Eswar Prasad

But I also think in addition to fixing those problems, Scott, we do really need to think about what

We want the education system to deliver to students.

There is this notion that a more practical vocational-based education might be somewhat better.

I'm not entirely convinced of that.

I think at least that, especially in a world where AI starts becoming more important,

It's nice to think about critical thinking in the abstract, but I think it really has an important role to play if you want to send students out into the real world.

But we also need to equip them with some real skills that they can take to the marketplace.

But of course, you know, five years ago, it used to be a standard notion, just learn programming and you're going to be fine.

Well, all of a sudden, you may be very skilled in programming, but your skills are not that worthwhile anymore because, you know, I can write computer code using ChatGPT or Claude, I can even clean up.

computer code.

But now I have my research assistants do certain higher order tasks because they can do much more of the basic, somewhat more menial tasks much more easily using AI.

So then they can help me with some of the more critical analysis.

This is where the critical thinking part becomes important.

But going back to your original point, is the education system serving the American people well?

I think it has a role, but certainly needs some changes.

It needs some reforms.

But fundamentally, I think the problems arise not just at the university level, but much earlier in the education system.

Those are the problems we need to fix.

So first of all, Professor Galloway, you're an inspiration to those around the world with 2.27 GPAs because of how well you ended up doing.

So clearly a high GPA is not necessarily the best path to success.