Public battles over what schools can teach about sex, identity and relationships, often framed around “parental rights,” have become more intense in recent years. Behind the loud debate lies a quiet contradiction. Many parents who say sex education should be taught only at home don’t actually provide it there, either. As a scholar of sex education, I […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
Parents who oppose sex education in schools often don’t discuss it at home
In LGBTQ+ storybook case, Supreme Court handed a win to parental rights, raising tough questions for educators
The Supreme Court tends to save its blockbuster orders for the last day of the term – and 2025 was no exception. Among the important decisions handed down June 27, 2025, was Mahmoud v. Taylor – a case of particular interest to me, because I teach education law. Mahmoud, I believe, may become one of the court’s most consequential rulings […] … learn more→
Is writing every day good advice?
The most common piece of writing advice given to doctoral researchers is “write every day” or some variation thereof. This advice appears consistently across academic writing guides, dissertation workshops, and mentor discussions. I bet you’ve read this. The reasoning behind this advice, yes there’s reasoning, highlights some key benefits. Regular writing helps you to maintain momentum […] … learn more→
The thousand and one ways to learn throughout life
A few years ago, in the professional world, it was common to pursue a specific, well-defined occupation, such as a draftsman, millwright, or baker. You were what you were and knew what you knew. Today, training is more accessible and flexible thanks to information and communication technologies. Not only is it possible to redirect career paths with […] … learn more→
How to train future global citizens? An educational and ethical emergency
How can we educate global citizens? While the question is crucial in an interconnected world, the answers are complex, as they require rethinking the traditional organization of school and university pathways. Here are some pointers. “Entering Spain, I don’t feel like I’m arriving, but like I’m returning […] Our classics are the classics of Spain, […] … learn more→
Associations of ideas, new challenges: the secrets of memory for better learning
While novelty stimulates the brain, assimilating unfamiliar information is a real challenge, particularly when preparing for school and university exams. How then can we create associations of ideas to anchor learning over time? When preparing for exams, it can sometimes feel impossible to cram all the information you need into your brain. But there are […] … learn more→
One year ago, Australia scrapped a key equity in STEM program. Where are we now?
In June 2024, the Australian government ended the Women in STEM Ambassador program. The decision followed a report that urged a broader, intersectional approach to diversity in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). For six years, under the leadership of astrophysicist Lisa Harvey-Smith, the program contributed to research, tools and resources aimed at breaking […] … learn more→
100 years ago, the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling on parents’ rights in education – today, another case raises new questions
A century ago, the Supreme Court handed down one of its most important cases about education. On June 1, 1925, the court struck down an Oregon statute requiring all students to attend public school – a law critics argued was meant to limit faith-based schools, at a time when anti-Catholic bias was still common in parts of […] … learn more→
Rewarding is not the same as motivating: how dopamine works in learning
Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter in the brain. It’s involved in essential functions such as movement, motivation, and learning . It’s often referred to as the “pleasure neurotransmitter” because it’s so prevalent in reward systems: those that drive us to repeat things that make us feel good. But its function goes much further: it also influences how we make […] … learn more→
Does artificial intelligence help students with learning difficulties?
In class, we’re supposed to read aloud. But when we look at the page, the letters seem to be dancing. The words blur together, and each sentence seems like a slog. We sit down to study at home: we try to concentrate, but our minds jump from one thing to another as if it were […] … learn more→
