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Commentaries on Education

What the REF 2021 Impact Case Studies Can Reveal About UK Research
A new study on the Research Excellence Framework 2021 impact case studies demonstrates the rich and varied impacts of UK research, and the extensive contribution of UK institutions and the academic community both nationally and globally.
15 Nov 2023
Isn't It Obvious? Why Making the Case for Big Research Infrastructure Is Important
Large-scale research infrastructure is enormously expensive. Is the real impact and value of major investment in research facilities worth the cost?
20 Oct 2023
Educating Academics Will Ease UK Universities' Foreign Influence Crisis
Tackling China's quest for foreign technologies is tough. China exploits the very principles—openness, freedom, collaboration—that have fostered scientific breakthroughs to acquire foreign technologies. This makes it difficult to intervene without damaging these values in the process.
19 Oct 2023
Early Years Education Reform: Could Life Chances for Children in England Be Significantly Improved?
To ensure equal access to high-quality early years provision in England, it is crucial to learn from successful systems worldwide and implement key recommendations. Prioritizing highly qualified staff, maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios, and removing barriers for disadvantaged families are essential steps toward achieving this goal.
18 Jul 2023
New Legislation May Not Be Enough to Counter Chinese Interference in British Universities
There is alarming evidence of growing Chinese espionage and influence in UK universities that could threaten UK national security and academic freedoms. Three complementary initiatives could increase university researchers' awareness of the potential risks of collaborating with certain Chinese partners.
08 Jul 2022
The Economic Returns of Foreign Language Learning
If just 10 percent more students in the United Kingdom mastered Arabic, Mandarin, French, or Spanish, the economic returns could be measured in billions of British pounds. Removing the language barrier reduces trade costs.
07 Jul 2022
The Five Common Myths About Inclusive Education
Rising levels of social inequality and diversity in Europe have made social inclusion a priority for the European Union. But it remains a challenge to ensure access to quality early childhood education and care, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
23 Jun 2020
Digital Learning Needs to Benefit All Children When Schools Close
Three factors are essential for any digital learning method. First, it must be inclusive. Second, it should support the learning experience, not replace it. And third, evidence of what works should inform digital learning interventions.
04 May 2020
Early childhood services across EU member states still fall short
Large differences exist between EU countries in access to early child education and the quality of child care. Bridging the gap would require more efforts at the EU and national levels to guarantee that each child has access to services that will have lasting effects on their development.
10 Oct 2019
The Potential for Early Years Programmes to Close the Disadvantage Gap Is Under-Examined
Many schools are looking to close the disadvantage gap in their communities, but they need more evidence about what actually works. Research that helps policymakers and practitioners understand how early years interventions can promote equity and close the disadvantage gap is needed.
12 Oct 2018
How Early Childhood Education and Care Can Help to Tackle the Impact of Childhood Disadvantage
Disadvantaged children underperform educationally partly because on average they experience more risk factors. Interventions to address multiple causes of underperformance for disadvantaged children may have a better chance of success. The calibre of early childhood education and care professionals also likely matters.
20 Aug 2018