Because I conduct research about reading, parents often ask me the same question: “What can I do to help my child become a better reader?” I always give them the same advice: “Read with your children. Enjoy books together, and whatever you do, don’t worry about teaching them to read. Leave the teaching to the teachers.” […] … learn more→
Author Archives: Kevin
Parents can help kids catch up in reading with a 10-minute daily routine
Graduates beware, don’t fall for that unpaid job advert
Sydney Football Club sparked outrage this week when it advertised for someone to work three to four days a week for nine months, as a volunteer. The unpaid job, to work as a strength and conditioning assistant, was specifically looking for someone with a degree in human movement, exercise or sports science. But the job ad was […] … learn more→
A life before research: From television to information science
Involved in my youth as an animator and trainer in the lay movement of the Girl Scouts and Pathfinders of France (EEDF), based on a non-directive pedagogy, I discovered very early the values of solidarity, openness and democracy. At the age of 21, after three years of training at the Higher Regional Institute of Social […] … learn more→
Should parents help their kids with homework?
Schools across the country encourage parents to help their children with homework. Parents are listening. Helping with homework is one of the most common things that parents say they do to support their children’s learning. Many experts have found that helping with homework cultivates positive learning behaviors, reinforces class material and signals to children that their education is important. The federal Department of […] … learn more→
Licence to publish will restore trust in science
In the past few years, it has become clear that the quality of published scientific research is not as good as it could and should be. It has been estimated that 50 per cent of published research across all scientific fields, including social science, is questionable – to varying degrees and for varying reasons. The […] … learn more→
What’s private depends on who you are and where you live
Citizens and policymakers around the world are grappling with how to limit companies’ use of data about individuals – and how private various types of information should be. But anthropologists like me know that cultures vary widely in their views of what is private and who is responsible for protecting privacy. Just like online privacy, real-world privacy […] … learn more→
5 things to consider before taking out a student loan
16.9 million. That’s how many students are going to college at the undergraduate level this fall. Of that number, roughly half – 46% – will take out federal student loans. It’s a decision that could bring certain rewards – not the least of which is a well-paying job – but it can also come with serious economic […] … learn more→
A new tax on big college and university endowments is sending higher education a message
The nation’s wealthiest private colleges and universities have a new expense. Thanks to a provision in the tax reform package that President Donald Trump signed in late 2017, these schools are paying a 1.4% tax on their net investment income. This highly targeted tax only applies to schools with endowments worth at least US$500,000 per tuition-paying student. One aspect […] … learn more→
8 reasons not to go to University
When I taught at a community college or questionable state university, one of the things which surprised me was how many of my students did not want to be there. I don’t mean simply didn’t want to do homework, or study, or take tests…but even being on campus was a chore for them, something that […] … learn more→
4+1 reasons why you should not apply for external funding
Finally, the message came. Friends had warned you but you couldn’t help feeling disappointed when the request finally arrived. The dean of your school has asked you (and everyone else) to apply for external funding in the next few months. You have nowhere to hide – stress and sleepless nights loom ahead. Maybe if you […] … learn more→
