Here is a brief review of the book’s claims as they apply to comprehensive state universities in the US. The reviewer notes the book’s "relentless cynicism" and states "Brennan and Magness seriously underestimated the role of intrinsic motivation (e.g., curiosity and creativity) in the behavior of students and faculty members. Their estimate of the workload for faculty was clearly off."
Thanks for that, Steve - have put it on my to-read list. It seems plausible to me that Brennan and Magness have identified genuine problems, but underestimated the good in academia.
Be forewarned … while defending state universities, the reviewer does kind of throw research universities under the bus. The incentive structures and workloads do differ between the two types of schools, but someone from that type of institution will need to respond as well.
Here is a brief review of the book’s claims as they apply to comprehensive state universities in the US. The reviewer notes the book’s "relentless cynicism" and states "Brennan and Magness seriously underestimated the role of intrinsic motivation (e.g., curiosity and creativity) in the behavior of students and faculty members. Their estimate of the workload for faculty was clearly off."
https://scholars.fhsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1076&context=ts
Thanks for that, Steve - have put it on my to-read list. It seems plausible to me that Brennan and Magness have identified genuine problems, but underestimated the good in academia.
Be forewarned … while defending state universities, the reviewer does kind of throw research universities under the bus. The incentive structures and workloads do differ between the two types of schools, but someone from that type of institution will need to respond as well.
This is worth it for the title alone!
Hahaha, glad you like it!