BEYOND PARODY. Professor Palmer gives an exam.

During a recent exam, I was called over by a student who asked if I could tell them the answer to 150 x 4000. No, I am not making that up. And no, I do not permit students to use calculators on my exams.

The student's reaction when I declined to answer the question: "Oh no! Really?"

What are students doing in university if they do not have basic math skills from grade four?

He sends readers my way, to one of several posts I've made about the mission and scope of higher education. A commenter at Joanne Jacobs (where Charles Murray's latest is the topic of the day) also sends readers this way.

I've put together a compendium of the recommended post, and a number of older posts (have I been beating this drum for five years?) for readers convenience. Thanks for looking in. Just keep scrolling.