In the past 18 months, I have spent more time on research grant applications than I have on actual research. Like so many others, I am trapped in a paradox. To produce high-quality publications, we need to be supported by a grant, but in order to win the grant we need a solid publication record […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
Are you writing a grant application or announcing the Second Coming?
Five Australian universities get the bulk of philanthropic donations
Philanthropy is a growing source of revenue for Australian universities. It’s essential to advancing quality research, equity and learning. On average, Australia’s top five fundraising universities receive nearly 20 times more donation revenue than their peers. Donations revenue generates A$476 million per year. This is a significant contribution compared to the $2.6 billion the federal government invests into […] … learn more→
College men more likely to seek grade changes than college women
“Professor, my final grade in your class is a C. Is there anything I can do to get a B-minus?” In my job as a college professor, I typically got one or two such requests from male students at the end of each semester. However, only one female student ever asked me for such a […] … learn more→
Lecture recordings mean fewer students are turning up – does it matter?
In 2017, a business lecturer posted a photo on LinkedIn showing a completely empty university classroom, 15 minutes after the class had been scheduled to start. This is not an isolated incident. Anecdotally, lecture and tutorial attendance has been declining steadily in Australian universities and faculties for many years. Declining attendance may affect students’ academic performance and their sense of connectedness. University […] … learn more→
Zero-sum thinking is an AI talent killer
Technology arising out of artificial intelligence has untold potential to benefit humanity and to generate wealth and employment. It also offers exciting new ways to explore most academic disciplines. Moreover, if a technology company cannot learn from the innovative work done in higher education, it will probably fail to find a platform for sustainable growth. […] … learn more→
Federal Pell Grants help pay for college – but are they enough to help students finish?
Pell Grants are one way the federal government helps people pay for college. During the 2020 to 2021 school year, eligible students can receive up to US$6,345 through the program, depending on where they go to school, how many classes they take and how much money their family makes. Despite this assistance, students who receive Pell Grants […] … learn more→
Can you get rid of your student loans by filing for bankruptcy?
Paying back student loans is not an easy thing to do. One out of every 5 borrowers with outstanding student loan debt has fallen behind their payments. There are several ways borrowers can get help to deal with their debt burden. Bankruptcy is the most extreme. In general, the law does not allow you to get rid […] … learn more→
Australian unis may need to cut staff and research if government extends coronavirus travel ban
The Australian government will soon decide whether it will extend its ban on travellers from China for another week. The Department of Home Affairs has already extended the original two week travel ban (that began on February 1) by one week. Anyone who has left or transited mainland China within the previous 14 days (with some exceptions including Australians citizens) […] … learn more→
In defense of the master class
The debate on university education is more alive than ever, and it is insisted by active and passive an idea that, roughly , we can enunciate as follows: our students live in a reality that demands competencies, both transversal or generic as specific , depending on the scope of knowledge. Conclusion: university pedagogy must adapt to the current situation that arises . […] … learn more→
What harm can it do? The emotional cost of asking for something in academia
In academia, people tell you all the time to just go ahead and ask for what you need. ‘What harm can it do?’, they ask. Or, being a woman, they say, “Think what a man would do and do that”, as though it’s literally that easy. Of course, it should be that easy, but we […] … learn more→
