Education

I’ve written five New York Times bestsellers and read thousands of books. Along the way, I’ve learned a few things about how reading actually works. Here are four pieces of advice that will make you a better reader. First, torture your books. Crack the spine. Underline. Write in the margins. Books are not precious objects. They are tools for thinking. The more you engage, the more you remember. Second, become a quitter. If a book is not working for you, stop. It is not your responsibility to push through. It is the author’s responsibility to keep you engaged. A useful rule of thumb: 100 minus your age equals the number of pages you should give a book before walking away. Third, build a second brain. Keep your highlights and notes in one place. Notion, Google Docs, or whatever system you trust. Export your Kindle highlights. Capture your margin notes. Later, those ideas become reusable raw material. Fourth, become a T-shaped reader. Go deep in your field. But also read widely outside it. Psychology, art, history, poetry, even comics. Depth without breadth narrows you. Breadth without depth thins you. The goal is both. If you do these four things, you will not just read more. You will remember more. I share a few more tips in a recent I did: https://lnkd.in/gMpWSKd3

Curt Cignetti will soon sign a new contract with Indiana that pays him at least $12.5 million per year. But after digging into the numbers, Cignetti might still be the most undervalued coach in college football (and not for the reason you might think). We all know what Cignetti has done at IU is remarkable — he turned a perennial cellar-dweller into the national championship favorite just two years after his arrival. This has transformed IU's athletic department: • Before the 2025 season even kicked off, ticket revenue for IU football surpassed $13 million. • Indiana announced a $50 million stadium naming rights deal with Merchants Bank. • Fundraising hit a record high, with billionaire IU alum Mark Cuban donating to the athletic department for the first time. But that’s the obvious stuff; Cignetti’s real impact comes in the admissions office. IU’s football team is essentially a marketing vehicle for the university — 24 million people watched them win the Rose Bowl, 18 million watched them win the Big Ten Championship, and when College Gameday visited campus, more than 2 million people watched a three-hour commercial about the school. This exposure is worth hundreds of millions of dollars and is already impacting Indiana’s finances. In 2025 alone, Indiana University set school records for total enrollment (48,626 students), freshman class size (10,127), first-year out-of-state students (4,697), and applications (73,400). Indiana University Applicants • 2020-21: 46,623 • 2021-22: 50,159 • 2022-23: 54,345 • 2023-24: 67,731 • 2024-25: 73,400 Because IU can only admit so many students, it uses excess demand to 1) shift enrollment toward out-of-state students and 2) become more selective academically. Out-of-state students now account for roughly 50% of total enrollment, with 4,697 new non-residents admitted in 2025 — about 500 more than IU’s previous record. That matters because out-of-state students pay $30,000 more per year in tuition — $12,000 for residents versus $42,000 for non-residents. 500 new out-of-state students x $30,000 tuition difference ––––––––– = $15 million annually Over four years, those students are worth $60 million more than in-state students. And since football success attracts more applicants, IU can raise its academic bar. Indiana’s Fall 2025 class had a median high school GPA of 3.94 — the highest in school history. This creates a virtuous cycle. Better sports → more applicants → better students → higher rankings → even more applicants and higher tuition revenue. This is exactly what happened at Alabama with Nick Saban, and it’s why Indiana is comfortable giving Cignetti new contracts every year. P.S. If you enjoyed this breakdown, join 135,000 others who learn about the business and money behind sports by reading my 3x weekly newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dF2E-Qc2 #sports #sportsbiz

500 students share one computer in Niger. Yet they're conducting advanced physics experiments that students at elite schools can't access. The secret? WebAR turning basic smartphones into portable STEM labs. Think about that. In Sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 10% of schools have internet. Student-to-computer ratios hit 500:1. Yet mobile subscriptions jumped from single digits to 80% in a decade. Students already carry the infrastructure—we just weren't using it right. Traditional EdTech Reality: ↳ VR headsets: $300+ per student ↳ Heavy apps requiring 5G speeds ↳ Labs costing millions to build ↳ Rural schools: permanently excluded The WebAR Revolution: ↳ Runs in any browser, optimized for 3G ↳ No app store, minimal storage ↳ Science scores improving 10-15% ↳ Every smartphone becomes a laboratory But here's what grabbed me: A physics teacher in rural South Africa has one broken oscilloscope. No budget. Her students scan printed markers, and electromagnetic fields pulse across their desks. They run experiments infinitely—no equipment damaged, no reagents consumed. One student told her: "Engineering is for people like me now. The lab fits in my pocket." What changes everything: ↳ Mobile-first matches actual connectivity ↳ Browser-based works offline ↳ Teachers need training, not new buildings ↳ Inequality becomes irrelevant The Multiplication Effect: 1 teacher with markers = 30 students experimenting 10 schools sharing content = communities transformed 100 districts adopting = educational equality emerging At scale = STEM education without infrastructure gaps We spent decades waiting for labs that won't arrive. Now any browser becomes one. Because when a student in rural Africa explores the same 3D molecules as someone at MIT—using the phone already in their pocket—you realize: WebAR isn't shiny technology. It's a quiet equaliser making world-class STEM education fit into 3G connections and $50 phones. Follow me, Dr. Martha Boeckenfeld for innovations where accessibility drives transformation. ♻️ Share if you believe quality education shouldn't require perfect infrastructure.

Ever wake up just before your alarm? It might not be a coincidence… It turns out, our brains have a natural way of keeping track of time, an inborn “clock” mechanism, which is synchronised to light in our environment. It’s got the coolest name for such a tiny brain region: the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) - literally, the group of cells (nucleus) above (supra) the optic chiasm (crossing). The SCN is essentially your brain’s “master clock” because it is responsible for coordinating our circadian rhythms. Light-sensitive cells in your eyes send signals to the SCN, which regulates melatonin - a hormone that makes us sleepy - via the pineal gland. Our species evolved to be diurnal, being active in the day and sleeping at night. As a result, daylight inhibits melatonin release, making us more alert. At night, the lack of light promotes melatonin release, making us sleepy. This is why for better sleep hygiene, experts often recommend limiting exposure to electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime. The light from electronic devices can shift your body clock and this gets aggravated by heightened anxiety associated with doom scrolling -- neither of which helps your sleep. Want to support your brain’s internal clock? A few simple habits can make a big difference: 👉 Get natural sunlight in the morning. This helps reset your body clock. 👉 Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends. 👉 Limit screens at least an hour before bed. 👉 Keep your bedroom dark and cool to promote better sleep. BTW, in teenagers melatonin starts to be produced later at night, which is why many teenagers don’t feel sleepy until much later in the evening. It’s also the reason they struggle to get up in the morning. For teens, going to school early is a bit like forcing them into a different time zone during the week and only letting them reset on weekends. When your teenager sleeps in on the weekends, bear in mind they are dealing with a genuine biological change in their circadian rhythm during the teenage years. So when you wake right before your alarm, blame (or credit!) your suprachiasmatic nucleus for being such a good time keeper! Understanding our biology helps us work with our natural rhythms rather than against them. How do you optimize your daily schedule around your circadian patterns?

🥦Spain is leading the way on healthy sustainable school food 🇪🇸 In 2022 Spain updated its dietary guidelines to be more in line with the latest science on healthy sustainable diets (EAT-Lancet Planetary Health Diet). Now they are pioneering implementation -- having just passed a new royal decree on school food that brings what is served in line with NDG recommendations. The aim of this decree is for all children, regardless of family income level, to have access to healthy, nutritious meals at school. 🌟Highlights 🥩Meat to be served maximum three times a week. Red meat maximum once a week, processed meats maximum twice a month 🍇Focus on local, seasonal food -- 45% fruit and veg served must be in season 🫘Ramping up legumes -- to be served 1-2 times a week minimum in a variety of ways including as primary protein source in a main, or as part of a starter or side dish. Only 14% of schools currently serve legumes once a week 🚫Limits on processed foods -- pre-prepared options like pizzas, empanadillas, and croquetas can only be served once a month, and sugar-sweetened beverages, energy drinks and processed snacks will be banned from vending machines and school cafes 🍆Fully plant-based menus available for children who want them ⏰The new decree comes into effect next term, in all 17.000 Spanish schools (primary and secondary, public and private) This is an amazing step forwards, and I'm excited to see healthy sustainable food in Spanish school canteens. To ensure the policy vision becomes a reality on the 'school floor', compliance monitoring and enforcement will be key, as well as securing catering suppliers who are able to rapidly meet these new needs. Photo credit: Manu Garcia, La voz del sur. #foodpolicy #schoolfood #healthydiets #sustainablediets #publichealth #spain

A few years ago, I was in a high stakes meeting with colleagues from Japan. I presented my points confidently, thinking I was making a great impression. But as I scanned the room, I saw blank expressions. No nods. No engagement. Just silence. I panicked. Had I said something wrong? Was my idea unconvincing? After the meeting, one of my Japanese colleagues pulled me aside and said, “Sumit, we really want to understand you, but you speak too fast.” That was my light bulb moment. For years, I assumed that mastering English and business communication was enough to build strong global relationships. But the real challenge wasn’t just the language - it was the rate of speech! Most of us don’t realize that speaking speed varies drastically across cultures. Here’s an eye-opener: ·      In India, we typically speak at 120–150 words per minute. ·      The global standard for clear communication is around 60–80 words per minute. ·      In Japan, where English is not the first language, this rate drops even further. So, what happens when we, as fast speakers, communicate with someone who is used to a much slower pace? Our words blur together. The listener struggles to process. And instead of making an impact, we create confusion. We often assume that if people don’t understand us, we need to repeat ourselves. But the truth is, we don’t need to repeat - we need to slow down, simplify, and pause. If you work in a multicultural environment, here are three things that can dramatically improve your communication: a.   Control your pace: Consciously slow down when speaking to an international audience. What feels “normal” to you might be too fast for them. b.   Use simple language: Smaller sentences. Easier words (vocabulary). c.    Pause & check for understanding: Don’t assume silence means agreement. Ask, “Does that make sense?” or “Would you like me to clarify anything?” I’ve seen professionals struggle in global roles - not because they lack expertise, but because they fail to adjust their communication style to their audience. I’ve also seen leaders who thrive across cultures, simply because they master the art of respectful, clear, and paced communication. If you want to succeed in a global workplace, rate of speech is not just a skill - it’s a strategy. Have you ever faced challenges due to differences in speaking speed? Let’s discuss. #GlobalCommunication #CrossCulturalLeadership #EffectiveCommunication #SoftSkills #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceSuccess #HR

Louder for the people at the back 🎤 Many organisations today seem to have shifted from being institutions that develop great talent to those that primarily seek ready-made talent. This trend overlooks the immense value of individuals who, despite lacking experience, possess a great attitude, commitment, and a team-oriented mindset. These qualities often outweigh the drawbacks of hiring experienced individuals with a fixed and toxic mindset. The best organisations attract talent with their best years ahead of them, focusing on potential rather than past achievements. Let’s be clear this is more about mindset and willingness to learn and unlearn as apposed to age. To realise the incredible potential return, organisations must commit to creating an environment where continuous development is possible. This requires a multi-faceted approach: 1. Robust Training Programmes: Employers should invest in comprehensive training programmes that equip employees with the necessary skills for their roles. This includes on-the-job training, mentorship programmes, online courses, and workshops. 2. Redefining Hiring Criteria: Organisations should revise their hiring criteria to focus more on candidates’ potential and willingness to learn rather than solely on prior experience or formal qualifications. Behavioural interviews, aptitude tests, and probationary periods can help assess a candidate's ability to learn and adapt. 3. Partnerships with Educational Institutions: Companies can collaborate with educational institutions to design curricula that align with industry needs. Apprenticeship programmes, internships, and cooperative education can bridge the gap between academic learning and practical job skills. 4. Lifelong Learning Culture: Encouraging a culture of lifelong learning within organisations is crucial. Employers should provide ongoing education opportunities and support for professional development. This includes continuous skills assessment and access to resources for upskilling and reskilling. 5. Inclusive Recruitment Practices: Employers should implement inclusive recruitment practices that remove biases and barriers. Blind recruitment, diversity quotas, and targeted outreach programmes can help ensure that diverse candidates are given a fair chance. By implementing these measures, organisations can develop a workforce that is adaptable, innovative, and resilient, ensuring sustainable success and growth.

More than half of academics come from the 20% richest families, whereas only 5% come from the poorest 20%. But how about their academic productivity? A new study finds that, whereas there are "no differences in the average number of publications, academics from poorer backgrounds are both more likely to not publish and to have outstanding publication records." "These findings suggest that academics from lower socio-economic backgrounds are more likely to pursue research agendas off the beaten path, which may result in scientific breakthroughs but also in a higher failure rate" The study also examines peer recognition, finding that even though "academics from poorer backgrounds introduce more novel scientific concepts, [they] are less likely to receive recognition, as measured by citations, Nobel Prize nominations, and awards." Two other findings: 🔹"socio-economic composition of academics has remained remarkably stable over seven decades," 🔹"representation from lower socio-economic backgrounds is higher in disciplines with a stronger emphasis on quantitative relative to verbal skills." "While around 60% of academics in the humanities come from the top quintile of the parental income distribution, around 40% of academics in mathematics and economics come from the top quintile." Read the full study here: Climbing the Ivory Tower: How Socio-Economic Background Shapes Academia https://lnkd.in/eeJsryQw by Ran Abramitzky, Lena Greska, Santiago Pérez, Joseph Price, Carlo Schwarz, and Fabian Waldinger The study looks at US academics. Would be very interesting to know whether the situation in other parts of the world is (much) different.

Montana, Maine, Alaska, Nevada, and Michigan recently joined the growing number of states with official AI guidance for K12—bringing us to 31 states and 1 U.S. territory. Common priority areas across these new state guidelines include: • Human-Centered Approach - Ensuring AI augments rather than replaces human capabilities, judgment, and decision-making, with educators remaining central to instruction • Data Privacy and Security - Protecting student data and ensuring FERPA, COPPA, and state laws • Ethical Use and Academic Integrity - Establishing clear policies on plagiarism, proper attribution of AI-generated content, and responsible use practices • Professional Development - Encouraging districts to prioritize professional learning for educators on AI tools, pedagogy, and classroom integration strategies • Transparency and Accountability - Communicating clearly with stakeholders about AI use, disclosing when AI is employed, and establishing responsibility for tool selection and outcomes • Equity and Fair Access - Ensuring all students and schools have access to AI technologies, preventing widening of the digital divide • Policy Development and Governance - Creating board-approved guidelines, acceptable use policies, and frameworks for ongoing evaluation and continuous improvement Notably, Maine and Nevada also include AI for Education resources like our Drafting a GenAI Academic Policy and AI in Education 101 for Parents guide. This state-level policy development reflects the need and activity already happening at the district level, with recent research showing that 68% of districts have purchased an AI-related tool. We're also hearing from partners that it serves as a catalyst where state guidance exists—motivating districts and schools to begin their own local AI policy development. For those who want to learn more, we’ve compiled all of the current state level guidance for K12 in a single resource which includes summaries and links for each individual state. There you can also find all of the AI for Education resources shared as part of various state level guidance, including: • Drafting a GenAI Academic Policy at Your School • AI in Education 101 for Parents • Top 5 Questions for GenAI EdTech Providers • An Essential Guide to AI for Educators (free course) • Prompt Framework for Educators: The Five "S" Model • Prompt Library for Educators • How to Use AI Responsibly EVERY Time • AI Adoption Roadmap for Education Institutions Link in the comments!

Today, I want to share an incredible story that shows how the right kind of partnerships can be a game-changer in making a real difference. Vipla Foundation was set up by Mana’s mom in 1988, & ever since, Mana, Athiya, Ahan & I have remained closely involved in their mission of enriching the lives of underprivileged children & women. Their partners, Educo ONG are a global NGO with presence in 14 countries, they do some phenomenal work for the well-being & rights of children, especially the right to receive a quality education. This isn’t about endorsing Vipla or Educo, but rather about the magic that unfolds when the right kind of collaboration comes into play. Imagine this - two organisations with a shared vision of making a positive impact by ensuring every child in India has the opportunity to learn, grow & flourish. As partners since 2014, they’ve impacted the lives of over 500,000 beneficiaries through childhood care, education, inclusion & women empowerment through skilling. They’re transforming government schools, empowering teachers & bridging learning gaps through innovation & building communities that work with a sense of ownership in the education process. The kind of work that organisations like Vipla do, make them special. What gives their ambitions wings, are the right kind of partners. In that sense, Educo is just that. That’s the thing about forging new partnerships. If it’s done right, with the right people & at the right time, it can work like magic. If the fundamentals aren’t right, it’s not going get you what you want. Through my experiences, I’ve learned to look out for the following when I’m partnering with someone, Common purpose - When there’s a shared vision, sparks fly! It’s the only way to set the stage for extraordinary impact! Complementary expertise - Solo heroes may work in the films, not in real life. Find partners who can make up for your weaknesses & complement your strengths. Flexibility - Life always throws the odd bouncer at us. As partners, everyone needs to have the ability to adapt. Long-term commitment - Nothing good happens overnight. Vipla & Educo nurtured this partnership over a decade & their patience is paying off big time! Mutual empowerment - Just like your life partner, partners at work should be able to raise each other’s games. Partners thrive when there's mutual empowerment & trust. Measurable impact - Numbers don't lie! While you can enjoy working together with a shared vision, truth is the outcome should be measurable. In a world where collaboration is the new cool, I love giving the example of Vipla & Educo, who by working together have become architects of a brighter future! So, next time you're partnering with someone, tying up with an agency or a vendor, building a company or finding the right co-founder, remember to do it with the right people for the right reasons. #CollaborationForChange #SocialImpact #ChildRights #EducationMatters