In June, the European Union published the first report from its high-level group on the modernization of higher education, which was chaired by the former president of Ireland, Mary McAleese. Titled Report to the European Commission on Improving the Quality of Teaching and Learning in Europe’s Higher Education Institutions, it has three key points. First, the prioritization of research over teaching and learning, which has led to research being interpreted as the defining characteristic of academic excellence, needs a “sound rebalancing.” Second, given the importance of teaching, faculty members require training to teach at a “high professional standard.” And third, all higher-education institutions should embrace teaching as a core mission to “enable people to learn.” Read more...
Demagogues and Prophets
By George David Clark. Last week a few of my creative-writing students visited me during office hours to ask what they should write. It wasn’t that they needed an assignment clarified, but rather that with a major project looming they wanted me to direct them in some way that would guarantee success. Though we have studied various models in class, they recognize the risks inherent in their choices and some would prefer I select for them. Like most teachers in the humanities I am met with versions of this request fairly regularly. A week from now my sophomores will realize their first significant essay is approaching and I’ll be fielding similar (if slightly more desperate) questions from them. More...


