Long before the pandemic plunged our country deeper into an educational crisis, colleges were already failing to teach students the basic analytical skills they need to succeed.
More than a decade ago, I was sitting with a senior named Rachel, reviewing her recent class presentation. I commended her research but observed that she had neglected to spell out the questions she was investigating. She seemed surprised, so I elaborated: Every time you read something, I advised her, you ought to ask what questions the author is answering.
