higher education

In this post Dr. Kich exposes the flaws in the assumptions about higher ed as presented by James Baar. It also serves as a critique of some of these same assumptions that are often passed off as fact in the media.

ACADEME BLOG

In an op-ed published by the Providence Journal in Rhode Island, James Baar identifies “Four Crises That Dog Higher Education”:

1. Inflation of product cost.

2. Deflation of product value.

3. Enablement of social and moral dissolution.

4. Lower-priced, knockoff and fraudulent competition.

Given the space constraints on most op-ed pieces, Baar addresses each of these topics fairly succinctly. So, I suspect that if he had more space, he might have been able to address somewhat articulately at least some of the concerns that I am about to express.

First, I don’t believe that anything can be dogged by a crisis. A crisis is the climax of an escalating situation; it is not a condition. And the word “dogged” suggests an extended condition. But perhaps some editorial assistant, rather than Baar himself, is responsible for the headline.

Second, I don’t think that it is either accurate or helpful to assert…

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Governor Scott Walker’s attempt to change the mission statement of the University of Wisconsin by replacing “search for truth” and “improve the human condition” with “meet the state’s workforce needs” has provoked a backlash. Many Republicans like Walker see higher education solely in terms of job training. This narrow and myopic view of education has gained traction recently and has made colleges and universities the target of increased criticism. There has already been some pressure on institutions of higher education to conform to this model, but for the most part the traditional model has prevailed, as it should. If the narrow, worker model of education triumphs we will all lose. To advocate for a broader intellectual education does not mean that we cannot also prepare students for the workforce. As Arthur H. Camins notes “it doesn’t have to be either-or.” Instead, he argues, “[e]ducation should prepare young people for life, work and citizenship.” Read Camins’ defense of higher education at:

What’s the purpose of education in the 21st century? – The Washington Post.