The hottest Education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top International Topics
Holodoxa 39 implied HN points 16 Dec 22
  1. Cells are the basic unit of life, each acting as a decoding machine for genes and building block of organisms.
  2. Cell biology is a vast field encompassing genetics, molecular biology, and more, and studying cells is crucial for understanding life and disease.
  3. In his latest book, Siddhartha Mukherjee explores the history and importance of cellular biology, emphasizing that cells are the elementary particles of organisms.
Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM 19 implied HN points 11 Jul 23
  1. Many workers are eager to learn and use generative AI at their jobs, showing a strong interest in new technology.
  2. Companies are looking for ways to use generative AI to improve their operations and stay competitive in the future.
  3. Embracing generative AI can greatly enhance training programs and help workers adapt to new trends in their fields.
UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar 9 implied HN points 08 Jul 25
  1. UnfairNation has grown by 25% in readers since announcing new changes, showing that there is strong interest in what they offer.
  2. They've posted over 400 job and internship opportunities, helping people find important roles that make a difference.
  3. A small group of students is actively involved in research and job curation, learning how real change happens outside of textbooks.
Theory Matters 25 implied HN points 29 Dec 24
  1. Many adults don't read for pleasure anymore, and literacy rates are declining. This affects young people the most, with few kids enjoying reading or owning books.
  2. Reading long texts helps us think deeply and reflect on our ideas. Without it, we risk becoming shallow thinkers who can't fully understand complex issues.
  3. The decline in reading is a sign of bigger problems in society. We need to figure out why reading and thinking critically matter for our democracy and lives.
Reactionary Feminist 22 implied HN points 11 Jan 25
  1. Writing for politics can be a specific career path if you're social and good at following trends. If you like engaging with popular ideas and have a good writing style, consider internships and networking.
  2. If you're more of a lone thinker and have unique interests, traditional paths might not suit you. Instead of chasing a flashy job, think about how to create your own space to learn and share ideas.
  3. It's important to recognize that gaining experience and refining your writing skills takes time. Focus on learning and growing rather than expecting immediate attention for your opinions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:
Marginally Compelling 20 implied HN points 05 Feb 25
  1. Blaming individuals for job market issues is not fair. The social contract has changed, and many can't find jobs that match their skills.
  2. There's a concern over college graduates taking low-skilled jobs after investing so much time and money in their education. It feels wrong to work in food service when you studied for something more advanced.
  3. People are arguing about job choices but often misunderstand each other's views. Some think college-educated workers believe they are above other jobs, while others emphasize that all work is valuable.
Startup Strategies 28 implied HN points 12 Nov 24
  1. Keep Going is a podcast and publication that focuses on technology and users. It's run by John Biggs, who has a background in major tech publications.
  2. The aim is to explore the relationship between startups, technology, and society. This is important as many popular tech sites have shut down recently.
  3. The platform offers a free trial for new subscribers, encouraging people to engage with its content and discover more about tech startups.
Engineering Ideas 39 implied HN points 20 Mar 23
  1. People are motivated to learn difficult skills for competition, economic gain, intrinsic interest, or altruism.
  2. With automation, economic motivation for learning may decline, leading to a shift in human activities towards physical games, cognitive games, manual labor, spirituality, art appreciation, or passive consumption.
  3. The future of widespread intrinsic motivation for learning is seen as unlikely, requiring a supportive environment and upbringing.
A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained 18 implied HN points 03 Mar 25
  1. Rubik's Cube can be made in different shapes, like a tetrahedron or dodecahedron, instead of just the classic cube. These variations have their own names, like the Megaminx for the dodecahedron.
  2. A new study explains how to think about these puzzles in more dimensions, counting how many different ways they can be turned or rearranged. This includes understanding shapes like the hypercube.
  3. The math behind a Rubik's Cube shows interesting patterns, like counting sticks and pieces, and this can help us understand all kinds of shapes and designs better.
Midnight Musings 79 implied HN points 18 Apr 22
  1. Reading and imagination are super important for creativity. Even adults can benefit from fantasy stories to keep their minds open to new ideas.
  2. Growth often comes from what we choose to say no to. It helps us build character and stay true to ourselves, even when it's tough.
  3. Our experiences shape how we see the world. What feels real to us can be very different from someone else’s view, and that’s okay.
Holodoxa 59 implied HN points 07 Jun 22
  1. Two former colleagues launched a new podcast named Science Behind Science, discussing academic science
  2. The author has appeared on the podcast, recorded two episodes, and plans to create more audio content on Substack
  3. The podcast episodes cover topics such as reading scientific literature, exploring science communication beyond manuscripts and conferences
Holodoxa 39 implied HN points 30 Oct 22
  1. Robin Hesketh, a Cambridge biochemistry professor, has written a book, 'Understanding Cancer,' giving a concise primer on cancer for science undergrads or curious lay readers.
  2. The book emphasizes that cancer is a genetic disease and explains how somatic mutations accumulate over time, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and metastasis.
  3. While well-organized and informative, 'Understanding Cancer' may feel like a detailed outline rather than a narrative read, catering more to young biomedical science undergrads than casual readers.
Divinations 2 implied HN points 27 Nov 25
  1. Simply Piano uses a fun, game-like approach to get people playing music quickly, making it exciting and motivating. Its instant feedback helps users feel like they are making real progress.
  2. The app has a smart business model that offers a free version and charges a reasonable fee at the point when users are most eager to continue learning. This strategy has helped it grow into a big money-maker.
  3. While Simply Piano gets people started with music, it might not teach all the important skills needed to be a well-rounded musician. Pairing the app with a real teacher can help fill in those gaps.
Critical Mass 7 implied HN points 23 Jul 25
  1. A series of 20 interviews will be released, featuring various authors discussing their perspectives on the challenges facing science today. This is to promote understanding of how current issues affect scientific progress.
  2. The discussions will cover a range of topics like academic free speech, the impact of social justice on research, and the need for sound scientific principles in universities. The goal is to spark important conversations about these challenges.
  3. The project aims to unify voices in academia to combat what is seen as an attack on science and scholarship. This effort is crucial for restoring trust and integrity in scientific inquiry.
Critical Mass 9 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  1. The Origins Project Foundation is focused on science and education, aiming to inspire curiosity and understanding. It's important for our society to engage with scientific ideas.
  2. The Science Book Club is supporting the foundation through fundraising efforts, which can help promote more educational initiatives. Supporting such causes helps spread knowledge to a wider audience.
  3. Interviews and discussions about science can shed light on complex topics. Conversations like the one from the Science Book Club help make science more accessible.
polymathematics 39 implied HN points 03 Jan 23
  1. The author discovered many insightful people in 2022, recommending their work for others to explore. Their writing styles and topics range widely, making them interesting to a variety of readers.
  2. Each recommended person brings something unique, from discussions on technology to parenting and culture. This variety makes it easy to find a topic that resonates with different interests.
  3. Connecting with these individuals can lead to deeper understanding and new ideas. Following their work could inspire readers to think differently or explore new areas of knowledge.
Life Since the Baby Boom 104 HN points 14 Mar 23
  1. Layoff announcements can be automated by AI, even in different styles like Shakespeare or Doctor Seuss.
  2. Different styles, like Richard Pryor or Edgar Allen Poe, can be used to soften the blow of layoffs.
  3. Writing a tech layoff announcement in various styles, like Steve Jobs or Kamala Harris, can convey empathy and support.
QTR’s Fringe Finance 16 implied HN points 21 Feb 25
  1. President Trump's executive order has ended federal funding for colleges that require Covid-19 vaccines, affecting only a few institutions now. This change highlights a shift allowing students to make their own health decisions.
  2. Many colleges imposed vaccine mandates without strong scientific backing, causing students to choose between their education and medical autonomy. Data showed colleges without mandates had lower infection rates.
  3. Healthcare students still face mandates for clinical rotations, risking their education despite a law against such requirements in some states. Advocacy continues to push for changes in these policies.
next big thing 83 implied HN points 28 Jun 23
  1. Aging presents opportunities for new products and services to improve the lives of older adults.
  2. Investing in climate and sustainability companies offers the chance to solve big problems with novel solutions.
  3. The education market has evolved, with a focus on solutions for schools and districts to meet students' and families' needs.
Optimism (for the web) 6 implied HN points 21 Jul 25
  1. AI is changing how software is built, making it much faster, but it can also create confusion for beginners.
  2. Many new developers rely on AI tools without understanding how they actually work, leading to problems when those tools don't deliver results.
  3. There is a big need for better education on AI fundamentals so developers can succeed and solve their issues effectively.
Year 2049 17 implied HN points 15 Jan 25
  1. AI should help people, not replace them. It's important to have a future where technology supports us in our work and lives.
  2. Understanding AI basics is key. Just like we need to know how to manage money, we should learn about AI to use it wisely.
  3. There will be a series of short videos that explain important AI concepts. These will help demystify AI and show how it impacts our daily lives.
Reactionary Feminist 8 implied HN points 02 Jun 25
  1. Deep work is important for creativity and reflection, but we need to be aware of what we focus on and why it matters.
  2. The balance between hard work and the simpler understanding of knowledge is crucial; we shouldn't just value effort but also acknowledge the insights that come easily.
  3. Animals show us how to work in harmony with our nature, reminding us that we should find joy and ease in being ourselves while still being productive.
Living Fossils 15 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. Language is a useful tool for communication, but it can also create confusion when it’s too complicated or specialized. Sometimes, people forget that not everyone has the same knowledge.
  2. Using clear and simple language helps everyone understand better and makes communication more effective. It’s better to avoid fancy words when simple ones will do.
  3. In therapy and other helpful conversations, it’s important to use language that clients can easily grasp. This builds trust and understanding between the therapist and the client.
Wadds Inc. newsletter 59 implied HN points 28 Mar 22
  1. Local newspapers are merging to stay afloat, which affects local news coverage.
  2. Many journalists are building their own brands on social media to secure their careers and reach more people.
  3. AI-written content isn't reaching the quality that humans expect, so it's still important to have real writers.
What Is Called Thinking? 13 implied HN points 21 Feb 25
  1. Confidence in higher education has dropped a lot in recent years. Many people worry that colleges are too liberal and not preparing students for real jobs.
  2. Workplace politics are a big part of any job. Depending on the company, you might spend anywhere from 25% to 50% of your time dealing with office politics.
  3. Dostoevsky is gaining popularity on social media, showing a shift in what people are interested in today. It seems like deeper themes are resonating with a lot of people.
Data People Etc. 17 implied HN points 23 Dec 24
  1. When choosing gifts for kids, it's helpful to have a simple plan. For example, giving kids something they want, need, wear, and read can keep things organized and manageable.
  2. Books can be tricky to categorize. Often, one book leads to another which makes it hard to choose just one thing to read.
  3. Buying books for kids can also reflect personal interests. It's okay to want to share your favorite books even if they are a little nostalgic.
Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM 19 implied HN points 03 Apr 23
  1. Regulation is important to prevent disasters, especially in tech and education sectors. Without proper guidelines, things can go wrong quickly.
  2. AI technology, like GPT-4, is advancing rapidly and changing how we learn and teach. It’s already being used in education, showing its potential for improvement.
  3. Innovative projects, like Khan Academy's AI tutor, are making learning more accessible. This opens up new opportunities for students around the world.
Austin Kleon 99 implied HN points 30 Apr 21
  1. Being dormant is okay; it's not always necessary to be flourishing, especially in tough times.
  2. Reading can be an engaging escape, much like how a bird of prey focuses on its surroundings.
  3. Taking breaks from social media on weekends can help improve your mood and well-being.
Technology Made Simple 39 implied HN points 03 Apr 22
  1. Many students struggle with theoretical Computer Science concepts like Finite State Machines and Deterministic Automata.
  2. Understanding theoretical knowledge is crucial for acing interviews, even more so than just practicing 300+ Leetcode questions.
  3. Balancing studying theory along with Data Structures is important to excel in interviews.
Devansh’s Newsletter 5 implied HN points 30 Jul 25
  1. Board games can create lasting memories and connections with family and friends. They often become part of our personal history.
  2. Some games can spread quickly and become favorites, even being played in unexpected places like during road trips.
  3. There's a deep emotional satisfaction in sharing games you love with others and teaching them new ones.
Silent Lunch, The David Zweig Newsletter 13 implied HN points 07 Feb 25
  1. The newsletter is back after a long break due to work on a book and other opportunities. Readers can expect new posts, but the schedule might be a bit irregular.
  2. The author's new book, _An Abundance of Caution_, will be released soon. It focuses on the impact of school closures during the pandemic and has received good feedback from respected figures.
  3. Preordering the book is very important. It helps with marketing and shows bookstores how much demand there is for it.
Far From the Valley 59 implied HN points 30 Nov 21
  1. The article sparked important conversations in the digital design community, revealing concerns about toxicity in design education, inclusion, and ethics.
  2. Despite expecting backlash, the author received mostly positive reactions to their article, showcasing a potential lack of true engagement with industry issues.
  3. The author's network expanded significantly, allowing for valuable collaborations with experts in the field, highlighting the importance of connections in addressing complex industry challenges.
Year 2049 13 implied HN points 01 Feb 25
  1. AI can be easier to understand than many people think. It helps to have simple explanations and visuals.
  2. There's a new 12-minute video that combines information from a 7-part series about AI. This makes it easier to share with others and learn together.
  3. The creator is planning to keep making content about AI and wants feedback for improvements. They encourage sharing their work to help others learn.
Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM 19 implied HN points 01 Mar 23
  1. ChatGPT has performed well in various exams, including MBA and medical tests, showing that it can answer many questions correctly.
  2. However, when tested on the UPSC Prelims, ChatGPT only answered 54 out of 100 questions correctly, demonstrating its limitations.
  3. This highlights that while AI can be smart, it might still struggle with complex and diverse challenges like tough civil service exams.