I am sure that most of us have experienced that feeling of guilt and dread that comes from not getting down to a writing task. We find lots of other things to do instead. More important things. Like looming deadlines. Like people asking for our help. Like new and interesting writing. And when we do […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
Writing and stuck? try a “ventilation file”
Good science doesn’t guarantee public acceptance – diverse evidence may help
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→
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→
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→
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→
Why top US universities have law schools but not police schools
In response to protests calling for police reform and accountability, some U.S. police departments are partnering with colleges and universities to develop anti-bias training for their employees. In Washington D.C., for example, officers will take a critical race theory class at the University of the District of Columbia Community College. The idea of providing liberal arts […] … learn more→
Knowledge diplomacy must be used to enrich the global public good
For decades countries around the world have regarded knowledge diplomacy as a key element of soft power. Knowledge diplomacy – or science diplomacy – was once closely associated with governments. It was used as a vehicle for attracting and influencing countries through their research and higher education sectors. Typically it came under the egis of ministries […] … learn more→
Academics behaving badly – calling out the Cleverclogs
The Drs Cleverclog are well known in academic circles. A very large extended family of know-it-alls. At least one of them makes their presence known at every conference, meeting and large academic gathering you go to. Even if you don’t recognise them by sight, you know them by their behaviour. The Cleverclogs have an opinion […] … learn more→
Do teaching qualifications contribute to teaching quality?
As part of the subject-level teaching excellence framework, the Department for Education is consulting on whether to introduce a new measure of teaching intensity. One of the six options presented for consideration as part of the current consultation is a “gross teaching quotient” weighted by qualification/seniority of teacher. This would weigh contact time by qualification/seniority of […] … learn more→
