In March 2019, the world of journalism was shaken by a case of plagiarism : the former editor-in-chief of the New York Times was accused of having used passages from existing sources for her book Merchants of Truth . A year later, it was the turn of the French academic world to be shaken by a scandal: faced with proven evidence of […] … learn more→
Monthly Archives: September 2020

Masters, doctorate: is plagiarism increasing at university?

Is ‘cultural Marxism’ really taking over universities? I crunched some numbers to find out
“Cultural Marxism” is a term favoured by those on the right who argue the humanities are hopelessly out of touch with ordinary Australia. The criticism is that radical voices have captured the humanities, stifling free speech on campuses. The term has been used widely over the past decade. Most infamously, in former senator Fraser Anning’s 2018 “final solution” speech to parliament […] … learn more→

Does 4 years of college make students more liberal?
The big idea Over four years of college, students develop positive attitudes for political liberals but not conservatives. Why it matters Higher education needs support from conservatives – lawmakers as well as taxpayers. But conservative critics continue to fault higher education for making students more liberal. The central argument is that higher education does not value politically conservative perspectives. As […] … learn more→

How exercise can impact your memory and learning
What’s the secret to staying mentally sharp and physically fit well into old age? Well, as it turns out, exercise plays a huge role in this equation, especially if you want to be what renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Rhonda Patrick, calls a “super ager”. Science tells us that we start losing brain mass when we reach […] … learn more→

Have students evaluate lessons: a test for teachers?
An airport, in the boarding hall. At the exit of the toilets, in front of me, a small white box, a little worn, invites me to appreciate my user experience. Three options, no more, represented by three icons of different colors. I look at this box and I find myself thinking of the denunciation of the spirit of […] … learn more→

Universities are a juicy prize for cyber criminals. Here are 5 ways to improve their defences
Universities worldwide are a growing target for hackers. A July 2020 report by cybersecurity company Redscan found more than 50% of UK universities recorded a data breach in the previous 12 months. More recently, a data breach has affected 444,000 users of ProctorU. Universities, including several Australian ones, use this online tool to supervise students sitting exams from […] … learn more→

#LitReview – Getting to structure, part one
If you are about to start reading for your doctorate, or are already in the reading phase, then you know that you are reading in order to: refine your research question, locate your work in the field, identify your potential contribution, and find material that helps you to plan your research and analysis. You may […] … learn more→

The course begins: how to return to the classroom without fear
Far back this year has been the return to “school” characterized by the nerves of the students to see their classmates, the illusion of brand new backpack, enjoy the smell of a new book or the adrenaline of the beginning of a new educational stage. The current scenario poses an unusual turn, in which it […] … learn more→

Academics whose institution has no post-Covid future should be laid off
The job subsidies that are in place in many countries as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns now apply to more than 50 million workers across the world, including probably about half a million in higher education. The subsidies’ aim is a worthy one: to protect workers from a descent into poverty when their jobs […] … learn more→

‘Lit therapy’ in the classroom: writing about trauma can be valuable, if done right
Some of my students have been assaulted. Others have been homeless, jobless or broke, some suffer from depression, anxiety or grief. Some fight addiction, cancer or for custody. Many are in pain and they want to write about it. Opening wounds in the classroom is messy and risky. Boundaries and intentions can feel blurred in […] … learn more→