  3. We often feel pressured to be constantly productive, which makes it hard to enjoy reading. It's important to slow down and allow ourselves to simply enjoy a good book.

Decide You Are Not Done

The American Peasant • 2914 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Art Sports Lifestyle Education Personal Growth
  1. When you want to improve a skill, don't just stop at what's easy. Keep going to push your limits, like continuing to practice a sport even if you don't enjoy it.
  2. Focusing on a specific task for longer can lead to better results. Working longer on the same project can help you learn more and improve your work.
  3. Practicing in a challenging way, instead of just going through the motions, makes a difference. Trying hard things can lead to great improvements, even if it feels frustrating at times.

Being an Early Career Scientist

The Polymerist • 116 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🔬 Science Career development Research Methods Experiments Education Personal Growth
  1. Try new things in your career and treat them like experiments. If something doesn't work out, you can always adjust and try again.
  2. It's okay to feel uncertain at the beginning of your career. Each experience helps you learn more about yourself and what you want.
  3. Life will always bring challenges, but keep moving forward and experimenting. Enjoy the process of learning and discovering new possibilities.

A Substack Sabbatical

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 729 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Writing Creativity Lifestyle Education
  1. Taking a break, or a sabbatical, can help refresh your creativity. Just like nature needs rest, people often need time away from their usual work to recharge.
  2. Publishing consistently can be tough, and it's okay to change the schedule. Writing less often can lead to better quality pieces that you're prouder of.
  3. A sabbatical is a great time to explore new ideas and bring fresh energy to your projects. It can lead to exciting changes, like a new name or focus for your work.

Lessons From Michigan's DEI Failure

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1099 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Social Issues Political culture Public Policy Activism
  1. The University of Michigan spent a lot of money and time on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, but many people felt frustrated and saw it as a failure.
  2. Students from different backgrounds thought that the DEI programs were well-intentioned but didn't achieve their goals.
  3. Research suggests that people who are religious report being happier compared to those heavily focused on DEI principles.

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear

Austin Kleon • 7873 implied HN points • 23 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature Music Education Parenting
  1. It's back to school time, which can make parents reflect on how fast their kids are growing up. Keeping busy with projects like writing or crafting can help with those feelings.
  2. Many famous artists and writers use simple supplies like scissors, glue, or index cards to create their work. It shows that you don't need fancy tools to be creative.
  3. A mixtape can be a fun way to connect different themes or moments in life. It's also interesting how the term 'blue moon' can mean two different things depending on how it’s used.

Let's Eliminate General Bewilderment • Python's LEGB Rule, Scope, and Namespaces

The Python Coding Stack • by Stephen Gruppetta • 179 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Python Software Development Education
  1. In Python, each function has its own scope. This means a variable defined in a function can only be used inside that function, not outside.
  2. The LEGB rule helps Python find variables: it first looks in the Local scope, then in any Enclosing scopes, next in the Global scope, and finally in Built-in scope if it can't find the variable anywhere else.
  3. Namespaces are like containers for names in Python. They store the names of variables and their corresponding values, making it clear which variables are available in which parts of your code.

Places you have no reason to be

The Elif Life • 1834 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Travel Art Literature Creativity Education
  1. It's okay to explore places without a specific reason; your curiosity itself is a reason to go. Sometimes, just following your feelings can lead to valuable experiences.
  2. Setting aside time for yourself, like an 'artist date,' is important for creativity. It helps you connect with your inner artist and can inspire new ideas.
  3. Taking detours in life can lead to unexpected insights and connections. Embracing spontaneity might open doors to experiences you never planned for.

Status Anxiety and Social Class

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1856 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Status Belief systems Class dynamics Education Cultural Commentary
  1. Luxury beliefs are ideas that make rich people feel good but hurt poorer people. For example, some wealthy folks support defunding the police, but the poor are the ones who suffer when crime rates rise.
  2. Elite schools now look for essays about overcoming hardship instead of using standardized tests, which can unfairly favor rich applicants who know how to present their stories well.
  3. There’s a tension in how colleges want to see both ambition and victimhood. Some students might exaggerate their struggles to fit in, which can dilute the experiences of those who truly face hardship.

Bored in an exam

Obvious Bicycle • 526 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Education Creativity Expression
  1. Students often feel bored during exams and sometimes struggle to stay focused. It's common for thoughts to wander and distractions to creep in.
  2. There's a mutual understanding between teachers and students about the exam stress, but it can feel awkward when everyone knows it.
  3. Many students wish they had studied more before the exam, realizing too late that they haven't prepared properly. This leads to a cycle of regret during the test.

Links to Consider, 10/31/2024

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Gender Issues Energy Policy Cultural critique
  1. There are concerns about universities becoming less helpful and more like madrassas, which could harm scientific progress. Some people think we need to seriously rethink how universities operate.
  2. A new app called SocialAI lets users interact with AI-generated comments, creating a fake social network experience. This raises concerns about loneliness and real connections in our increasingly digital lives.
  3. Many men today feel that dating is harder and that their identities are being criticized. Surveys show that while people support gender equality, some men are feeling unwanted and frustrated.

Luther and the Spark of the Reformation

Papyrus Rampant • 178 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💾 History Religion Education Politics Europe
  1. Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, which wasn't meant to start a movement but turned out to spark the Protestant Reformation.
  2. He challenged the sale of indulgences, emphasizing that faith in God, not money, is what saves people from sin.
  3. Luther's actions led to a push for education and Bible translation, helping more people understand their faith and read scripture in their own language.

Harvard, Dog and Cat People, Casual Sex

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Social Behavior Psychology Education Arts Relationships
  1. Women tend to feel more loneliness and regret after casual sex, while men generally feel happier and more satisfied.
  2. In the Soviet Union, educated people were more supportive of communism compared to those with less education, showing that privilege can influence political beliefs.
  3. Trust levels vary by nationality; only a small percentage of Chinese citizens trust those from different countries, while much higher percentages in Germany, the US, and Australia do.

The importance of odd friendships

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 319 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Philosophy Literature Civility Education
  1. Odd friendships can be beautiful and meaningful. They show us that people with different backgrounds can connect and grow together.
  2. Like the writer Hannah More, we can have friends from all walks of life. It's important to embrace those differences and find common ground.
  3. Having friends who challenge our beliefs can help us hold strong convictions while still being open-minded. This balance enriches our lives and helps us understand others better.

Read More Books

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 353 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📚 Literature Reading Books Education Writing Personal Development
  1. Reading more books can really help you learn and grow. It improves your focus, memory, and how you connect ideas.
  2. Even busy people like Warren Buffett and Barack Obama make time to read daily. It's all about priorities and choices.
  3. By reading widely and thoughtfully, you can build a better understanding of the world and find connections between different ideas.

‘This is becoming the biggest issue for councils’

NN Journal • 178 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Funding Policy Local government
  1. There is a huge budget crisis for special needs education, with a national shortfall of £4 billion. This could lead to some councils going bankrupt if the situation doesn't improve.
  2. Many councils are facing growing deficits in their budgets because more children need special education services, but funding is not keeping up with demand.
  3. Families are struggling to get the education and support they need for their children, with long wait times for necessary plans and some choosing to educate their kids at home instead.

Le ménage n'est pas moral

L'Atelier Galita • 219 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Social norms Gender Roles Mental health Self-Improvement Education
  1. Cleaning is a skill, not a moral failure. If you're not great at it, that just means you haven't learned yet.
  2. Many popular cleaning methods come from people who are already skilled, making it hard for beginners to learn. It's important to find someone who can explain things clearly.
  3. It's okay to delegate cleaning tasks to others. Just like you would hire someone for a ride or food delivery, you can get help with cleaning without feeling bad about it.

The Kindergarten Intifada

The Truth Fairy • 221 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Anti-Semitism Radicalization Public Policy
  1. There's a growing concern about teachers in America promoting anti-Israel views to students. Many educators are openly discussing ways to push their political beliefs in the classroom without getting in trouble.
  2. Jewish students are increasingly facing harassment and bullying related to the anti-Israel sentiment in schools. This negative climate can make Jewish students feel isolated and targeted by their peers.
  3. The inclusion of ethnic studies in school curricula is being used as a platform for anti-Israel activism. Some believe this is creating a generation that holds prejudiced views against Jews and Israel.

How Fireship became YouTube's favorite programmer

engineercodex • 635 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Education Media Trends Content creation
  1. Fireship's videos are short and fast-paced. This keeps viewers engaged and encourages them to watch more.
  2. He uses humor to make learning fun. His jokes and memes help explain complex topics in a way that's easy to understand.
  3. Fireship combines trending topics with timeless content. This strategy helps him attract a lot of views both right away and over time.

LLM Links

In My Tribe • 212 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Education Software Innovation Digital Tools
  1. Using AI to do students' writing can take away the benefits of creativity and expression that come from writing practice. It's important for students to engage with the writing process themselves.
  2. AI tools like NotebookLM are changing how we create content, such as podcasts. These tools can generate engaging discussions, but they need to be customizable to suit individual styles.
  3. AI is seen as a powerful tool that can enhance research and intelligence. Instead of just analyzing data, it can help in conducting experiments and discovering new methods in various fields.

Odds and Ends #42: An Elizabeth Line extension, some mad planning law nonsense, and the world's most pointless letter

Odds and Ends of History • 402 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
📰 News Politics History Culture Environment Education
  1. There's a big extension happening for the Elizabeth Line, which is good news for public transport in the area.
  2. Some planning laws are causing headaches between government bodies, which shows how complicated regulations can be.
  3. A new bat tunnel that cost £100 million exists, and it raises questions about how resources are used in environmental projects.

Thanksgiving: The Propaganda Holiday

JoeWrote • 67 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Education Social Issues Civic engagement Indigenous rights
  1. Thanksgiving is often taught as a friendly feast between settlers and Native Americans, but the reality was much harsher, involving broken treaties and violence. It's important to understand the real history behind it.
  2. The holiday has been used as a form of propaganda to promote a false sense of unity and national identity in America, while ignoring the harms done to Indigenous peoples.
  3. Recognizing the true history of Thanksgiving can help us confront the myths propagated in our education system and work towards a more honest understanding of America's past.

Every Three Hours Is A Chance To Make A New World: Notes from the Oklo Reactor

Welcome to Garbagetown • 575 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🔬 Science Nuclear Technology Education Environment History Research
  1. Learning something new can spark excitement and a desire to share that knowledge with others. It's fun to dive into unexpected topics that capture our interest.
  2. Exploring the intersection of science and storytelling can reveal the beauty and power of both. Stories can make complex scientific ideas more relatable and engaging.
  3. Taking a break from politics and focusing on other subjects can be refreshing. There's a vast world of knowledge and wonder beyond political discussions.

Weekly Top Picks #88

The Algorithmic Bridge • 148 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Trends Education Research Podcasts
  1. AI companies are facing tough challenges towards the end of 2024. They’re struggling to keep up with expectations and demands.
  2. A guide was shared on how to avoid relying too much on tools like ChatGPT for writing. It's good to think creatively and write on your own.
  3. Only a few AI models have been able to solve a small percentage of tough math benchmarks. This shows that there's still a long way to go in AI development.

The unexpected luxury of my local library

Jeff Giesea • 678 implied HN points • 01 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literacy Community Arts Education Public spaces
  1. Local libraries can be really nice places to relax and read, with comfy seating and a peaceful atmosphere. If you haven't been to your library in a while, it's worth checking out!
  2. Libraries are better than coffee shops for working or studying because they are quiet and free. You can enjoy a calm space without having to buy overpriced drinks.
  3. Getting a library card can save you a lot of money. You can borrow books for free and explore new titles without spending anything.

What's In A List—Yes, But What's *Really* In A List

The Python Coding Stack • by Stephen Gruppetta • 259 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Data Structures Python Education Computing
  1. In Python, lists don't actually hold the items themselves but instead hold references to those items. This means you can change what is in a list without changing the list itself.
  2. If you create a list by multiplying an existing list, all the elements will reference the same object instead of creating separate objects. This can lead to unexpected results, like altering one element affecting all the others.
  3. When dealing with immutable items, such as strings, it doesn't matter if references point to the same object. Since immutable objects cannot be changed, there are no issues with such references.

An Introduction to Arduino

wavesandcode • 99 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Microcontrollers Hardware Prototyping Education
  1. Arduino is a beginner-friendly microcontroller that lets you create electronic projects. It's easy to replace if you make mistakes.
  2. Basic components like breadboards, jumper wires, and LEDs are essential for building circuits. They help you connect and test your ideas quickly.
  3. Starting with simple projects is a great way to learn. Using resources like the Arduino Projects Book can guide you in building fun circuits.

Poetry Writing and Me

Soaring Twenties • 170 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📚 Literature Poetry Writing Creative Education Arts
  1. Poetry writing can feel strange and uncertain, especially without clear feedback. It's common to question if one is really a poet after vague responses to their work.
  2. Enjoying poetry as a reader can inspire someone to try writing it. Taking a class can help improve skills, but a supportive environment is crucial.
  3. Listening to talented poets can spark motivation to create. Sometimes, personal artistic pursuits like music or poetry can fill a gap and connect with others.

4 Children's Books About Loneliness

Readable Moments Book Club • 317 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📚 Literature Children's Books Book Reviews Education Storytelling
  1. Children experience loneliness too, and it can be deep and overwhelming for them. They need comfort and understanding from adults and friends.
  2. Books can help kids cope with loneliness by showing them different ways to connect with themselves and others. Reading together can also strengthen those bonds.
  3. Friendship and community are important ways to combat loneliness. Events like sharing food can bring people together and help kids feel less alone.