I try to focus on higher education, but the interconnectedness of the modern world (more accurately, government involvement in everything) means that I often have to look beyond the ivory tower to gain a better understanding of what’s going on inside the tower. Our public education system is pretty bonkers about guns now. It’s weird […] … learn more→

Millions of people all over the world are experiencing mental health problems. And though the causes vary, we know that half of all these illnesses will have started in childhood or the teenage years. In the UK, referrals for and reports of teenagers with depression and anxiety and other mental issues have risen significantly in recent decades […] … learn more→

Practically since birth, our children have been indoctrinated into believing they must go to college after high school. Hey, there really was a time when going to college was both a privilege and a valid path into a better life. But it’s not a privilege any more. Every state has multiple “open admissions” schools eager […] … learn more→

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works diligently to educate the public on all types of medical conditions, especially communicable diseases. This education offers a broad range of benefits, in terms of preventing the spread of these diseases. Without education, a single outbreak of a communicable disease would turn into a catastrophe in […] … learn more→

Despite legitimate concerns about the effects of placing school resource officers in the nation’s schools, the reality is having these officers on a school’s campus can literally save lives and avert tragedy. That much became clear on March 20, when school resource officer Blaine Gaskill rushed toward a shooter who had opened fire at Great Mills High School in […] … learn more→

I am an academic with dyslexia and I would like to share my story with you. Dyslexia in academia is a conundrum – it is basically a learning difficulty, and coping with dyslexia is a very personal journey. It is different for everyone. For me, dyslexia affects – among other skills – my maths, sciences […] … learn more→

The PhD was first introduced at Humboldt University of Berlin in the early 19th century and remains the iconic degree of the modern research university. But both in and outside the ivory towers, there is an increasing sense that the PhD is no longer fit for purpose, both in terms of the requirements of employers […] … learn more→

In today’s society, couples often discuss their engagement— and engagement ring— well ahead of the actual proposal. That’s because, while the idea of surprising your bride to be with a beautiful ring that you have selected has a certain fairy-tale appeal, there are many excellent (and practical) reasons for shopping together. Whether you shop online […] … learn more→

What state should you move to based on your personality? What character on “Downton Abbey” would you be? What breed of dog is best for you? Some enormous percentage of Facebook’s 2.13 billion usersmust have seen Facebook friends sharing results of various online quizzes. They are sometimes annoying, senseless and a total waste of time. But they […] … learn more→

The canteen at HMP Isis is no genteel tearoom, but today it could be mistaken for one. Staff and family members of inmates at the young offenders’ institution mingle among tables covered in white cloths, helping themselves to items from the buffet prepared by prisoners on the institution’s catering course. Emily Thomas, the prison governor, […] … learn more→