The hottest Teaching Methods Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

Earlywood: I Love Difficult Teachers

The American Peasant • 738 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24

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.

Bayes For Everyone

Astral Codex Ten • 14660 implied HN points • 30 May 25

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Philosophy Cognitive Science Student Engagement

Teaching needs to blend old and new learning methods. By mixing traditional storytelling with modern scientific methods, we can help students connect better and fall in love with learning.
Bayes' theorem is best understood visually and emotionally. Using simple images and relatable examples can make this complex idea easier and more engaging for students.
We should teach students why concepts matter in real life. Connecting topics like Bayes' theorem to their interests can make learning more relevant and impactful.

A Glimpse Inside the Vanity Project

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25

🚌 Education Course design Psychology Interactivity Teaching Methods

The Vanity Project aims to create an interactive seminar that teaches students about human interdependence. The project is still in progress and needs dialogue improvements.
The course outline includes multiple chapters and concepts related to psychology, social order, and government. Each chapter breaks down complex ideas into manageable parts.
The project requires collaboration and possibly funding for future developments. There's a bigger plan to create seminars for professors based on their courses.

Student Assessment in the Age of AI

In My Tribe • 501 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25

🚌 Education Assessment AI Integration Teaching Methods Critical Thinking

AI can help monitor student assessments and make cheating harder. By having someone supervise, universities can ensure students aren't using AI to cheat during tests.
Interviews can be a better way to assess students than traditional exams. They allow professors to see how well students understand important concepts and let students explain their reasoning.
Using AI to conduct these interviews can be efficient and consistent. This way, professors can evaluate a large number of students fairly without getting overwhelmed by grading.

How American Educators Are Conning Kids

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2411 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25

🚌 Education Student Performance Teaching Methods

American students are falling behind in education, yet standards are being lowered instead of improved. This approach might make everyone feel better, but it doesn't help kids succeed.
Experts agree that the U.S. education system is not world-class and needs major improvements. It's important for a superpower to provide high-quality education.
The perception is that educators are not being honest about students' abilities, similar to saying everyone is a great swimmer even when many are struggling. This could harm students in the long run.

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HOISTED FROM THE ARCHIVES: Again, This Year, I Lament I Have No Opportunity to Give My "How to Think Like an Economist" Lecture

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 99 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Economics Higher education

Learning economics requires new ways of thinking, similar to learning a new language. It helps people see the economy more clearly but may also overlook things that are not easily measured.
There's an ideal time in college to teach how to think like an economist. Teaching it too early or too late may not be effective.
Economics is viewed differently based on background; some see it as a science, while others view it as outdated psychology. Both views have some truth to them.

Taking a New Direction

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25

🚌 Education Higher education AI Technology Software Development Teaching Methods Digital learning

The focus is shifting towards developing an AI-assisted seminar, which aims to improve higher education through new technology. This will involve creating a learning environment where students can interact with AI characters instead of traditional lectures.
The project is driven by concerns that current universities are not equipped to innovate or improve their practices, especially after past mistakes. The hope is that AI can help create a better educational model without the need to build completely new institutions.
The developer is learning about modern software development and working step-by-step with a software partner to create a functional product. They plan to share progress updates and insights from this journey, showcasing both the potential of AI and the seminar format.

Why College Students Can't Read Books

Erick Erickson's Confessions of a Political Junkie • 1119 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24

🚌 Education Literacy Curriculum Teaching Methods Higher education

Many college freshmen have never read a whole book, which surprises their professors. This shows a gap in reading experience among students entering college.
Curricula like Common Core focus more on articles and excerpts rather than full books. This might not prepare students well for the demands of college reading.
There is a lot of discussion about why this is happening, but Common Core isn't often mentioned as a reason. It suggests that the structure of education could be contributing to the problem.

How Jonathan Haidt Won the Fight Against Smartphones in Schools

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4655 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Child development Digital Literacy School Policy Parenting

Having rules about smartphone use in schools helps students connect better with their teachers. Many teachers noticed students paying more attention and being more respectful after limiting phone use.
The shift away from screens in the classroom has made a positive difference in students' behavior and engagement. Teachers are seeing students who are more willing to participate and communicate.
Promoting more unsupervised play can help children develop important social skills. This balance is important to counteract the heavy use of technology in their lives.

'Screen Schooled': Kids Should Learn to Use Brains, Not iPads

The Analog Family • 919 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24

🚌 Education Digital learning Child development Teaching Methods Technology impact Educational Policy

Kids are spending a lot of their time on screens, often 9 hours a day, and mostly consuming content instead of creating it. This means they miss out on learning opportunities.
It's important to recognize that technology sometimes distracts kids from actually learning. Just giving them gadgets doesn’t mean they will use them for education; they often just want to play.
Basic skills are being lost because kids rely on technology for instant answers. They need to build knowledge and skills first, instead of just Googling everything.

First, Do Not Suck: A Video Presentation on Which Writing Advice to Take (and Which Not To) for Subscribers

Freddie deBoer • 2908 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24

🚌 Education Writing Skills Teaching Methods Literary Analysis Content creation Pedagogy

Not all writing advice is helpful; some common tips can actually hinder writers. It's important to find advice that really benefits your style and needs.
Tools like pronouns and the passive voice can be useful in writing, contrary to popular belief. Embracing different writing styles can enhance your work.
Improving as a writer involves a lot of practice and feedback. It's normal to struggle with gaining an audience or making money, even if you see your writing getting better.

sunday school pool

bad cattitude • 142 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Curriculum Development Student Engagement

Modern education often lacks excitement and doesn’t focus on interesting topics.
There seems to be a gap between what’s taught and what actually engages students.
This lack of engaging content makes learning less enjoyable for many.

School is Not Enough

The Map is Mostly Water • 2214 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24

🚌 Education Learning Child development Parenting Teaching Methods Skill acquisition

Learning happens best when you actually do things, not just sit in school. Kids should have chances to explore and work on real tasks to gain skills.
School can trap kids in a routine that doesn’t prepare them for the real world. It’s important to let children explore opportunities that help them learn outside the classroom.
Parents play a big role in helping kids find meaningful activities. Encouraging children to dive into projects they are passionate about can build confidence and lead to mastery.

Working memory: one of the most important things to understand about learning

The Bell Ringer • 519 implied HN points • 19 Jul 24

🚌 Education Learning Psychology Teaching Methods Cognitive Science Research

Working memory is crucial for learning because it helps us hold and process information. Understanding how it works can improve teaching methods.
Many teachers in the U.S. aren't trained on working memory, which limits their ability to support students effectively. Better training can help teachers use this knowledge in classrooms.
Memorizing basic facts, like math facts, is important for building a strong foundation in learning. When students know these facts, they can focus on more complex problems.

Thinking About Teaching Economic History to the First-Year Economic History Graduate Students This Forthcoming Semester

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 199 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25

🚌 Education Economic History Teaching Methods Historical Analysis Economic Theory

Economic history helps us understand how preferences and market structures formed over time. Looking back can show us why things are the way they are today.
It's important for economics students to learn about the historical context of economic principles. This context can enrich their understanding and practical applications in the real world.
Questions about past economies can shed light on current issues, like inequality and technology progress. Exploring these questions can lead to valuable insights for today's economists.

AI is going to break how schools work – but that will be good

Odds and Ends of History • 871 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25

🚌 Education AI Impact Teaching Methods Technology Integration

AI will change how schools operate, making learning more efficient. It can help reduce the workload for teachers, like grading and paperwork.
AI might even take over parts of teaching, which some might find troubling. There's a fear that it could impact the personal connection between teachers and students.
Everyone needs to accept that AI is coming to classrooms. This will lead to big changes in education and how kids learn.

Mathematical Adventures Await Us

Kids Who Love Math • 335 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24

🚌 Education Math education Learning Strategies Child development Teaching Methods

Viewing new math topics as adventures makes learning more fun. It helps kids feel excited and curious about what they'll discover.
Preparation is important before starting a math adventure. Physically, emotionally, mentally, and philosophically getting ready can help kids face challenges.
Tracking progress and celebrating discoveries during and after the adventure makes learning rewarding. It encourages kids to think about what they learned and plan for future adventures.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part I. What Do I Ask My Students to Read so That They Will Understand the World of 2055?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 415 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Curriculum Development Social theory Philosophy Political theory

Teaching students about human affairs is essential to prepare them for their future. We need to help them understand how to navigate their lives and the society they'll be part of.
History provides valuable lessons and analogies, but it's important to synthesize these into useful theories. Good theories help us learn from the past and think about the future.
It's necessary to adapt our teaching to current and future realities, rather than relying only on past approaches. Students need knowledge that applies to the world of 2055, not just what was relevant 40 years ago.

Beware of Econ Grad School

In My Tribe • 956 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24

🚌 Education Higher education Economics Career Advice Teaching Methods

Econ grad school might not be the best choice if you're just curious about ideas. It's better to explore other careers that can satisfy that curiosity, like business.
Many econ programs focus on teaching specific skills rather than encouraging discussions and new ideas. This can stifle your interest and creativity.
You can learn a lot about economics on your own. Understanding basic concepts and real-world business behavior can be more valuable than fancy math techniques from grad school.

What Had I Hoped to Teach This Just-Past Semester?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Curriculum Development Economic History Cognitive Science Narrative Theory

Understanding history is crucial for making sense of current and future human affairs. It helps us to see patterns and learn from past mistakes.
Students should learn to think critically about economic issues. This includes analyzing how economic instability relates to political decisions and vice versa.
History teaches us to look both backward and forward in time, which is a valuable skill. It allows us to make better decisions by using past examples to inform our understanding of present circumstances.

Keys to understanding: Video Q&A

The Bell Ringer • 179 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Education & Policy Curriculum design

Teaching methods can vary greatly, and it's important to recognize these differences to improve learning experiences.
Understanding the reasons behind different teaching styles can help educators connect better with their students.
By exploring teaching fundamentals, both teachers and students can enhance their interactions and overall educational outcomes.

How to teach science

The Bell Ringer • 219 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Curriculum Development Student Engagement Research Methods

Learning science should be fun, but it's important to share the complete story behind science and math. This helps students understand its real value.
Teachers should balance fun activities with serious discussions about scientific concepts. This approach encourages deeper understanding.
Engaging students effectively means showing them how science relates to the real world. This makes learning more relevant and interesting for them.

This week in the science of learning, August 11, 2024

The Bell Ringer • 59 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Learning Science Educational Research Student Engagement

Emily Hanford discusses the importance of effective reading strategies in schools. It's crucial for teachers to understand how children learn to read.
Research shows that traditional methods may not be the best for teaching literacy. New approaches are needed to help all students succeed.
The conversation around learning science highlights the need for continuous improvement in education. We should always look for better ways to teach and support learners.

Visualization as a shared revealing experience

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 139 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24

🚌 Education Visual communication Teaching Methods Data Analysis

Visualization can be a powerful tool for learning. When you create visuals with clear learning objectives, it helps the viewer understand and remember the message better.
In legal settings, visuals can be persuasive. They help juries see the facts in a more impactful way, making it easier to follow along and draw conclusions.
Creating visuals is a shared experience. When designers and their audience connect over a visualization, it can lead to moments of discovery and understanding together.

The evening class institute

Soaring Twenties • 100 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Literacy Course design

Evening classes can be a mixed bag, with some students really passionate but also a bit much at times. It's important to balance enthusiasm with respect for the class and the teacher.
Some students have a tendency to show off their knowledge or manage the classroom, which can be distracting. Teachers usually know what they're doing, and students should give them space to lead.
Despite some annoying personalities, adult education classes are a great opportunity to learn new skills and meet interesting people. The overall experience can be really rewarding.

On the transformative power of teaching first

Rebecca Birch - On Education • 687 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Student Engagement Learning Strategies

Teaching directly at the start of a lesson can be more effective than starting with questions or exploratory methods.
Using a structured approach like TAPPLE can help teachers ensure students understand the material and reduce workload.
Approaches like TAPPLE can benefit all students, including gifted learners and those with anxiety, by providing clear direction.

Early math is not on parents' radar, but it should be

The Bell Ringer • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 24

🚌 Education Parental involvement Teaching Methods Learning Science

Early math education is important but often overlooked by parents. Parents should pay more attention to how foundational math skills set the stage for future learning.
Building a strong math foundation in early years can boost children's confidence. When kids understand basic math concepts, they are more likely to enjoy the subject later.
Parents can engage their kids with simple math activities at home. Everyday experiences can be used to teach and reinforce basic math skills in a fun way.

Listen to “The Math Wars”

The Bell Ringer • 139 implied HN points • 07 Jun 24

🚌 Education Math education Teaching Methods Child development

It's important to listen to research about learning methods. Many people have different views on how students learn best.
The debate around teaching math shows how divided opinions can be. Understanding these differences can help improve education.
Podcasts like 'The Disagreement' can be a fun way to explore complex topics. They encourage thinking about different sides of an issue.

Should teachers grade students’ homework?

The Bell Ringer • 99 implied HN points • 14 Jun 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Curriculum Development

Teachers should consider if grading homework really helps students learn better. Sometimes, no grades can encourage kids to focus on understanding rather than just getting a good score.
There is a debate among educators about whether homework should be graded or not. This discussion can impact how students feel about their work and their motivation.
Finding the right balance in grading can make a big difference. Teachers might want to explore different methods to see what works best for their students.

AI Literacy For Educators

Teaching computers how to talk • 83 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24

🚌 Education AI literacy Teaching Methods Critical Thinking Technology Integration Student Engagement

AI is already part of classrooms, and ignoring or fighting it will not benefit students. Teachers need to adapt to these changes instead.
Critical thinking will be the most important skill for students in the future, as traditional education methods won't be enough anymore.
A free handbook on AI literacy for educators is available to help them understand and teach about AI effectively, making sure they are prepared for its influence.

Maturity and enthusiasm

Alberto Cairo's The Art of Insight • 239 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24

🪑 Design Information Design Data Visualization Teaching Methods Creative Process Professional development

Maturity in a profession can bring new insights and clarity. It's a journey that includes both personal growth and the evolution of skills and knowledge.
Learning how to design information helps us communicate and think better. It's a valuable skill that can benefit anyone, not just designers.
This newsletter will share personal experiences, analysis, and recommendations about data visualization. It's an exploration of the craft and the joy of learning together.

Reflections: my class about LLMs and Cognitive Science

The Counterfactual • 139 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Cognitive Science Artificial Intelligence Course design

A new class on Large Language Models (LLMs) was created to help Cognitive Science students understand the intersection of AI and human cognition, especially after the popularity of technologies like ChatGPT.
The course covered the history and technical foundations of LLMs, with hands-on labs and discussions that helped students think critically about their societal impacts and ethical concerns.
For future classes, there's a desire to expand the content, particularly by adding discussions on topics like tokenization and exploring more philosophical aspects of LLMs.

Thank you grocery store man

Disaffected Newsletter • 1019 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23

🚌 Education Public Schools Teaching Methods Parenting Mathematics

People enjoy simple, friendly interactions, like sharing a tote bag at the grocery store, which can brighten their day.
Many young people struggle with basic skills, such as math, due to a lack of foundational education.
The current teaching environment focuses more on social issues than on essential subjects like math and history, leaving students unprepared for real-life challenges.

This week in the science of learning, May 19, 2024

The Bell Ringer • 59 implied HN points • 19 May 24

🚌 Education Learning Science Research Curriculum Development Teaching Methods

Schools need better data on how students read and what materials they are using. This helps to improve teaching methods.
There's a strong interest in sharing stories and research about learning methods. People want to hear what works and what doesn't.
The community is encouraged to provide feedback on topics of interest, which can lead to more personalized and engaging discussions.

From the principal's desk, a slow burn

The Bell Ringer • 99 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24

🚌 Education Learning Science Teaching Methods Curriculum Development

It's important for schools to adopt the science of learning to help students succeed. This means using research-based strategies that really work in classrooms.
Getting everyone in the school on board takes time and effort. The principal emphasizes the value of patience in making these big changes happen.
Collaboration among teachers, parents, and students is key for improving education. Working together can create a better learning environment for everyone.

This week in the science of learning, April 28, 2024

The Bell Ringer • 59 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24

🚌 Education Learning Theory Teaching Methods Student Engagement Curriculum Development

New approaches to math can help students understand concepts better. It's important to make math engaging and relatable.
More homework in college may help students grasp subjects thoroughly. This suggests that practice is key to learning effectively.
Student journalism plays a crucial role in education. It encourages critical thinking and helps students express their viewpoints.

Subtle resistance

Sunday Letters • 99 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24

🚌 Education AI Impact Teaching Methods Technology Adoption

People often resist new technologies because they feel uncomfortable with change. This can lead to silly arguments against using something that actually helps.
In the past, teachers were hesitant to accept printed papers due to concerns about quality, but this resistance seems odd now. It shows how we can misjudge new tools.
It's important to examine why we push back against new ideas. Sometimes our reasons might not make sense and could actually prevent us from benefiting.

Edu-Snippets

The Science of Learning • 159 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Student Engagement

Highly decorated classrooms can distract kids, making it harder for them to focus on lessons.
Children tend to learn reading skills slower in open-plan classrooms compared to traditional ones.
Using short instructional videos can help reduce the need for extra tutoring in online courses.

Three Things

The Analog Family • 119 implied HN points • 28 Sep 23

🚌 Education Teaching Methods Technology Use Child development

Talking with others about kids being screen-free can lead to unexpected creative projects, like building a squirrel house from twigs. It's a fun way to encourage children to use their imagination.
The book 'The Art of Gathering' teaches how to host events effectively, emphasizing thoughtful planning and creating engaging themes for gathering guests. Consider making a toast or having a theme for your next dinner party.
Some European countries are moving away from technology in schools, suggesting that traditional learning methods like reading books and writing by hand are better for students. This is different from the tech-focused approach seen in places like Canada.

Ready for anything

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 139 implied HN points • 09 Aug 23

🚌 Education Critical Thinking Teaching Methods Curriculum Development

Students need to learn how to adapt to constant change, especially with the rise of digital technology. Traditional teaching methods focused on stable information aren't enough anymore.
Digital proficiency isn't about mastering specific technologies but developing skills to understand and respond to changes. This means being able to identify problems, evaluate sources of information, and think flexibly.
Teaching these skills effectively can happen in any subject, not just in standalone courses. Teachers can use creative methods to build critical thinking while covering standard curriculum content.