It takes more than just robust science to convince people to take on a certain point of view – consider topics such as vaccination, genetically modified foods and climate change. Our recent study looked how at the balance of evidence can shape the likelihood that people are convinced by it – and in particular how a psychological phenomenon known as “the […] … learn more→
Author Archives: Kevin
Good science doesn’t guarantee public acceptance – diverse evidence may help
History shows why school prayer is so divisive
The education committee of the Kentucky Senate is currently considering a bill for a “day of prayer” in the state’s schools. The bill known as HB 40 was already passed by the Kentucky House of Representatives. As a scholar who has studied school prayer this bill raises the ghosts of history. As far back as the early 19th century, […] … learn more→
Don’t expect professors to get fired when they say something you don’t like
A college professor lashes out on social media with a caustic political opinion. Online commentators explode with outrage and demand firings. Does the university stand behind the instructor and accept a reputational beating? It depends both on the law and the fortitude of campus administrators. Fresno State University’s Randa Jarrar is the latest to incite condemnation with […] … learn more→
Ferratum Finland Grants and other ways to finance your college education
After you manage to get out of high school, you’re going to want to go to college. After all, this is the only way that you’re going to make a good living in the future. Unfortunately, there are tons of hoops that you’re going to need to jump through. Finding a way to pay for […] … learn more→
A PhD’s ‘grit’ credential shouldn’t be undervalued
I recently had lunch with a colleague who had been my interviewer when I applied for my current job a few years ago. When this topic came up, she recalled, “I saw ‘PhD’ on your application, so I knew you would be smart.” While flattered by the compliment, I found myself questioning her inference: was […] … learn more→
Trump attacks Community Colleges…rightfully
It really is amazing how whatever Trump says is twisted by the media. I apologize for piling on here by doing some twisting as well in the title, though I’ll at least concede he has the right of it. The article I’ll be quoting from gives no such quarter, presenting only those who disagree, and […] … learn more→
How design thinking can help teachers collaborate
The recent release of the Gonski 2.0 report has done an excellent job of re-opening the conversation around how our schools could better fulfil their purpose. Much of the commentary has centred on the report’s recommendations for teaching and learning in schools. But the whole chapter focused on “creating, supporting and valuing a profession of expert educators” has not […] … learn more→
What is the Chinese government doing to improve education?
It is easy to think of China in the terms of government, business opportunities and special economic zones. However, it is – above all – a country of more than a billion individuals. Among those are millions of children, teens and adults seeking education. This education, however, requires an overhaul to create a better system […] … learn more→
University to hire social sentinel to watch students (off Campus)
It seems every month I see our campuses take a major step towards the socialist utopia so accurately depicted in 1984. Normally I focus on how our campuses mirror the “fabulous wealth and power for the people at the top, poverty for everyone else” aspect, but today I want to talk about something that, until […] … learn more→
What happens when you put African philosophies at the centre of learning
What happens when African philosophies and practices are placed at the centre of learning? How can teachers and students on the continent use the concepts of ubuntu (human interdependence) and ukama(relationality) to come up with homegrown solutions for societal and educational concerns? These were two of the questions we sought to answer when we set up a Massive Open Online […] … learn more→
