Tadween Roundup: News and Analysis from the Publishing/Academic World

Tadween Publishing brings you the latest news and analysis from the publishing and academic worlds that relates to pedagogy and knowledge production.

How University Admissions Distorts Some Arab Societies
By Elizabeth Buckner (Al Fanar)

Elizabeth Buckner takes a look at the current admissions process for many universities across the Arab world. Buckner argues that youth must be given more flexibility in the decision making process over what they want to study, in order for Arab higher education to fulfill the needs of society and the economy.

Why High Schools Should Treat Computer Programming Like Algebra
By Jordan Weissmann (The Atlantic)

The Atlantic hosted its third annual Technologies in Education forum on 15 May 2013, which examined how new policies and technology are affecting education. Jordan Weissmann presents a roundup of the forum’s ideas and conclusions, stating, among other things, that there is a greater necessity for better education based in technology and teaching styles that adapt to each student’s needs.

The Real Costs of Self-Publishing a Book
By Miral Sattar (Mediashift/PBS)

The allure of self-publishing a book is increasing as the idea becomes more popular; however, as enticing as the idea may be, one cannot forget about cost. Miral Sattar does an excellent job of breaking down the cost for how much it would take to publish a high quality book on your own, from cover to cover.

Elite Journals: to hell in a handbasket?
By Hadas Shema (Scientific American)

Hadas Shema examines a new study that looks into the influence of “elite” journals and emerging journals, based on how many times each has been cited. The study suggests that elite journals are not necessarily dying out, but the hierarchy of journals might be changing.

Google Play for Education could kill the iPad in Schools
By Meghan Kelly (VentureBeat)

Google is trying to tap into the education market with Google Play for Education. By using android tablets, students and teachers can interact and create new education programs and exercises with a store full of Google apps. The only downside to this new venture is the cost it would take to put tablets into the hands of each student in a classroom.

Education reform’s next big thing: Common Core Standards ramp up
By Amanda Paulson (Times Higher Education)

Common Core standards have been adopted by K-12 schools in 45 states across the US, and some are touting it as one of the most promising education reforms in decades. But is the plan moving too quickly?

We’re Doing a Lousy Job of Getting Poor Kids to College
By Kayla Webley (TIME)

Despite government programs that promise to help fund education for low-income children, the picture for most remains bleak. Kayla Webley takes a look at the numbers and examines how well the United States is doing at giving an education to underprivileged youth.