The numbers of low cost private schools in low and middle income countries have exploded in recent years. These schools charge fees that are affordable to the poorest segment of the population, and often target these populations specifically. But, in many countries, these schools have been criticised for failing to meet minimum standards set by the government for facilities, […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
Why poor parents in Nairobi choose private over free primary schools
Why is academic writing so hard
Academic writing is a complex business. And it’s that complexity that makes it tricky. When you sit down to write a thesis, book or paper you start off with: material that comes from a well designed project a defensible analysis and possibly, depending on discipline, a cogent theoretical explanation a good grip on the relevant literatures […] … learn more→
Taking a gender studies course so you don’t have to
YouTube is such a fine resource, even if a bit tainted. Before getting to today’s discussion, I want to discuss that taint. For years there have been complaints that YouTube promotes pedophilia. I know, that sort of accusation is all the rage right now, but it was funny how despite the fact that anyone could […] … learn more→
Leave a good last impression – the thesis conclusion
Writing the conclusion to the thesis is hard. It’s often done badly. And it’s something that doctoral researchers often get asked to do more work on. Not at all what they/you need. Writing a conclusion is important. The conclusion is that last thing that the examiner reads before they write their report, and it can shape […] … learn more→
Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric is already hurting US higher education
International enrolments at colleges and universities have been a major boost to the US economy in recent years, and have been crucial to ensuring the financial stability of many higher education institutions. According to a 2017 report by the Institute of International Education, there were 1.08 million international students studying in the US in 2016-17, marking […] … learn more→
Learn how to play Piano online
In this busy day and age, it feels impossible to find extra time to learn new skills. A lot of people dream of learning to play a new instrument, and the piano has always been one of the most popular instruments that is relatively easy to get started with. Nowadays, it’s difficult to find time […] … learn more→
Why we still need to teach young people about the Holocaust
It has been more than 70 years since the Nazi-occupied Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated. Auschwitz was the most notorious of all the concentration camps – where it is believed that more than a million people were systematically exterminated via state systems of execution and torture. Concentration camps were central to the Nazi ideology and victims were mostly Jews, Gypsies, black […] … learn more→
Another disgraceful resignation, another golden parachute
One of the most infuriating things about higher education is how my bosses are perpetually receiving promotions and pay raises no matter how foul and incompetently they perform my job. Stacked on top of this issue is, when finally their incompetence and or corruption is revealed as so extraordinary that they must be fired (or […] … learn more→
Marijuana at school: Loss of concentration, risk of psychosis
One of the enduring myths about marijuana is that it is “harmless” and can be safely used by teens. Many high school teachers would beg to disagree, and consider the legalization of marijuana to be the biggest upcoming challenge in and around schools. And the evidence is on their side. As an education researcher, I […] … learn more→
No platforming needs no reforming
The UK’s Office for Students was launched this month, with more headlines about its mission to crack down on universities that permit the “no platforming” of controversial speakers. Unmoved by protests from universities that students’ unions are legally independent bodies, Jo Johnson, the universities and science minister at the time, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on […] … learn more→
