Comments on: Does Higher Ed Benefit In a Recession?

By: Campus Entrepreneurship

Campus Entrepreneurship — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:07:57 +0000

Sean, a ‘massive’ overhaul is impossible given the diversity of our institutions. That said, there are innovators and they will be copied as their models prove successful. That is why Pittsburgh and California are important to watch right now (sorry, plugging my post). Have a great day and happy holidays/new year.

By: Sean Creighton

Sean Creighton — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:52:55 +0000

Thanks all for the insightful observations! If there was a massive overhaul of the higher ed system (online and traditional) that accommodated “job requirements, raising kids, maintaining a home” and the “modern lifestyle/workstyle,” would we see a surge in enrollment that makes the an increase during a recession look minuscule? Of course, there are examples of institutions making this shift or those that are built on a model of accommodation, but certainly not as widespread as traditional systems.

Looking forward to more comments!

By: David Miller

David Miller — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:31:59 +0000

Good post Sean. Lots of great comments and I am about to post on a small piece of this debate.

Higher Ed has always been a place to ‘hide’ during a recession, increase skills, and benefit from the structural/financial/career supports US higher ed offers.

Many schools depend on govt dollars to function and there are stresses throughout the system right now. School consolidations are being discussed throughout the land and there is some ‘craziness’ gripping public higher education in CA.

Our system of higher ed is the most diverse in the world and is very ‘american’ in that we let lots of people attempt it (vs entry rates in other countries), but few actually ‘finish’. Part of it, as mentioned above, is that our typical structure is not suited to the modern lifestyle/workstyle that many ‘customers’ of higher ed experience today.

thanks to all for the great discussion/conversation.

By: Fred

Fred — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 03:58:54 +0000

In order to benefit from life time learning opportunities, the participants in these short courses need to possess underlying math, reading, analytical and articulation skills. My impression (supported by international tests that rank US students somewhere in 12th to 20th place on various measures of competence) is that too many high school graduates lack learning skills. Therefore, the first year or two of college are required for many to learn how to learn.

I have discussed the difference between French and American schooling with numerous young Americans – the most common retort from Americans is that the French are so rigid in their education that they lack the creative spirit that makes American education great. In response I quote Louis Pasteur, “Chance favors the prepared mind”.

Too many of our citizens are more interested in short term consumption than long term investment in society by preparing the next generation. Thus they are unwilling to pay the necessary taxes required to educate the young. By the way I am not a teacher and I have many concerns about the way education tax dollars are spent but the problem is not solved by just not providing the needed funds.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:26:23 +0000

Agree with David. What would benefit the economy more is more integration between the research universities and the private sector. And the opportunity to take one short course, or a 2 day seminar, or attend talks and discussions occasionally is far more suitable to this integration than getting people to attend a degree program full or part time. Almost anyone can spare a couple days once a year for professional development. Fewer can manage their job requirements, raising kids, maintaining a home, etc. and fulfilling degree-oriented course requirements.

By: David

David — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:16:26 +0000

Are we creating yet another self generated crisis here? Will this lead to an “education” bubble where everyone has a worthless degree? Let’s learn from what we just went through and look at education as a lifelong endeavor. Integrated into daily life where one doesn’t need a “degree” as much as a constant learning to stay ahead of the curve. Just a thought.

By: seanrox

seanrox — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:01:25 +0000

agreed. let’s not discount the role of passion.

By: Milan Davidovic

Milan Davidovic — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:32:04 +0000

“Do you think this particular enrollment boom is a decade in the making and indicates a massive transition from a manufacturing job-based economy to a creative economy?”

Perhaps not…

http://www.jarche.com/2009/12/the-university-myth/