In a report by the Center for American Progress the
participants outline a number of higher education changes that may be
beneficial to consider. The report entitled A
Path Forward: Game-Changing Reforms in Higher Education and the Implications
for Business and Financing Models proposes adjusting higher education
to ensure that it is keeping up with market demands. Their release indicates
that education is caught in traditionalism and should be broadened into a more
effective dynamic.
Some of the recommendations they provide are as follows:
Meeting Students at Their Skill Level;
Competency Based Learning;
Stackable Credentials;
Allowing for Educational Innovation;
Stakeholder Influence;
There are some strong recommendations within this report but
how they will work on a national or grand scale is somewhat elusive. We do know
that students do not often come prepared from high school and will need classes
that can raise their basic abilities. There is considerable remedial coursework
that adds to cost and debt. Colleges must try and justify their existence but
through a population that has more challenges than those who attend elite
schools.
Competency based learning has some merit in terms of
encouraging students to master ever increasing skill sets and ensure that those
skills can function in the work environment. When someone moves into higher
reaches of academia those skills become more difficult to measure as they are
complex thinking and analysis abilities. Not impossible but certainly a
challenge.
Stackable credentials are interesting as each degree adds to
the next degree through competency-based learning. This appears to make some
logical sense in a world where people continue to move through the education
system but at different times of their lives. When the market changes people
may lose their job and return to school to raise their marketability. Stackability
may help in knowing what new skills they should learn.
Innovation has an impact on effective education. Older
models are expensive, do not always cater to students closely, and are geared
toward those who are under the age of 24. Innovation may allow for better
assessment, catered services, higher quality returns, convenient learning, and
possibly cheaper costs in the future. Business has taught us that as technology
advances it often becomes more functional and cost effective.
Stakeholders are important aspects of associate and bachelor
degree earners. Education at this level should encourage workable skills that
help to obtain positions. Effective education should also have enough liberal
arts to round out the perspective and personality of the person. Skills and
adaptability are two considerations. Graduate students are often viewed
differently as their ability to incorporate information and put it to practical
use becomes a primary consideration.
