You know summer is over when you hear “autumn is coming” and “it’s brass monkey weather.” Or at least, you do if you’re British. An American might say “fall’s on its way” or “I’m freezing my tail off.” Either way, both speakers may scratch their heads over the other’s way of speaking. The differences between…
The headlines are alarming: “America’s power grid at risk of buckling this winter” “The U.S. power grid isn’t ready for climate change” “Nation at risk of winter blackouts as power grid remains under strain” While there is legitimate reason for concern about the viability of our national power grid, there are some glimmers of hope…
Because English language learners enter the classroom with different levels of English proficiency, educators often need to adjust instruction to meet students where they are. Teaching strategies such as differentiated instruction, scaffolding, culturally responsive teaching, and ongoing assessment can help students improve in several ways. Building their language skills? Absolutely. Having a better understanding of academic content and participating more…
Why pursue an education in humanities? Contrary to common perceptions that a humanities degree is less practical than a STEM degree, the skills you’ll develop through a humanities education are crucial for navigating the complexities of today’s world. According to the US. Department of Labor, the most desired soft skills include oral and written communication,…
Federal government shutdowns. The words are meant to stoke fear in the average American. They represent a concerning but largely avoidable annual tradition of political brinksmanship between the two major U.S. political parties. Threatening a government shutdown is often used as a negotiation tactic to push the political priorities of a single party, who are…
Political parties play a central role in how American policies are created, debated, and carried out. At their core, each party contains groups of people who share broad viewpoints on major issues and work to turn those ideas into laws. They recruit candidates, organize voters, help the government run, and shape the direction of national…
Imagine stepping onto a factory floor where robotic arms work with laser precision, smart sensors detect issues before they happen, and AI keeps production running without a hitch. This isn’t science fiction. It’s the reality of today’s industrial world. As robots take on risky and time-consuming tasks, they’re not just transforming how we manufacture. They’re…
As hurricane season ramps up, people in affected parts of the country and the world are once again thinking about how to prepare for the prospect of a big storm impacting their lives. GIS systems are central to the efforts public officials, first responders, meteorologists, and others make in managing crisis situations, including hurricanes, earthquakes,…
Stage fright is more common than you might think. Millions of people struggle with public speaking skills, and the fear even has a name: glossophobia. Being asked to speak in front of others can trigger a fight-or-flight response, especially when you feel unprepared or exposed. The good news? Effective public speaking is a learned skill,…
Anyone in a position of power can face ethical dilemmas. Effectively handling these challenges is central to maintaining a career and the respect of your employer—particularly when your employer is the tax-paying public, and you’re spending their money. Here we’ll discuss some of the ethical concerns public administrators may face. We’ll also provide some suggested…