The Driving Force Behind China's Ambitious 'Belt and Road Initiative'
By committing trillions of dollars to infrastructure projects across 60 countries, China could transform the lagging economies of the region and place itself in the enviable position of being Asia's true pivot. But the new Silk Road blueprint presents risks as well as benefits.
May 30, 2017 U.S. News & World Report
Is College Worth the Expense? Yes, It Is
Many American students struggle with the soaring cost of higher education. And for many college students, debt can have severe negative implications. But on balance, the benefits of a college degree appear to outweigh the costs.
May 22, 2017 Inside Sources
Could the Kashmir Standoff Trigger Nuclear War?
Militants trained in Pakistan have been raiding the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir for over a quarter of a century, but the recent attack was the deadliest in years. A short-term return to peace remains uncertain and the longer term is even harder to predict.
Oct 10, 2016 Newsweek
Judgment on the South China Sea: What's Next?
On July 12, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in favor of the Philippines' claims to maritime entitlements in the South China Sea. How China reacts could have far-reaching consequences for all nations that depend on a peaceful and integrated Southeast Asia.
Jul 22, 2016 U.S. News & World Report
Integrating STEM Learning in Early Childhood Education
Young children can understand concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and early development of STEM skills seems to support learning later in life. But an effective teaching system is needed before STEM learning can be fully integrated into early childhood education.
Jun 19, 2016 U.S. News & World Report
Aging in Asia: Can the 'Tigers' Continue to Roar?
Changing demographics will force Japan and the “Asian Tigers” — Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan — to find ways to remain economically dynamic while increasingly looking after their elderly. How might public policy help accomplish this?
Jun 16, 2015 The RAND Blog
In Sri Lanka, Elections Could Signal New Opportunities
With the inauguration of President Maithripala Sirisena in Sri Lanka, both the United States and India have an opportunity to influence reconciliation between the country's Tamils and Sinhalese. But if that influence is used unwisely, the result may be the same sort of aggressive Sinhalese nationalism that propelled Mahinda Rajapaksa to power a decade ago.
Jan 27, 2015 The Epoch Times
College Ratings and Affordable Education
There are reasons to believe American students from the middle- and lower-income tiers aren't making affordable college choices. Can a new ratings system help them make better, more affordable decisions?
Dec 24, 2014 The RAND Blog
Helping Teachers Overcome Technology Barriers in Early Childhood Education
When it comes to helping children appreciate the benefits of using technology in a classroom setting, early childhood education providers play a critical role integrating that technology appropriately, intentionally, and productively. But these educators face myriad barriers to fulfilling these roles.
Nov 21, 2014 The RAND Blog
Access to Technology Is Key to Early Childhood Education
For children from all income classes to benefit from the proper use of technology in early childhood education, providers, families, and children themselves must have access to an adequate technology infrastructure, including devices, connectivity, and software.
Nov 4, 2014 The RAND Blog
The Role of Technology in the Lives of Children
On a typical day, children ages 3-5 spend an average of four hours with technology, and technology use is increasing among children of all ages. Debates about the role of technology in early childhood education are ongoing, with some providers, parents, and others yet to be convinced of its potential benefits.
Oct 10, 2014
India Votes — and What It Might Mean for the United States
If elected, Modi could turn out to be the politician that India's Congress accuses him of being, focusing on an internal agenda that discourages foreign engagement. The U.S. would no doubt prefer that he follow the economic course he charted in Gujarat.
May 5, 2014 GlobalSecurity.org and The RAND Blog
Instead of Promoting STEM Education Indiscriminately, Try This
With all the evidence demonstrating the importance of STEM education for success in the 21st century, well-intentioned policymakers may be tempted to indiscriminately promote all STEM curricula, across all levels of education. But unpacking what STEM really means reveals the need for a more nuanced approach.
Mar 31, 2014 The RAND Blog
Four Issues That RUSA's Plans for Research Universities Ought To Address
The Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan, or National Higher Education Mission, is the key implementing initiative of the Indian government's 12th Five Year Plan for higher education. It promotes three policy priorities in higher education — equity, expansion, and excellence.
Mar 18, 2014 EduTech Magazine
What to Make of P-TECH Schools
There is no doubting the viability of STEM skills in the 21st century job market and the long-term benefits of going to college. But the P-TECH program could be promising for two reasons that have nothing to do with technology.
Feb 21, 2014 The RAND Blog
India Embraces MOOCs, but What if It Is a 'Lousy Product'?
One hundred engineering colleges around India will rely heavily on virtual instruction under a new program. Given the amount India is investing, it is important to make the best possible use of the complex and evolving Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) model.
Jan 8, 2014 Business Standard
Making Colleges More Affordable
President Obama has released a plan to make colleges more affordable for the middle class. The plan calls for linking federal student aid to college performance, capping student loans at 10% of income, and incentivizing innovative instructional approaches to cut costs and improve quality.
Aug 26, 2013 The RAND Blog
The Cost of Higher Education: The Big Picture
According to Secretary of Education Arnie Duncan, tuition is becoming less affordable because institutions are not performance-oriented and thus do not use their funding wisely. But would a more efficient system really bring measurable reductions in tuition costs?
Jul 12, 2013 The RAND Blog
Increase Funds for Quality
In India, perhaps if the funds that are needed are put in with the help of philanthropists like Shiv Nadar, Azim Premji or Rajendra Pawar, it may be possible to build world class universities, writes Rafiq Dossani.
Apr 15, 2013 EduTech Magazine
