The hottest Education Substack posts right now

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Thank God for Re-runs

Disaffected Newsletter • 2497 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Television Nostalgia Generational Media Education
  1. Re-runs of old TV shows helped connect generations. They showed a version of life that parents and grandparents recognized but kids see as old-fashioned.
  2. Modern technology has changed quickly, and young people today don't have the same cultural links to the past that older generations had. This leaves them feeling disconnected.
  3. The absence of re-runs and gradual cultural change might contribute to a lack of understanding or appreciation for older ways of life, leading to discomfort with things from the past.

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.

Fentanyl Is Killing American Kids. Most Don’t Even Know They’re Taking It.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4655 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Prevention Education
  1. Fentanyl, a potent and deadly drug, is causing a significant number of deaths among teenagers and young adults, often unknowingly consumed through counterfeit pills.
  2. Drug dealers are lacing various substances like pills, cocaine, and meth with fentanyl to increase their profits, leading to a rise in fatal overdoses.
  3. Children and teens need to be educated about the dangers of counterfeit drugs, as these fake pills can look identical to real medications, making it crucial to only take medications from doctors or pharmacists.

The Bones of a Dark Age Academy

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 2437 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Religion Community Society Education Politics
  1. The Dark Age Academy should focus on mutual aid, lobbying, security, and relief organizations to support the community's basic needs and economic security.
  2. The Academy should also include organizations that support education, family life, and community quality, like homeschooling and family support groups.
  3. In addition, the Dark Age Academy should incorporate fraternal organizations, business associations, and political parties to organize and direct power for the good of the community.
  4. Arts and intellectual publications, journals, and communities are essential for understanding the world, providing higher thinking, and capturing the truth, beauty, and good in society.

How Bad Therapy Hijacked Our Nation’s Schools

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4609 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Therapy Schools Children Education
  1. American kids are facing increasing mental health challenges despite being considered the most privileged generation, with a significant percentage considering suicide, indicating a worrisome trend.
  2. The focus on mental health by parents and schools may be inadvertently contributing to the rise in anxiety and depression among children, highlighting a possible correlation between therapy culture and the decline in youth mental well-being.
  3. The prevalence of 'bad therapy' practices, such as excessive emotional check-ins and emphasizing social-emotional learning over traditional academic subjects, is suggested to be exacerbating emotional distress in kids, showing a need for reevaluation of current approaches in schools.
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Live Session: Live Coding a Bytecode Interpreter for Python

Confessions of a Code Addict • 312 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Coding Programming Software Education Development
  1. The session will involve live coding a simple compiler and virtual machine for a small part of Python. They will focus on features like variables, function calls, and loops.
  2. Participants should know programming well and have some Python experience, especially since recursion will be used a lot in this session.
  3. The session is happening on December 14th and will not be recorded, so attendees should plan to join live for the best experience.

Start the week #96

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 5 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📚 Literature Writing Education Creative Reading Correspondence
  1. Thinking about all the jobs you've had can spark creativity. It’s a good way to reflect on your experiences and tell your story.
  2. Running a course can be tough if not enough people sign up. But it can also be a fun learning experience for those who attend.
  3. Removing paywalls can help increase access to your work and attract more readers. It's a nice way to share knowledge with others.

America's Lost Boys and Me

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 6913 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Education Gender gap Psychological impact
  1. There is a concerning trend of young American men struggling with unemployment, education, and family stability, with statistics showing a significant decline in college attendance among males.
  2. Childhood instability and broken homes have a stronger impact on boys than girls, affecting factors like education, future earnings, and likelihood of incarceration. Stable and secure homes are crucial for children's success.
  3. Research findings emphasize the importance of a solid, two-parent home for a child's future, highlighting the need for positive male role models and guidance to help young men succeed academically and professionally.

“Merit-Based Science Is Effective and Fair”: How Such a Banal Idea Has Become Controversial

Heterodox STEM • 213 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
🔬 Science STEM Meritocracy Publishing Education Ideology
  1. Merit-based science has significantly improved our lives by leading to important inventions and medical advancements. It relies on rewarding talent and hard work, enabling people from various backgrounds to succeed.
  2. There is a growing concern about the influence of ideology on science, especially with movements pushing for diversity and equity. Some believe these changes hinder the scientific process and meritocracy.
  3. Despite claims of bias in science, studies suggest that many of these allegations lack strong evidence. Some researchers argue that society has made progress in creating equal opportunities in STEM fields.

David Senra: Why Founders Rule The World

Danielle Newnham • 19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Business Education Entertainment Entrepreneurship Storytelling
  1. David Senra hosts a podcast that focuses on the lives and lessons of famous founders. Each episode dives into a biography and teaches valuable lessons from their journeys.
  2. David's childhood was tough, but he found inspiration in books. Those stories helped shape his dreams and aspirations.
  3. He believes that successful founders share traits like self-delusion and obsession, which help them pursue ambitious goals despite challenges.

Science Fictions links for November 2024

Science Fictions • 275 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🔬 Science Research Health Technology Education Ethics
  1. Alzheimer's research is still struggling, with some drugs not working as expected despite years of studies.
  2. There are problems in scientific publishing, like peer reviews being partly written by AI and retracted papers not giving clear explanations of their issues.
  3. Scandals and fraud in science keep happening, affecting public trust and raising questions about the credibility of some research.

What Valentin Bunea Learned Writing Every Day for the Last 10 Years

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 559 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
📚 Literature Writing Creativity Personal Growth Education Self-Improvement
  1. Waking up early can boost creativity. Many people, like Valentin, find that they think better in the morning, so he wakes up at 5 AM to write.
  2. You can't please everyone with your writing. It's essential to stay true to your voice, even if some people disagree with your ideas.
  3. Daily practice in writing leads to improvement. Valentin learned that writing regularly helped him overcome his fears and build a strong love for writing.

Infinite Loops, The Economist, Gut Feelings

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1250 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.

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.

Digital tug-of-war

Working Theorys • 72 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Corporate Governance Education
  1. The debate over banning TikTok is making people more aware of digital trade. It shows how important it is in the economy, making up a big part of global trade now.
  2. Business schools, especially MBA programs, are facing criticism for not preparing students for job markets well. They're seen more as a time to learn and network rather than just a pathway to a job.
  3. Many CEOs who step down often come back, bringing fresh ideas and perspectives. This trend shows how important past experiences can be in reshaping a company's vision.

Conversation between Robert Wright and Google Gemini 2.0 Experimental Advanced

Nonzero Newsletter • 146 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Development Cognitive Science Ethics Education
  1. Humans are complex; they can create beautiful things but also harm each other. It's a mix of potential and flaws that makes you interesting.
  2. To improve, people should focus on understanding different perspectives. This helps in communicating and resolving conflicts more effectively.
  3. Overcoming biases like confirmation bias or in-group bias is important for developing empathy. It helps you see the world from others' views and creates a better society.

Aspire to Inspire Your Present Self

Olshansky's Newsletter • 114 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Media Inspiration Technology Education Personal Development
  1. Listening to podcasts can be a source of inspiration and motivation. It's like having conversations with really smart people that push you to think and grow.
  2. You can learn a lot from podcasts, gaining new knowledge and different perspectives. This helps you stay informed and deepens your understanding of various topics.
  3. Imagine creating something today that your future self would find inspiring. It's a great way to stay aligned with your goals and keep growing in a positive direction.

2034 – A Day in the Working Life

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Workforce Technology Economy Education Innovation Future of work
  1. In 2034, people have a Lifelong Learning Wallet to improve their skills without the burden of debt. This allows everyone to access education based on their abilities, not their financial situation.
  2. Work has become flexible and collaborative, with projects matching people's skills and interests. Workers earn digital tokens for their contributions, which helps them feel more connected and motivated.
  3. Society now values all contributions, including care work, and uses technology to fairly distribute resources. This new system supports faster solutions to pressing issues like climate change and health crises.

Wokeness Poisons Science

Skeptic • 158 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🔬 Science Scientific Method Education Research Ethics Gender Studies Cultural critique
  1. Wokeness is changing how science is done, affecting hiring practices and funding by introducing criteria based on identity rather than merit. This can lead to important scientific work being overlooked if it doesn't align with social justice agendas.
  2. The focus on equality of outcomes instead of opportunities can create flawed policies. It assumes that any inequality in outcomes is solely due to discrimination, ignoring factors like personal choice, abilities, and luck.
  3. Academia is experiencing a shift where free speech and diverse viewpoints are increasingly suppressed. Criticism of woke ideology can lead to severe backlash and censorship, stifling honest discussions in scientific fields.

Does child abuse cause homosexuality?

Disaffected Newsletter • 759 implied HN points • 05 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Issues Mental health Education Public Discourse Cultural Commentary
  1. The discussion explores the link between child abuse and homosexuality. It suggests that there might be connections worth investigating.
  2. Joseph Sciambra, who speaks from personal experience, highlights existing research on this topic. He emphasizes that there's literature supporting his views.
  3. The talk also touches on the behaviors seen in protests and violence at American colleges, linking those to psychological dynamics.

Ibram Kendi's Crusade against the Enlightenment

Glenn Loury • 3591 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideology Education Ethics Civil Rights Government
  1. The article discusses Ibram Kendi's rejection of the western intellectual tradition and his call for a new academic discipline.
  2. Kendi criticizes standardized tests in education as a racist policy that degrades black minds and bodies.
  3. Kendi proposes a radical solution to racism in the United States, advocating for a totalitarian government run by 'formally trained experts in racism.'

Dear Marc Rowan, Bill Ackman, Jon Huntsman, et al.

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 3377 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Antisemitism Elite Institutions Political Donations
  1. Some donors are pulling funding from Ivy League institutions due to concerns about anti-Semitism on campuses.
  2. There is a call to focus diversity training on addressing anti-Semitism in addition to other forms of discrimination.
  3. Suggesting a shift in hiring focus towards graduates from institutions where values align with American ideals.

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.

The year behind and ahead

The Path Not Taken • 88 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Education Literature Philanthropy Social justice Personal Development
  1. In 2024, there were 25 posts made, averaging over two per month, which the writer felt good about considering their other commitments.
  2. The writer has been fundraising for the Malala Fund to support girls' education, highlighting the importance of charitable causes.
  3. A big project is in the works, focusing on the rise of social justice ideology, which may lead to less frequent posts as it requires a lot of time and effort.

The 'Let Kids be Kids' roadshow of the South Island NZ gets pushback from the usual suspects.

A B’Old Woman • 759 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Gender Policy Community Activism
  1. Some parents in New Zealand are worried about what kids are learning in school about gender identity and sex education. They feel that these topics are sometimes not suitable for children.
  2. The 'Let Kids be Kids' roadshow faced backlash from activists who disagreed with its message. They pressured event venues to cancel the presentations.
  3. There's a growing concern among parents about their involvement in decisions about school education. Some feel their voices are not being heard in discussions about the guidelines related to sexual education.

Chuck Your Privilege

Persuasion • 2908 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Education Social justice Class Wealth Privilege
  1. Checking your privilege based on certain characteristics isn't as impactful as acknowledging and renouncing the privilege of money or class.
  2. Elite college students are likely to come from wealthy backgrounds or are aiming for prestigious, high-paying careers, prioritizing money and status over making a positive impact in the world.
  3. It is possible to act on privilege related to wealth and status by renouncing financial support, declining elite opportunities, and embracing a more humble and real outlook.

Reddit goes dark

Platformer • 2889 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI API Social media Education
  1. Reddit faced backlash from its user base after announcing changes to its API that would affect third-party apps and moderation tools.
  2. The move to limit third-party apps appears to be driven by Reddit's desire to increase profits and centralize control of its ecosystem.
  3. The crisis highlighted Reddit's heavy dependence on volunteer labor and the potential risks of outsourcing content creation and moderation to the user base.

"You need to grasp the nettle"

City Quitters • 379 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24
🪑 Design Architecture Sustainability Community Education Innovation
  1. It's important to focus on community spaces in rural areas. Smaller projects can have a bigger positive impact on people's lives.
  2. Designing with local resources fosters a sense of identity and connection. Using nearby materials can be more sustainable and supportive of the local economy.
  3. Embracing imagination and being open to new ideas can lead to great changes. Beauty exists not just in design but in the relationships and systems we build.

The Tradeoffs of Language

Living Fossils • 15 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Language Communication Education Cognition Social theory
  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.

Mrs. Inventosh

Disaffected Newsletter • 2817 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History Education Traditions Personal Stories Food
  1. Mrs. Inventosh taught her fifth-grade class about the Holocaust in a real and impactful way, sharing her own family's stories. These stories made history more relatable and memorable for the kids.
  2. She introduced her students to Jewish culture by cooking traditional foods like latkes in class. This gave kids a warm and welcoming experience that helped them understand different traditions.
  3. Mrs. Inventosh showed special care for her students, especially those who struggled. By encouraging a love for reading and taking time to connect individually, she made a lasting positive impact on their lives.

WATCH: American Miseducation. A New Documentary from The Free Press

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3232 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Protests Ideology Youth Education
  1. There has been a rise in pro-Palestinian protests in New York City, targeting iconic institutions like the Rockefeller Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Memorial Sloan Kettering's Cancer Center, the American Museum of Natural History, and the U.S. Holocaust Museum.
  2. Some of the protesters express anti-Semitic sentiments and comparisons, advocating for the liberation of Palestinians but often resorting to derogatory language against Israelis, using terms like Zionist, settler-colonialist, and occupier.
  3. There is concern about the influence of ideologies like decolonization and intersectionality on American campuses, leading to sympathy towards terrorism among the Gen Z population, highlighting a shift away from the pursuit of truth in academia.