News in Brief
The latest news and opinions in higher education.
Life Expectancy in Adulthood Is Falling for Those Without a BA degree, but as Educational Gaps Have Widened, Racial Gaps Have Narrowed
According to a new study, those who earn a bachelor’s degree have life expectancies an average of three years longer than those who don’t. Researchers analyzed data for people ages 25-84 between 1990 and 2018, controlling for factors beyond “old age.” Meanwhile, racial mortality gaps are narrowing. (Proceeding of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America)
10 Habits to Humanize Online Classrooms
“Antiracist pedagogy itself is grounded in the work of humanizing,” Amaarah DeCuir writes. DeCuir has developed 10 habits to humanize the classroom and embody antiracist pedagogy, including acknowledging the historical and ongoing impacts of systemic racism, checking in on people’s lived realities, and addressing contemporary issues. (Inside Higher Ed)
It’s Time to Rethink Higher Education
Brian Rosenberg wonders how far colleges are willing to go to mitigate the current crisis and challenge assumptions. He suggests beginning with the question of higher education’s impact on society, opining that it should lead to a equitability, innovation, and economic security. For example, he envisions reorganizing majors such that the courses are interrelated with other disciplines to better prepare students to grapple with real-world problems. (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
COVID-Era College: Are Students Satisfied?
A Student Voice survey finds that students are ambivalent about the return to campus and college as a whole. For example, nearly one-third of surveyed students say they “never want to take another class via Zoom,” and 80% are struggling with motivation to complete coursework or attend classes. Meanwhile, nearly half say they spend more time studying or working on assignments, (Inside Higher Ed)
Accessibility in a COVID-19 World
As a disability services professional, Kam Williams knows that weathering the pandemic requires flexibility. Before COVID-19, she writes, students with disabilities already faced barriers to access and equity, adding that institutions will need to continue offering flexible online learning formats to ensure inclusivity. Meanwhile, according to Williams, faculty must also take students’ individual needs into account when making recommendations and accommodations. (The EvoLLLution)
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