Volume 1, Issue 22
by Michael Wagner
Knowledge Pilot, Launch Global Education
The role that universities and colleges play in the world are vast and complex. The articles in this week’s Odyssey Newsletter feature ways that higher education affects local communities and the environment. We also look at how higher education has been affected globally in the last few years. Global trends have local implications. Enjoy the articles.
Discoveries
Universities and socially responsibility
Higher education’s emphasis on social responsibility is growing, especially in the areas of climate change and our environmental impact. The University Social Responsibility Network (USR Network) will host its Summit 2022 virtually on November 16th – 18th through Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Brendan O’Malley of University World News interviewed Professor Robert Hollister, senior adviser to the USR Network, about the upcoming event.
University social responsibility and the SDGs
Professor fired for being too hard
A college course, Organic Chemistry, taught at New York University (NYU) by Professor Maitland Jones was considered too difficult by a group of 80 students who signed and forwarded a petition to the university. NYU ultimately terminated the professor, causing quite a stir in the world of academia. Coral Murphy Marcos of The Guardian explains the unusual situation and what it means for higher education.
New York University professor fired after students say his class was too hard
Chinese students eye Hong Kong
Prior to the pandemic Chinese students’ interest in attending college in the United States was quite strong. Once the pandemic hit, Chinese students returned home and those in China stayed put. Now that the world is reopening, application data points to a new trend as Chinese students are applying and enrolling in universities in Hong Kong in record numbers. Yojana Sharma reports for University World News.
Mainland China students shun the West, turn to Hong Kong
Standardized test scores decline
Many have wondered how much the pandemic would affect education long-term. One way to determine the outcome are results on standardized testing. This week, the ACT released its most recent data on standardized testing results post-pandemic. Associated Press correspondent Cheyanne Mumphrey outlines the concerning results.
ACT test scores drop to lowest in 30 years in pandemic slide
The impact of colleges on communities
A more educated adult population impacts the success of a community. With a growing labor market looking for more qualified employees, it is vital that employers have access to applicants who are educated for today’s jobs. Liann Herder, reporter for Diverse Issues in Higher Education, explores the role colleges must have in improving the communities they serve.
How colleges can change the country by supporting their communitiesTip of the week
Focus to finish strong
Students may find themselves in a lull right now as the school year is in full swing. However, it is very important for students to recharge their learning batteries and remain focused on their academics. For many it is already the halfway point of the first term, a good time to review how they are performing.
It is also a great time for students to reflect on the positives and strategize on those areas that may need a little extra attention. This may include meeting with teachers, seeking formal or peer tutoring, and using online resources such as Khan Academy for additional support.
Now is the time to recharge and focus on successful outcomes while there is still plenty of time for improvement.
Before you go...
The beauty of the transition from summer to fall
There is a magic that occurs when seasons begin to change and the transition from summer to fall is arguably the best. CBS Sunday Morning videographer Doug Jensen captures the beauty during this time of year in Yellowstone National Park. Enjoy.
Nature: Elk at Yellowstone
I would like to wish all of you a great week ahead. I hope that the articles addressed this week help you reflect on what is happening in higher education. As we come out of the pandemic, we need to examine data, such the ACT standardized testing results, to establish a baseline of where learning is now.
As always, we appreciate your support of the Odyssey Newsletter and encourage you to share it with others that have the same interests in trends of higher education.
Take care,
Mr. Mike