Checklist
for Change-Making American Higher Education a Sustainable Enterprise by Robert
Zemsky moves into the coming changes in higher education and why these are
needed. The decline of higher education is seen as a growing problem within the
country with national interests. His book moves through a perspective of educational
reform and some of the reasons why these reforms are needed.
Faculty
often resist change. They are traditional in their approach and often actively
engaged in their unions. Their perspectives are based on hundreds of years of tradition
and their role as researchers. Online education is changing some of these
assumptions and faculty can view their role not only as a teacher but also as a
researcher whose knowledge makes its way into new and updated courses.
The
Federalized market has damaged innovation and development in higher education.
As most land-grant universities rely heavily on government support and regulation
their incentives to change are little. This highly regulated market has gagged
some new approaches and lowered the total growth and change of the entire
educational institution.
Divisive
voices impact the change. The politics involved in higher education are
astounding. Instead of an open discussion the higher education system has been
used for political purposes and this is lowering its ability to develop and
change. When something new occurs there is no end to voices that shout down the
proposal. Policy makers will need to encourage experimentation, development,
and change.
Curriculum
will lead the way. As liberal arts colleges either die off or grow up to be
universities the nature of education will change. Curriculum, the success of
the learning experience, and the competencies gained will be important. Schools
will be held to a higher standard of educating students to be successful in
life and employment.
Faculty
are part of the solution. Faculty are closely tied to the students and likely the
industries in which they work. It is important for faculty and administrators
to find an equitable way to work together. In many universities faculty and
administrators are in constant battles over influence. Drawing them in to help
in problem-solving will be important to keep the peace and encouraging change.
Zemsky,
R. (2013) Checklist for Change-Making
American Higher Education a Sustainable Enterprise. N.J.: Rutgers
University Press
