The widespread habit of lecture-style teaching for older students ignores age-related changes in memory and the students' accumulated life experiences -- thus preventing faster learning or meaningful engagement, according to a study from Hebrew University. Older adults can thrive in classes that offer active participation and relevant material through group discussions, problem-solving activities and hands-on projects, and such classes can also benefit their cognitive abilities and motivation, the study says.

The number of unique credentials in the US has reached 1.8 million, with digital badges surpassing 1 million, according to Credential Engine. The report highlights a significant shift towards skills-based hiring, with digital badges allowing workers to showcase specific skills more effectively. Colleges and universities are increasingly interested in offering nondegree credentials, though concerns about quality persist.

A report from the Center for Higher Education Policy and Practice highlights barriers faced by military-connected students and offers strategies for colleges to support them. The recommendations include clearly outlining program costs and support services, streamlining credit transfer policies, providing financial aid counseling, creating peer mentorship programs, offering flexible courses, and establishing policies for service-related disruptions. The report also suggests professional development training for faculty, partnerships with external agencies, and tracking career outcomes to better align with labor market opportunities.

Students in China improved math performance during the 2020 shift to online learning, gaining 8 to 11 points on a 100-point scale, according to a study by Shijie Lu at the University of Notre Dame. The research, published in Production and Operations Management, analyzed over 15,000 course records and found that reasoning-based subjects benefited more from online learning than discussion-based subjects.

Jennifer Liberty shares her experience as a "comebacker" student in California, highlighting the importance of flexible online education for adults reentering college. Liberty's journey from Sierra College to Sacramento State, while raising three children, underscores the need for accessible online courses to bridge the state's skilled worker shortage. Liberty now advocates for better online education and student support through CaliforniaAttain!

The University of Kansas, the University of Arizona and Wayne State University have received a $3.75 million grant from the US Department of Education to recruit master's degree holders into a collaborative doctoral program focused on special education leadership. The program, set to begin in 2026, aims to improve outcomes for students with disabilities by preparing a new generation of administrators and leaders in special education. Doctoral students will receive full tuition, a living stipend and health insurance, along with internships at high-need schools.

Martin University's decision to pause operations highlights the challenges faced by small, mission-driven institutions. Robert Shegog, president and CEO of the Recorder Media Group, emphasizes that the closure is due to systemic issues, not a flawed mission. Shegog calls for collaboration among business, philanthropic and civic leaders to reinvent Martin University, suggesting it could become a workforce institute or entrepreneurship hub.

Forbes has identified 15 colleges that excel in preparing students for the workforce through co-op programs, internships and career coaching. Northeastern University, Drexel University and Kettering University are highlighted for integrating semester-long, full-time work experiences directly into their curricula.

Faculty writing is essential for securing grants and career advancement, yet support is often fragmented and hard to find, write Jennifer Ahern-Dodson of Duke University and Christine Tulley of the University of Findlay. In this opinion piece, they say creating a central hub for writing resources, making writing support visible and building writing communities can enhance productivity and professional development.