Methodology Over Facts

Here is a great opinion piece by Ed Glaeser on the need to emphasize methodology over facts in general education:

Harvard’s system of general education should emphasize methodology over topic because methods are harder to teach and learn than facts. As students learn to think rigorously about society and how to use data to test their thoughts, they acquire a set of tools that can then be used to acquire knowledge in any setting.

A Harvard education must train people to separate compelling evidence from froth.

AMEN!  As I've written before, I think all high school and college students should take courses in basic statistics and economics in order to get a well-rounded education.  Both fields are foundational methodologies that should be a part of everyone's mental toolkit.

Hattips to Tyler Cowen and Greg Mankiw.