I’m working on the second edition of ‘How to fix your academic writing trouble’ with Katherine Firth at the moment. We’re doing a new chapter on writing process, specifically how to think with generative AI tools. For inspiration, I am thinking about Artist Studios and how they support making work. Artist studios are filled with tools and materials […] … learn more→
Blog Archives
Writing like an artist
Why do international students choose to study in Australia?
University education for international students is touted as one of “Australia’s most successful exports”. International education was worth A$36.4 billion to the Australian economy in 2022–23. Many of Australia’s universities also rely on international student fees to fund their research. But despite this success, COVID border closures showed Australia cannot take international student revenue for granted. Australia also faces ongoing […] … learn more→
China’s universities just grabbed 8 of the top 10 spots in one worldwide science ranking – without changing a thing
University leaders pay close attention to comparative rankings such as those offered by Times Higher Education, ShanghaiRanking Consultancy and others. Rankings influence student matriculation numbers, attract talented faculty and justify donations from wealthy donors. University leaders rail against them, and some schools “withdraw” from them, but rankings are influential. A radical shift in the data underlying rankings is about to upend the […] … learn more→
Africa’s PhDs: study shows how to develop strong graduates who want to make a difference
The challenge for universities is to produce graduates who can work with others to produce knowledge and research that can change institutions and societies for the better. That is the basis on which the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (Carta) began developing an approach to teaching PhDs 12 years ago. The consortium supports faculty members of public […] … learn more→
How going back to the SAT could set back college student diversity
Earlier this year, a number of colleges announced they were going back to using the SAT and the ACT. Here, Joseph Soares, a professor of sociology, expert on higher education and proponent of test-optional admissions, answers a few questions about the rationale behind the colleges’ decision to require applicants to submit scores from standardized college admissions […] … learn more→
Making short films is a powerful way to learn job skills: 5 ways it prepares students for work
The world of work is changing all the time. Technology is driving innovation and productivity, leading to the creation of new industries and employment opportunities. This means people need new skills to meet the demands of an ever-changing economy. While universities can and do equip young people with important skills, tertiary education isn’t available to […] … learn more→
7 careers that require an Undergraduate degree
The job market is constantly changing, making the value of a prestigious undergraduate degree all the more important. Such a coveted degree can be an essential stepping stone for you to pursue lucrative and promising career paths. Moreover, undergraduate degrees offer foundational knowledge and skills that are necessary for your professional growth. For instance, to […] … learn more→
If uni marks are going up, does that mean there’s a problem?
In 1894, Harvard University commissioned a report on grading standards, due to concerns that: Grades A and B are sometimes given too readily – Grade A for work of no very high merit, and Grade B for work not far above mediocrity. More than a century later, the fear of declining academic standards continues. In Australia, there […] … learn more→
Providing health education to adolescents as an FNP
A family nurse practitioner (FNP) plays one of the most vital roles in the healthcare industry. As a result of this and the benefits the career offers, it’s one of the medical careers that many people are considering starting. However, not everyone understands exactly what it is that they do. One of the aspects of […] … learn more→
Can you learn to be an ‘influencer’ at university?
Inés Hernand was one of the presenters of the program that RTVE Play (the internet streaming service of Spanish public radio and television) dedicated to the last Goya gala (Spanish Film Academy awards). His performance was the subject of debate, since Hernand is not a journalist, but rather an influencer on social networks, and therefore was unaware, as […] … learn more→