The hottest Higher education Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

On academic standards, fair play and Claudine Gay, or: Why principled liberal opposition is the wrong response to unprincipled malicious problem glasses-wearing charlatans

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 147 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academic standards Plagiarism Antisemitism Higher education
  1. The Associated Press backtracked on their plagiarism allegations against Claudine Gay.
  2. Some readers question the reasons behind Gay's resignation.
  3. Gay's resignation symbolizes a defeat for diversity in American higher education.

How College Presidents Can Last In The Job To Create Lasting Change

The Future of Education • 198 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🚌 Education Leadership Higher education Innovation Management
  1. Creating lasting change in colleges and universities takes time and effort, not a quick fix.
  2. College presidents face challenges with shorter tenures despite increasing institution crises.
  3. Successful long-term college presidents leveraged Tools of Cooperation and Change theory to lead significant transformations.

Why faculty of color are leaving academe

The Recovering Academic • 98 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🚌 Education Diversity Academia Higher education Teaching
  1. Many faculty of color in academe feel disenfranchised, exhausted, and isolated due to issues like work/life balance and inadequate compensation.
  2. These scholars experience unique challenges like isolation in rural communities, hostile work environments, and guilt over prioritizing self-care over student needs.
  3. There is a growing trend of faculty of color reevaluating their place in academia and questioning the sacrifices required, suggesting a need for change.

The US News rankings are evil

Science Forever • 119 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
🚌 Education Rankings Higher education
  1. A sharp Columbia professor revealed manipulation in US News ranking, leading to significant drops in rankings.
  2. Law schools like Yale and Harvard are standing up against the system gaming in the rankings, challenging the norm of 'T-14'.
  3. Top medical schools, such as Washington University, are following suit to withdraw from rankings, signaling a shift in focus towards more meaningful aspects of education and research.
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Abolish Grades

Yascha Mounk • 2 HN points • 29 Aug 24
🚌 Education Academic standards Higher education Pedagogy
  1. Grade inflation is a big problem. At top universities, students are getting higher grades, making it hard to tell who is really doing great work.
  2. A grading system should help students understand how they're doing, but if everyone's getting A's, they may think they are doing better than they really are.
  3. To fix this, universities could make grades pass-fail, which would stop misleading people about student achievements and encourage students to take harder courses.

‘Catching Kids Up’ Requires Insisting On, Embedding Mastery

The Future of Education • 99 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🚌 Education Higher education Admissions
  1. Address the inherent flaws in the education system by embedding learning success for all students.
  2. Community colleges have challenges in balancing academic transfer, job training, and community development.
  3. Acknowledging and addressing urgent issues within college campuses is crucial for fostering inclusivity and understanding.

Biden’s Latest Regulatory Overreach Hits Colleges

The Future of Education • 198 implied HN points • 06 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Regulation Higher education Innovation Government Policy
  1. Biden administration's new regulations for colleges will increase costs and stifle innovation for students.
  2. Thousands of contracts between colleges and third-party organizations will be under scrutiny and may be nullified.
  3. The regulatory approach favors large incumbents over startups, passing compliance costs to universities and ultimately to students.

The Optimistic Bulldog

The Recovering Academic • 79 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Career transition Academia Higher education Self-employment
  1. Dr. Lauren McClain found fulfillment in entrepreneurship after leaving academia, where she realized she could be in control of her own destiny and income.
  2. The transition from academia to entrepreneurship involved self-reflection, learning new skills, and embracing challenges, proving that one can adapt and succeed in unfamiliar territories.
  3. Entering entrepreneurship allowed Dr. Lauren McClain to utilize her strengths and optimism to make a meaningful impact, demonstrating that one can still make a difference in different ways outside of traditional academic settings.

Building Resilience, Tackling Cancel Culture, Catalyzing Change

The Future of Education • 79 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🚌 Education Mental health Academics Student outcomes Higher education
  1. Colleges are focusing on building resilience as a proactive approach to mental health challenges.
  2. Schools should integrate habits of success like agency and perseverance with academic knowledge.
  3. Higher education is facing disruptive changes due to unsustainable financial trajectories and declining demographics.

My Humanities Journey

Humanities in Revolt • 79 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🚌 Education Humanities Philosophy Literature Higher education Critical Thinking
  1. The dominant schooling system has been criticized by various great thinkers for failing to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and democratic values, highlighting the importance of reevaluating traditional education methods.
  2. Mark Twain and Jack London, despite being school dropouts, emphasized the distinction between 'schooling' and 'education,' emphasizing the role of life experiences and concentrated study in their intellectual development.
  3. Formal education is not the only path to learning, as illustrated by Dr. Nall's journey from a high school dropout to earning a doctorate, highlighting the value of informal learning, exploration, and deep critical thinking in one's educational journey.

AIM Daily XO

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 39 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🚌 Education Data science Rankings Online Learning Higher education
  1. AIM has been ranking graduate programs for eight years, focusing on Data Science programs in India for 2023. They use surveys and research to create these rankings.
  2. This year's rankings include both on-campus and online/hybrid postgraduate programs. This helps students find options that fit their learning style.
  3. A strong program is one that scores well across various areas, showing its quality and value to students.

About that time I got blackmailed into teaching at the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism. Without a degree.

Perfecting Equilibrium • 39 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
🚌 Education Journalism Teaching Higher education Technology Career development
  1. Author got blackmailed into teaching at Columbia University without a degree
  2. Teaching experience was challenging yet rewarding, contributing to student projects
  3. Emphasized the importance of practical skills over formal education in journalism field

Fostering Free Expression in Higher Education

Natural Selections • 4 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🚌 Education Free speech Higher education Academic Freedom Social justice Civic engagement
  1. Universities should adopt the Chicago Principles, which support free speech and allow everyone to express themselves without fear of backlash. This helps create a safer space for open discussion.
  2. Administrators and faculty should encourage respectful disagreement and avoid ruling with fear. They should treat students as partners in learning, allowing for mistakes and corrections.
  3. Students should embrace diverse ideas and experiences, rather than seek comfort in familiar beliefs. Engaging with different perspectives helps broaden understanding and growth.

Why University Matters Beyond Jobs and Skills

Theory Matters • 16 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🚌 Education University Academia Teaching Higher education
  1. Universities are facing financial struggles due to a decline in student numbers, both domestic and international.
  2. There is a shift in the perception of universities, moving away from being seen as places of intellectual exploration to mere stepping stones for jobs.
  3. There is a call for universities to prioritize intellectual experiences over skill-building, avoid becoming 'skills factories,' and uphold honesty and standards.

"I got on the case. I saw the documents. I saw the internal Harvard reports where it shows that they knew they were discriminating against Asians from the get go. “

Year Zero • 13 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Higher education Affirmative Action Discrimination Legal Cases Racial Issues
  1. Harvard University knew they were discriminating against Asians from the start.
  2. Adam Mortara was approached to lead a case against Harvard.
  3. Internal Harvard reports revealed discrimination against Asians in college admissions.

Is DEI Destroying Free Speech on Campus?

The Missing Data Depot • 10 implied HN points • 14 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Diversity Free speech Higher education
  1. DEI bureaucracies often hinder free speech on college campuses, particularly for conservative viewpoints.
  2. Lack of empirical evidence makes it hard to determine the true impact of DEI programs on university speech climates.
  3. DEI bureaucracies may increase tolerance for progressive speakers while causing discomfort and disrupting conversations on campus.

Colleges need to improve teaching to earn public trust

Science Forever • 1 HN point • 12 Mar 24
🚌 Education Teaching Higher education Faculty Students Administration
  1. Colleges should prioritize teaching above research and other activities to regain public trust.
  2. There is a discrepancy between public expectation of universities focusing on teaching and the actual allocation of resources to research and unrelated activities.
  3. Improving teaching quality requires collaboration among faculty, administrators, and trustees to adjust incentives and prioritize education.

Book Review: The Sacred Project of American Sociology

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 19 implied HN points • 07 May 20
🚌 Education Sociology Philosophy Academia Higher education Social Sciences
  1. American sociology is a political, sacred, and spiritual project with a specific goal of emancipation, equality, and moral affirmation of individuals.
  2. Sociology's sacred project aims to venerate, protect, and advance a specific Durkheimian sacred regarding human autonomy, equality, and identity.
  3. Sociologists must critically assess and make explicit the sacred mission of American sociology to better understand the discipline's impacts, costs, and tradeoffs on academia and society.

Book Review: The Crisis of Expertise

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 19 implied HN points • 14 Apr 20
🔬 Science Expertise Public Trust Higher education
  1. Despite concerns about a 'war on science' or a 'death of expertise,' public trust in the scientific community remains relatively high in the US.
  2. Americans have significant faith in science compared to other countries, yet there is polarization around various scientific issues like climate change and vaccines.
  3. The crisis of expertise is not about doubting science, but rather about the struggles over defining who counts as an expert, how their findings are interpreted, and the socio-political implications of scientific discoveries.

Back to Class: A Teaching Manifesto!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 19
🚌 Education Teaching Curriculum Online Learning Higher education
  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.

Almost time for class: My Line Up for the Spring Semester!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 17
🚌 Education Higher education Online Learning
  1. The Corporate Finance class covers essential business principles like investing, financing, and dividends. Students learn how to make smart financial decisions to help a business succeed.
  2. The Valuation class teaches students how to assign value to assets and businesses, exploring methods for both public and private companies. It's crucial for understanding how to gauge worth in financial terms.
  3. A new Valuation Certificate class will be available online, featuring recorded lectures and interactive elements. Though it has a fee, students can receive personalized feedback and participate in discussions.

The barbarians are at the gate! Of universities, moats and disruption!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 14
🚌 Education Higher education Online Learning Disruption Competitiveness Teaching Methods
  1. Universities have a strong reputation and tradition that help them attract the best students, but online education is trying to break through this barrier. Good partnerships and measurable skills could help online entities compete.
  2. Colleges offer personalized programs and interactive classes, which are harder for online courses to replicate. Online education often lacks structure and engagement, making it less effective for many learners.
  3. Networking and career placement are critical advantages for universities, as they provide valuable connections and support. Online institutions must build trust with employers to match this benefit over time.

The MOOC stumble: Lessons from Napster and the Music Business!

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 14
🚌 Education Online Learning Higher education Educational Technology Student experience Curriculum Development
  1. MOOCs have high dropout rates and often don't provide the interactive, hands-on experience people need for effective learning. They started with the wrong idea, thinking content was the most important part of education.
  2. The value of a college education goes beyond just classes. Things like networking, career advice, and even entertainment play a big role in what you get from college.
  3. If you’re in college or thinking about it, ask yourself if it’s worth the money and time. Identify what parts of your education are helping you the most and consider what you really need from your college experience.

A new semester begins: Valuation class online

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 07 Sep 12
🚌 Education Online Learning Classroom Management Curriculum Development Higher education Student Engagement
  1. The Valuation class covers how to value various assets like stocks and businesses. It starts with intrinsic valuation and includes topics like multiples and real options.
  2. Students can access the class materials through multiple platforms, including the Stern website, Lore, Apple iTunes U, and YouTube, making it flexible for different preferences.
  3. The first class was on September 5, and new students can catch up easily before the next session. Webcasts of the classes will be available shortly after each session.

A Mass. Referendum, Revenue Sharing, And Taxing College Sports

The Future of Education • 0 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🚌 Education Higher education Policy Reform Taxation Sports Management
  1. The Supreme Court's recent ruling has brought relief to many in higher education, as it may create more stability in regulations, helping schools innovate and invest without constant changes.
  2. There's a possibility that college sports revenue might be taxed, as it may not directly relate to educational purposes, which could lead colleges to change how they manage their athletic programs.
  3. There is a referendum in Massachusetts about ending a graduation exam requirement, which many believe is important for ensuring that students have the necessary skills before graduating, rather than relying solely on teachers' grades.

Update on My Upcoming Book Job Moves—and Exciting News About My Previous Book

The Future of Education • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🚌 Education Career development Higher education Book Publishing Podcasts
  1. The upcoming book 'Job Moves' will be available on November 19th and aims to help people advance their careers. A video featuring the authors introduces some key ideas from the book.
  2. The previous book, 'From Reopen to Reinvent,' ranked number 7 on Porchlight's Nonfiction Bestsellers list for September 2024. This success highlights the reception and importance of the book's themes.
  3. The podcast episode on the impact of college athletics discusses how changes in this area affect all of higher education. The conversation includes insights on sustainability and the role of student athletes.

What I learned at University

Tecnica • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
🚌 Education Higher education Learning methods Career development Personal Growth Networking
  1. Going to university is still a good choice because it can open up job opportunities. But just having a degree won't guarantee success, so you need to gain extra experiences.
  2. You learn useful study skills and problem-solving strategies in university. However, to really prepare for a job, you should also do projects and learn on your own.
  3. Make sure to network and gain experiences while in university. Connecting with others and participating in events can really help shape your future career.

Does Academic Freedom Apply to University Administrators?

The Oyster Club • 0 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Academic Freedom Free speech First Amendment Higher education
  1. The question of academic freedom for university administrators is complex and largely unexplored.
  2. There are arguments both for and against extending academic freedom to administrators.
  3. Protecting administrators' academic freedom could challenge bureaucratic tendencies but may not align with their selection preferences.

Work Together

Are You Okay? • 0 implied HN points • 29 May 20
🏥 Health & Wellness Pandemic response Higher education Community support Medical Updates Public Health
  1. Dr. Wayne Frederick shares how Howard University is assisting with the pandemic and planning for reopening, emphasizing the importance of unity and community support.
  2. Howard University is actively involved in COVID-19 response efforts in DC, including expanding hospital capacity and managing a testing facility to address the virus within vulnerable populations.
  3. A Fall 2020 Preparation Committee is working on various issues for reopening, prioritizing safety measures, testing, and flexibility in case social distancing policies continue.

College, Inequality and African Americans: Change and Continuity

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Inequality Race Social justice Higher education
  1. Historically, African Americans faced exclusion from higher education, even after legal changes, resulting in lower college attendance rates and disparities in graduation rates and debt compared to white peers
  2. Affirmative action measures have primarily benefited elite individuals from marginalized groups, rather than significantly increasing social mobility for a broader range of minorities
  3. Institutions of higher learning have incorporated racial inclusion measures that do not address underlying inequalities, leading to a 'conspiracy of silence' that avoids confronting systemic issues of racialized inequality

100 Years of Viewpoint Diversity Activism

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 0 implied HN points • 27 Feb 20
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ideological diversity Higher education
  1. Many organizations have worked on addressing the lack of ideological diversity over the years, including Heterodox Academy.
  2. Research on how positionality and homogeneity impact knowledge production dates back over a century, but has not had significant institutional impact.
  3. Heterodox Academy stands out by focusing on improving research and teaching through viewpoint diversity, conducting original research, and promoting grassroots reform in academia.

How Universities Influence Local and Regional Politics

Symbolic Capital(ism) • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jul 19
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Influence Local Politics Regional politics Higher education
  1. Universities have a significant impact on the local and regional politics of the communities they are located in.
  2. Elite universities not only influence local politics but also shape national conversations, policies, and even political leadership.
  3. Universities are not just influenced by the broader societal forces, but they also actively contribute to shaping the political landscape of their communities, creating a mutual and dynamic relationship.

Harvard in the 315

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 13 May 11
🚌 Education Higher education Student outcomes
  1. Getting a big donation, like $5 billion, could really change a college, but it's important to spend it wisely to attract better students and improve the school's reputation.
  2. Most of what makes a great school is who the students are when they enroll, rather than just what the school offers. If top students come to a school, it might do better overall.
  3. Money can help improve things like faculty and resources, but it won't fix everything. A big influx of cash could cause changes that might not have the desired effect on the school's identity.