Ibn Khaldun: An Intellectual Biography

Cheery Friday Greetings to our Learning How to Learners!

This week I have a hodgepodge of observations and recommendations. Here we go!

Book of the Week

Ibn Khaldun: An Intellectual Biography, by Robert Irwin. This fascinating book provides a comprehensive look at the life and ideas of Ibn Khaldun, a 14th-century Arab scholar considered one of the greatest intellectuals in Islamic history. Irwin skillfully places Ibn Khaldun in his historical and intellectual context, examining how his groundbreaking Muqaddima analyzed the laws of history and anticipated developments in fields like sociology and economics centuries ahead of his time. At the same time, Irwin pushes back against attempts to depict Ibn Khaldun as a modern thinker, showing how he was very much a product of his medieval Islamic world – a mystic interested in occultism and futurology. The book provides an engaging account of Ibn Khaldun’s tumultuous life and career in North Africa and Muslim Spain, while also tracing how his ideas have been interpreted and misinterpreted over the centuries. Irwin’s deep knowledge and lively writing make this an enlightening intellectual biography of a brilliant but often misunderstood thinker. Highly recommended for anyone interested in Islamic intellectual history or the development of historical and social thought.

A Call for Speech Experts: Help a Young Learner at Lake Superior Academy!

Calling all speech and language experts! We have an inspiring opportunity to help a bright 5-year-old boy overcome speech challenges stemming from a mild case of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy at birth. Susie Schlehuber, the dedicated head of Lake Superior Academy (which we highlighted in last week’s email), is reaching out on behalf of this young learner and his family. While the child is receiving speech therapy through the local Intermediate School District (ISD), which provides specialized educational services in the region, Susie and the boy’s support team are eager for additional guidance to maximize his progress during this critical developmental window. They’re looking for an experienced speech-language pathologist or specialist who could provide expert advice on tailored therapy approaches, at-home activities, and/or classroom strategies to support his receptive and expressive language skills. If you have expertise in this area or can recommend someone who does, please reach out to Susie at sschlehuber@lakesuperioracademy.com. This determined little learner, his family, and his school would be incredibly grateful for your insights. 

To all our Learning How to Learners out there working to support children with special needs – your dedication makes a world of difference! 

A Math Journey for Lifelong Learners

For those looking to refresh or enhance their math skills at any age, here’s an intriguing resource to explore. Math Academy offers a comprehensive program that spans from 4th-grade level math all the way through advanced college-level courses. What caught our eye is their adult track, which could be perfect for those wanting to revisit math concepts or push their mathematical boundaries. The program uses gamification and spaced repetition to make learning more engaging and effective. Developed by the remarkable Justin Math (justinmath.com), Math Academy might be just the ticket for rekindling your inner mathematician, whether you’re looking to brush up on basics or tackle advanced topics. While finding time can be a challenge, this could be a great option for lifelong learners wanting to flex their mental muscles in a new (or nostalgic) way! [Hat tip: David Handel]

Limited Openings Left at the University of the Hesperides – A Cutting-Edge Learning Experience

I wanted to let you know that the University of the Hesperides still has a few spots available for this academic year, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. This university is truly groundbreaking, offering a unique blend of student-driven learning, active collaboration, and the integration of AI into the educational process. There is a Masters degree in Economics in English, and multiple programs in Spanish.

What makes .h so remarkable is its commitment to fostering personal freedom in learning. Students are encouraged to dive deep into their educational journey while being part of a vibrant global community. The courses are designed with future-proof skills in mind, from critical thinking to problem-solving, and the university’s global reach means you’ll interact with students and professors from all over the world. 

Additionally, the University of the Hesperides boasts prestigious endorsements from Nobel Prize winners, renowned academics, and entrepreneurs, further underscoring its academic rigor and innovative approach. The qualifications you earn are recognized within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), ensuring you meet high international standards. Currently Hesperides offers one  program in English (Master in Economics) and twelve graduate and undergraduate programs in Spanish. 

If you’re looking for a forward-thinking institution that pushes the boundaries of traditional education, .h is a fantastic choice. But don’t wait – the remaining openings will fill up fast!

The Democracy Project: Fostering Nuanced Discussions on Complex Issues

We’re excited to share a valuable new resource for educators called The Democracy Project. Developed by The Mill Institute, this collection of materials aims to help high school teachers discuss complex and often divisive societal issues in a more nuanced way. Rather than reinforcing oversimplified culture war frames, The Democracy Project provides curated articles, student exercises, and discussion questions that explore challenging topics from multiple perspectives. The goal is to cultivate democratic citizenship by helping students develop a more rigorous and complex understanding of important issues facing our society. With the upcoming election, these resources are especially timely and relevant. You can check out The Democracy Project at mill-institute.org/democracy-project.  We encourage educators to take a look and consider incorporating these materials into your classrooms!

That’s all for now. Have a happy week in learning!

Barb Oakley (And Terry Sejnowski & the rest of the team!)

• Uncommon Sense Teaching—the book and Coursera Specialization!
• Mindshift—the book and MOOC
• Learn Like a Pro—the book and MOOC
• The LHTL recommended text, A Mind for Numbers
• For kids and parents: Learning How to Learn—the book and MOOC. Pro tip—watch the videos and read the book together with your child. Learning how to learn at an early age will change their life!