The World's Best Book Summaries
What is the purpose of college? Is it to educate students or to generate profits? In Excellent Sheep, author and former Yale professor William Deresiewicz makes the case that elite U.S. colleges and universities prioritize profits over education. They have prestige, but they don’t provide the high-quality education you’d expect. Keep reading to understand Deresiewicz’s argument.
Should college students choose a career-oriented program or a major they enjoy more? What kind of mindset will help them succeed? In Excellent Sheep, author and former Yale professor William Deresiewicz argues that college students can actively create a high-quality education for themselves. He recommends that they connect with inspiring professors, follow their interests, and expect and embrace failure. Continue reading to learn about these three tips for college students.
Who has access to college in America? How might that access be expanded? In Excellent Sheep, author and former Yale professor William Deresiewicz makes the case that elite colleges and universities in the U.S. are selective to the point of detriment. He explains how the government, schools, and parents can collectively overhaul U.S. higher education to alleviate the problem. Continue reading to learn Deresiewicz’s proposed solution.
Why should you choose a liberal arts education rather than a program that emphasizes career development? How is it advantageous both to you as an individual and to society as a whole? William Deresciewicz believes that a college education should benefit both students and society. He contends that the ideal education is a liberal arts program that cultivates students’ self-insight and gives them the skills to uphold democracy. Read more to learn about the benefits of a liberal arts education, according to Deresciewicz.
What is active learning? How can you make your students more engaged in the learning process? An active-learning method is where students engage with the material in a meaningful way as opposed to passively memorizing information. When you take on the role of an educator, it’s important to make active learning central to how you educate others so they can be open to new ideas. Here’s why it’s important to encourage active learning as opposed to rote memorization.
Why do so many students feel pressured to be perfect? Are they competing for what matters most? Admissions criteria at elite U.S. schools are so selective that they harm students. In Excellent Sheep, William Deresiewicz argues that highly-selective college admissions criteria put certain pressures on prospective students and enrolled students. The harm even extends past graduation. Keep reading to learn about these pressures on students.
Why are some college admissions criteria so narrow? Why do elite schools keep their acceptance rates so low? Elite colleges and universities in the U.S. typically accept less than 10% of applicants. In Excellent Sheep, author and former Yale professor William Deresiewicz makes the case that these institutions are so selective that they actually harm students and society. Keep reading for Deresiewicz’s explanation of why elite schools’ admissions criteria are so selective.
Are you or your child considering college? What are your priorities? If you’re wondering how to choose a college, conventional wisdom might lead you astray. Prestigious schools might seem to be the way to go. But, not only are they outrageously expensive, they don’t necessarily provide the best education, according to William Deresiewicz. Keep reading to learn Deresiewicz’s advice, along with some tips on how to make the most of a college tour.
What factors do college admissions teams look at? What effect does this have on social mobility? In Excellent Sheep, William Deresiewicz identifies four factors that elite schools’ admissions teams consider, and he discusses how each factor privileges affluent students. He also explores why this exclusion of non-elite students perpetuates social inequality in education. Read more to understand Deresiewicz’s argument.
What is a liberal arts education? How does it differ from programs that emphasize career development? According to William Deresciewicz, an ideal college experience benefits both individuals and society. He argues that a high-quality college education is a liberal arts program that nurtures students’ self-insight and equips them with the skills to uphold democracy. Continue reading to learn what a liberal arts education is and why Deresciewicz thinks it’s ideal.