“…if the teacher doesn’t know enough mathematics, she will answer the simple question and shut down the other, more difficult one…”

Source: The Math Revolution The quote I posted here is the most important one from the article above.  That is because, it is not hard to teach teachers; it's hard to stop scoundrels.  Anyway, here is my comment. I'm a retired math professor. … [Continue reading]

Chicago Professor Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation

The resignation of Jason Lieb, a prominent molecular biologist, comes amid complaints about how universities handle sexual harassment in their science departments. Source: Chicago Professor Resigns Amid Sexual Misconduct Investigation … [Continue reading]

What a Million Syllabuses Can Teach Us – The New York Times (And What Experience Cautions Us)

New insights about teaching, publishing and intellectual history. Source: What a Million Syllabuses Can Teach Us - The New York Times This Times Op-Ed contains a link to a website with informative data on syllabuses.  The piece explains the … [Continue reading]

Tenured Professor Confused By Negative Cube Roots?

I received this comment on a previous post.  I thought it important enough to make it a post. "I routinely deal with college-level mathematics faculty that often have serious trouble with simple high-school mathematics. For example. I once had to … [Continue reading]

Learning About Universities Emotional Grip By Using Frank Bruni As an Example

A new report suggests that we’re on the cusp of important, necessary changes in the way colleges evaluate applicants. Source: Rethinking College Admissions - The New York Times I promised I would have another comment. Here it is. As a former … [Continue reading]

Frank Bruni of The New York Times Was Getting It But Now He May Be Slipping

A new report suggests that we’re on the cusp of important, necessary changes in the way colleges evaluate applicants. Source: Rethinking College Admissions - The New York Times Above it the link to his recent column.  Here is what I wrote. (I … [Continue reading]

Teach Your Teachers Well – The New York Times Great Idea, But is it Just Talk?

How­ adults learn defines how children learn. Source: Teach Your Teachers Well - The New York Times I'm a former math professor. From all that I've seen, few colleges are even trying to teach teachers "well". Let me explain what really … [Continue reading]

The Counterfeit High School Diploma – The New York Times (Do They See the Connection?)

Most states still have weak curriculums and graduation requirements that make high school diplomas useless. Source: The Counterfeit High School Diploma - The New York Times I tried to point out the connection. As a former math professor, I am … [Continue reading]

USA Today Editorial Notes the Tip of the Iceberg

In their lavish facilities, schools show there isn't much student in student-athlete. Source: College (Wretched Excess) Bowl: Our view I commented. College behavior is far worse than what is described here. I know. I am a former math professor … [Continue reading]