South Africa’s minister of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga has released a report from a ministerial task team that recommends a major overhaul of the history curriculum at schools. Most of the debate around the report has focused on its main recommendation – to make history compulsory in the final three years of high school from 2023. […] … learn more→
Author Archives: Kevin
South Africa wants to make history compulsory at school. But can it?
Exam stress: What is it and how can I manage it?
A little stress around exam time can be a good thing, as it motivates you to put in the work. But sometimes stress levels can get out of hand, particularly at the end of an academic year. When you become stressed, the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system gets switched on. Initially this is a […] … learn more→
How the US benefits when it educates future world leaders
When the number of international students at U.S. colleges and universities declines, commentators often focus on the economic impactthe decline will have on individual universities and communities. As experts who specialize in global affairs and international education, we see a more serious threat: A diminished ability for the United States to shape and influence future leaders of the world. Studies […] … learn more→
A beginners guide for a first-time webmaster
Regardless of the service the webmaster has to offer, this will count for little if the website is not customer-friendly or looks enticing. The beginner may wish to take a look at other website designs to garner ideas that might suit their business image or services offered. For the beginner, however, most websites are really […] … learn more→
U Of Texas: Masculinity is a mental health issue
One of the many problems on campus today is how males are targeted to the point of being second class citizens. As faculty, I’ve been warned against giving homework and tests, because these things discourage students…but admin doesn’t understand how creating a climate of hatred against males is discouraging male students from coming to campus […] … learn more→
Society’s immune system against extremism is failing
The most important knowledge to be derived from the study of post-communist society in eastern Europe is that when it comes to building democracy the establishment of parliaments, political parties and a free press is the easy part. If democracy is to thrive, it needs a certain level of education and critical thinking, and a […] … learn more→
A new, data-based checklist to help boost women in science leadership
Gender equity in academic science may seem like a pipe dream, with the percentage of scientific leadership positions held by women in institutions a mere 5-20% However, new data from science societies – the professional associations that bring researchers of a particular speciality together – tell a different story. Published today, research from my colleagues and I shows […] … learn more→
Universities must be bridge-builders between past traditions and future progress
Through the centuries, traditions in their infinite variety have enriched the life of the mind. Cultures in all parts of the world have developed and built on an understanding of traditions and their systems to promote physical, emotional, spiritual and community advancement, prosperity and well-being. Universities are one such lasting tradition, representing as they do, […] … learn more→
Why learning a second language is beneficial
Multiple studies have shown children who learn a second language achieve more academically and have far better linguistics than students who only know one language. Regardless of what age you are, learning a new language is a great idea. If you are looking for a Russian or Spanish school to teach you a new language, […] … learn more→
Lab coats help students see themselves as future scientists
In order to encourage more of the nation’s young people to pursue careers in science, it pays to help them dress the part. That is the key finding of a study we conducted recently to determine what kind of effect a simple article of clothing – in this case white lab coats – have on […] … learn more→
