The hottest Teaching Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Education Topics

sunday memepool: gato's home schoolin'

bad cattitude • 105 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. The education system isn't broken; it's doing what it was designed to do. We need to recognize that and adjust how we teach to make it more effective.
  2. Teaching kids important skills is vital. If we don't step in, they might not be ready for tough jobs in the future.
  3. Homeschooling can be a good alternative to standard education. It allows for tailored learning that meets a child's specific needs.

Why to explain things you already know

Overthinking Everything • 279 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Teaching
  1. Sometimes explaining something you already know can help you understand it better.
  2. Vertical explanations build on existing knowledge, while lateral explanations connect different parts of your knowledge.
  3. Lateral explanations can create a more solid foundation for understanding, making it easier to build vertical explanations on top.

How to get more male teachers

Of Boys and Men • 95 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. There is a significant drop in the number of male teachers, especially in secondary schools, where their share has fallen from 48% to 36%. This means fewer male role models in middle and high schools.
  2. Many men enter teaching later in life, often switching from other careers. About 25% of male teachers come from different professions, indicating a need for easier pathways into education.
  3. Men are more likely to leave teaching for other careers or further education compared to women. This suggests that improving job satisfaction and financial benefits could help retain more male teachers in the field.

Teacher Influence and Innovation

New Things Under the Sun • 208 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Great teachers can influence their students' interests and innovative career paths.
  2. Studies show correlations between teachers and students in music, science, and research commercialization.
  3. Teacher influence on student achievements and research topics is significant, even in cases of random student-teacher matching.

Chutes, ladders, and Markov chains

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained • 72 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. The game of Chutes and Ladders is a fun example of a Markov chain. It shows how the next move depends only on where you are now, not on how you got there.
  2. There are different types of game boards, some allow for winning while others can trap players forever. Ultimately winnable boards guarantee that a player can reach the end if they keep playing.
  3. On average, players need about 39 spins to win the game, and surprisingly, most random boards created will still offer a winning chance.
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Revisited and updated: How I reduced my marking time from 4 hours a week to 15 minutes

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 3 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. You can massively cut marking time by building praise and criticism comment banks and using spreadsheet formulas to randomize and concatenate feedback for quick copy‑paste delivery.
  2. Automatically generated comments can sound genuine and be useful, but they sometimes mismatch the student’s work and will require occasional clarification or manual edits.
  3. Spreadsheets are handy for tracking assignments and progress—functions like =randbetween() can generate scores quickly, though you may need to overwrite or adjust numbers and consider broader signs of progress like bravery.

Educating with Radical Candor

The Absent-Minded Professor • 39 implied HN points • 30 May 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Radical Candor involves caring personally and challenging directly to give effective feedback.
  2. Getting to know the people you work with is key to caring personally and providing valuable feedback.
  3. Being honest and giving feedback promptly, with empathy, is crucial for effective communication and growth.

Five Lessons from Five Years of Teaching

The Elbow • 39 implied HN points • 05 May 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. People can learn 1-2 things at once, chunk information to make it digestible.
  2. Repetition is key in teaching; important information should be repeated often and clearly.
  3. Establishing good routines is more valuable than planning great lessons; routines help with student comfort and knowledge transfer.

Propositional Attitudes and Flying Saucers

The End(s) of Argument • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. It's important to teach that there is a distinction between a claim and a position on that claim, to avoid confusion and misunderstandings.
  2. When evaluating the likelihood of a claim, it's essential to consider it in relation to other explanations rather than in isolation.
  3. Defending a claim involves defending the most reasonable position on that claim, considering all possible explanations in a broader context.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead

DecafQuest's Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. The author made $75,000 in 3 years teaching philosophy online.
  2. Teaching philosophy to different audiences requires adapting the material and approach.
  3. A new workshop on Philosophy for Professionals focuses on critical inquiry, Stoic principles, and moral reasoning.

Risks to teaching as work and teachers as workers

imperfect offerings • 39 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Teachers are vulnerable to automation and AI tools that could change the nature of their work and how it's valued.
  2. AI has the potential to impact various professions beyond teaching, such as journalism, acting, music, and art, through automation of tasks and production.
  3. The use of AI in different sectors, driven by profit motives, can lead to job insecurity and challenges to worker's rights across industries.

STEM teaching deserves recognition

Science Forever • 39 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Recognizing STEM teaching as a distinct workforce is important for addressing issues like racism, sexism, misconduct, and underrepresentation in the science field.
  2. Institutions struggle to balance the value of research and teaching, often favoring research in resource allocation and decision-making.
  3. Defining undergraduate teaching staff as a separate workforce could improve governance, professional development opportunities, and evaluation criteria, ultimately benefiting both educators and institutions in the long run.

Making Sense Together One Last Time

The Bigger Picture • 119 implied HN points • 18 Aug 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teaching
  1. The connections we build with others are more important than understanding how things connect. Deepening these connections leads to collective insight and understanding.
  2. Improving sensemaking involves inquiry together, bringing our whole selves to conversations, and drawing on collective intelligence. It's about listening deeply and collaborating for new ideas and solutions.
  3. Sensemaking 101 offers a transformative process with world-class teachers, group interactions, and practical exercises. It aims to empower individuals to navigate a complex world collectively.

ONE SLIDE: Working on the Summary Review Materials for Econ 135: History of Economic Growth: The Post-1870 MEG-Economy

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 61 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Most economic activity in history happened after 1870. This shows how rapidly the economy can grow in a short time.
  2. Students should have a simple, useful summary of post-1870 economic growth. This will help them during exams and in their future understanding.
  3. The summary should include both political-economic and technical aspects. It's important to see how these areas work together in shaping the economy.

My Class About Causal Inference

By Reason Alone • 42 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Teaching causal inference helps students understand the relationship between cause and effect in social sciences. It's important to make complex ideas relatable to engage younger audiences.
  2. Using visual aids, like graphs, can enhance understanding of complicated topics, especially in a classroom setting. Students can connect better with the material when it’s presented visually.
  3. Recommended readings and real-world examples, like the draft lottery, can spark curiosity in students. Sharing interesting studies can help them see the relevance of these concepts in everyday life.

Math is a Language. This is how you should learn it. [Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 99 implied HN points • 14 Jun 22
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Math is a language that helps express complex ideas in quantifiable ways, and understanding it is crucial for technical careers like AI and Engineering.
  2. Many people struggle with Math because they try to learn topics without understanding the context around them, similar to trying to learn a language without knowing any words or sentence structures.
  3. Learning Math effectively involves treating it like learning a language, starting with simple 'sentences' for specific situations, practicing, and gradually branching out to more complex ideas.

The Art of Stupid

The Palindrome • 5 implied HN points • 20 Nov 25
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. It's okay to feel confused when learning something new. Embracing that feeling can actually help you learn better.
  2. Asking simple or 'stupid' questions is important for understanding. Don't be afraid to seek clarity on things you don't get.
  3. Worrying about how you look to others can hold you back. Focus on gaining knowledge instead of keeping up appearances.

Beyond the Grade: On Respectful Disagreements

Humanities in Revolt • 119 implied HN points • 06 May 22
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Teaching involves guiding students to engage with opposing views in a respectful and responsible manner, which can lead to intellectual growth.
  2. Recognizing the difference between engaging with unreasonable arguments and engaging with intelligible arguments fosters respectful dialogue and mutual understanding.
  3. A humanistic education can offer the gift of allowing individuals to form respectful bonds with those holding different viewpoints.

I'm joining the Cornell faculty!

Data: Made Not Found (by danah) • 59 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. The speaker is excited to join the faculty at Cornell as a Professor of Communication starting in fall 2025. They are looking forward to teaching and working with students.
  2. After many years at Microsoft Research, the speaker felt a strong desire to become a full-time professor. They believe teaching can make a bigger difference than just research.
  3. The transition from Microsoft Research is bittersweet, but the speaker is grateful for the support they've received. They aim to maintain connections with their colleagues even after leaving.

A Life of Homelessness — Part 2

Speak Up • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. The narrator faced challenges in the workforce due to not having a business major.
  2. Living conditions in the SRO occupancy were poor but the community was welcoming.
  3. The narrator's unexpected transition to becoming a shop teacher in a challenging environment.

Games as Training

David Friedman’s Substack • 143 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Games like bridge, chess, and Diplomacy can be viewed as training exercises for skills like coordination, tactics, strategy, and commitment.
  2. Playing games can help develop real-world skills like finding your way around environments and accomplishing goals.
  3. Some games are designed specifically to teach skills, such as computer programming or the principles of mutual advantage over conquest.

The Dream Stream

Orbis Tertius • 143 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Teaching
  1. The anticipation of a fishing trip can be filled with energy, but the actual experience may not always meet expectations.
  2. The act of fishing can evoke deep emotions and memories, whether shared with family or experienced alone.
  3. Teaching someone else to fish can bring a sense of humility and gratitude for the patience and guidance received from mentors.

Time Flies When You Love What You Do

Humanities in Revolt • 99 implied HN points • 24 Mar 22
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Loving your work can make time pass quickly and bring a sense of fulfillment.
  2. Teaching and learning can create unique, meaningful experiences that transcend time.
  3. Engaging in the humanities can lead to personal growth, critical thinking, and sharing valuable insights with others.

The zigzag theorem

Infinitely More • 33 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. The zigzag theorem states that when you create a zigzag pattern in a rectangle, the triangles formed below this pattern take up exactly half the area of the rectangle.
  2. Even if the zigzag lines sometimes move backward without crossing, the triangles will still cover half the rectangle's area due to how the bases and heights of the triangles are calculated.
  3. This theorem is interesting because it holds true even if the zigzag involves an infinite number of lines.

"Boule de Suif"

Story Club with George Saunders • 41 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📚 Literature Teaching
  1. The story 'Boule de Suif' explores themes of sacrifice and morality. It shows how people's values can change in difficult situations.
  2. The character of Boule de Suif represents strength and resilience despite facing judgment from others. She's a strong woman in a challenging world.
  3. The setting of the story highlights the impact of war on individuals and society. It reveals how external conflicts can shape personal choices.

I Couldn't Think Of a Title For This Post

Day One • 179 implied HN points • 31 Dec 20
💼 Business Teaching
  1. Starting even with incomplete information is important - don't let perfectionism delay your progress.
  2. Combining knowledge from different courses can help in achieving better results.
  3. Learning a skill is one thing, but learning to profit from it is another - the Rule of Five helps with this.

What AI Education Is Missing

Technically Optimistic • 19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Technological progress should not prioritize profit over social responsibility, considering historical lessons like the detrimental impact of leaded gasoline.
  2. Education plays a crucial role in navigating the impact of AI, from preparing students for the evolving job market to enhancing the skills of teachers.
  3. AI education needs to focus on equipping students with technical knowledge, social consciousness, and adaptability to ensure they benefit from technology in a fair, equal manner.

Some Thoughts on Teaching Introductory Economics

Economic Forces • 11 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Introductory courses often try to cover too many topics too quickly. It’s better to focus on fewer topics so students can really understand them well.
  2. Teaching simple frameworks like supply and demand can help explain complex ideas like price controls. This method makes it easier for students to learn and apply economic concepts.
  3. There are both obvious and more hidden costs to price controls, like rent control. Understanding these costs can be complex, but it’s crucial for a deeper understanding of economics.

Math for kids outside of the Calculus Sequence

Kids Who Love Math • 111 HN points • 07 Aug 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. There's a clear path from arithmetic to calculus in math education, but kids who advance too quickly may face challenges in a traditional school setting.
  2. Instead of just accelerating through the math curriculum, consider enrichment to explore topics outside the typical sequence like statistics, probability, and mathematical finance.
  3. Parents can support their kids in exploring enrichment math by learning alongside them, finding tutors or math circles, and utilizing resources like books and educational videos.

Want to teach repair to K-12 kids? There's a grant for that!

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. The Culture of Repair Project is offering grants of up to $10,000 to create educational programs teaching sustainable repair to K-12 students.
  2. The projects funded by the grant focus on repair education as a way to address environmental and societal challenges through changing cultural relationships with material objects and social systems.
  3. Culture of Repair emphasizes the importance of repair in fostering a circular economy and encouraging active student engagement in choosing repair practices.

Student assignments in a time of language modelling

imperfect offerings • 19 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. Educators can design accountable writing assignments to help students develop critical thinking skills and focus on aspects of human writing that large language models struggle with.
  2. Encouraging students to write from different positions or points of view, reflecting on personal experiences, and engaging in writing as part of a community can enhance accountability and support the development of writing skills.
  3. Using language model tools critically involves questioning their accuracy, biases, and potential impacts, while utilizing them creatively should be balanced with considering the limitations and risks associated with these tools.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

20th Century Musings in the 21st Century • 39 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. The author has taught at universities in Kyrgyzstan, Ghana, and Iraq, with a diverse student body including various ethnic groups from different countries.
  2. The author actively promotes historical understanding and constructive dialogue among different ethnic groups in the places where he has taught.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of embracing the truth of the past without bias and has worked to support women's scholarship in underrepresented societies.

Healing Fire - 1

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teaching
  1. The post 'Healing Fire - 1' is available for paid subscribers only.
  2. There are related posts titled 'Summary for 'Healing Fire 1'', 'Burning', and 'The Fire of Consciousness'.
  3. The image shared in the post features a salamander unharmed in the fire, dating back to 1350.

Learning to learn, playing slowly

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 10 Oct 21
🚌 Education Teaching
  1. When learning something new, it's easy to procrastinate or feel overwhelmed. Taking a slower approach can actually help you learn better.
  2. Playing slowly is key to mastering skills, like music or coding. It allows you to understand the basics without getting frustrated.
  3. Don't be afraid to make mistakes when learning. Embracing the messiness helps you improve and learn faster in the long run.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 66 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📚 Literature Teaching
  1. The post shares an excerpt from Shannon Reed's book 'Why We Read' about teaching 'Lincoln in the Bardo.'
  2. Shannon Reed is a beloved writer and professor living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
  3. Shannon Reed's book explores different aspects of the reading life and is described as rich, funny, and poignant.

Proving the Moment

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 16 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Teaching
  1. Experiences can be considered a currency that, when managed wisely, can prolong life. It's about valuing and making the most of each new experience.
  2. To truly understand and experience the unknown, we must go beyond automatic perception. This involves staying present and actively engaging with the moment.
  3. Proving the moment, especially in challenging times, can lead to personal growth and self-awareness. It's like a process of inner roasting that expands our consciousness.

Office Hours

Story Club with George Saunders • 108 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
📚 Literature Teaching
  1. Rejection in writing can lead to deeper honesty and self-discovery.
  2. The publishing world doesn't always equate good writing with being a good person.
  3. Success in writing is a mix of skill, ambition, and the ability to connect with the audience.