The hottest Student experience Substack posts right now

Difficult teachers can actually help students grow. They might seem tough, but their strictness often leads to better learning and skill development.
Experiencing challenges in learning can make students better. When pushed to perform at a high level, students may realize their true potential over time.
Feedback from teachers can sometimes feel harsh, but it's important for improvement. Learning to accept and understand this feedback is crucial in any craft.

Detracking in education is a process that aims to reverse the ways students are grouped into different educational pathways, addressing systemic injustices.
The harm of tracking can lead to racial and socioeconomic disparities in education, impacting opportunities for college and overall school experience.
Challenges in detracking include the resistance from educators and parents, as well as the need for training and support to create more inclusive and diverse classroom environments.

Colleges are struggling financially and need to reimagine majors based on data.
Small schools should focus on their unique value proposition to remain relevant.
Online learning is evolving, and colleges need to rethink design to better serve students' needs.

Positive thinking originated as an antidote to Puritanism and is about trying to think positively as a practice or discipline.
In academia, positive thinking can enable gaslighting where university leaders may manipulate or undermine faculty concerns to align with their personal visions.
Negative thinking, while often seen in a bad light, can be essential for seeking truth and survival by challenging assumptions and serving as a tool for vigilantly assessing reality.

TKS helped me find my drive and purpose, giving me the tools and encouragement to pursue my passions.
Despite the positives, I struggled with pressure to conform to certain ideals, which sometimes felt overwhelming and isolating.
It's important to trust your own feelings and values, and remember there are many paths to success that don't involve strict adherence to someone else's vision.

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Competence in organizational management is essential and often underappreciated.
Putting inexperienced individuals in charge can lead to gross mismanagement and negative consequences.
Prioritizing ideology over core organizational goals can result in disastrous outcomes.

Universities are facing a lot of criticism for rising costs, student debt, and the perceived failure to promote free speech. Many people feel they are not fulfilling their promised roles in society.
Students today often see university as a comfortable space, more like home rather than a place for deep intellectual growth. This affects how they engage with their education.
There's a suggestion that education could be more accessible and diverse by utilizing online platforms and offering adult learning opportunities. This way, teaching can move beyond traditional classrooms and connect with people who are eager to learn.

Education aims to enrich students' lives by fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and courage.
Promoting uncertainty and questioning in education is essential for a scientific approach to the world.
Expecting high quality from students helps them rise to meet those expectations and develop valuable skills for life.

It's essential to take responsibility for your own education and growth, even when facing challenges or disappointment.
Choosing a field of study based on genuine interest and passion can lead to a fulfilling career, despite shortcomings in traditional education.
Self-motivation and determination are crucial for personal development and success, especially in environments where external factors may not fully support individual growth.

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.
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.
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.

Online education allows professors to scale and reach more students, but the reality is different from the initial hype.
A story of a student unknowingly learning from a deceased professor emphasizes the challenges of discerning if a professor is alive or not in online classes.
Universities might need to be more transparent about the faculty's status to avoid potential long-term issues, like unintentionally paying a deceased professor for years.