Perhaps our academic departments aren’t as useful or even practical as they seem. We’re used to them, they’re certainly convenient, and we sometimes cling to them to offer protection, identity and a physical location – but they can be more of a barrier than a benefit. One of our challenges as academics is that we’re […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
It is time to scrap traditional academic departments
The evil teacher whisperers
The “Horse Whisperer” and “Dog Whisperer” are amazing people, and I encourage the gentle reader to watch at least a few of their shows, as they demonstrate both the individual capability of those people, and the ability of humanity to handle and control animals in ways that you simply do not see in the other […] … learn more→
Home away from home – how to add furniture to your own college apartment
If you are a student and live off-campus in your own studio or apartment, you can consider yourself lucky. According to a 2013 study, only a small percentage of students choose this housing option, despite the higher costs. However, with the independence and peace of mind that you enjoy being on your own, without the […] … learn more→
Handwriting versus typing – An apocalyptic age for the pen?
You’ve heard it all – the end is near, the age of handwriting, of calligraphy and of penmanship is over. It’s true that there’s been a significant fall in writing, and many stats to prove this point, such as the fact that one in three of us hasn’t written anything in the past 6 months.; […] … learn more→
Zero-hour contracts are turning university lecturers off the job
There have been changes within higher education over the last few decades. Ongoing fee rises and an increasing focus on finances most recently. These changes have inevitably had an effect on working conditions and there is now a tendency towards casual and temporary employment across much of the higher education sector in the UK. According […] … learn more→
Research does solve real-world problems: experts must work together to make it happen
Generating knowledge is one of the most exciting aspects of being human. The inventiveness required to apply this knowledge to solve practical problems is perhaps our most distinctive attribute. But right now we have before us some hairy challenges – whether that be figuring our how to save our coral reefs from warmer water, landing […] … learn more→
Why universities must fight the new wave of authoritarianism
The march in Charlottesville, Va., earlier this summer by white supremacists, neo-Nazis and other right-wing extremists illuminated the growing danger of authoritarian movements both in the United States and across the globe. It’s signalling a danger that mimics the increasingly forgotten horrors of the 1930s. Neo-Nazis in the United States, and possibly those worldwide, appear […] … learn more→
Poisonous science: the dark side of the lab
My husband was a brilliant scientist who committed suicide a few years ago. While he and I talked, often, about ways to share what happened to him in the high-pressure world of elite academic science, I have chosen not to share his name because I do not have his permission. Nor – much as I […] … learn more→
Do international students in Britain need better English skills?
The start of the academic year is fast approaching, with new students from across the UK looking forward to starting university with a mix of trepidation and excitement. The UK is also a popular place for international students to study, given that it has some of the best universities in the world. This means that […] … learn more→
Avoiding the PSLFiasco: Part One
This fall, for the first time ever, borrowers who have made 120 qualifying payments can avail themselves of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PSLF) to eliminate their remaining federal student loan debt. Ahead of its implementation, we’ve drafted some recommendations to ensure smooth sailing and a better, more targeted program. This post, detailing recommendations […] … learn more→
