A Vision for Aviation Education - Essay Example

This paper is in association with the effort to advise aviation of the year 2026 about the perspective of incoming freshmen, and is a personal vision of the challenges facing aviation and aerospace education at a point in the future. Associated with this assignment, it includes a vision statement and philosophy along with a personal view of a theoretical mindset of future students, as well as a realistic approach to attributes required for an effective achievement of future educational goals in aviation. A Vision for Aviation Education As in any effort associated with successful development of a near term or future strategic vision and an affirming vision statement, one must look at a hypothesis with the characteristics that demonstrate leadership, including vision, effective communications, and the ability to motivate others (Northouse, 2001). Specific to education in any field, these leadership factors are anticipated to be essential attributes needed to prepare learners to function in an evolving technology industry such as aviation. This industry is dependent on and integrated with a technology-centric socio-economic environment. Given the basis for effective education and in contemplating challenges faced by aviation and aerospace education students in the year 2026, one must appreciate the certainty of changes in the cultural and socio-economic environment that will evolve in the next 15 years. It seems intuitive that known drivers relative to societal evolution will remain. Those include the concept of technology convergence, environmental impact, safety, and the consistently evolving forces of globalization. It's difficult to imagine what the world will be like in 2026 since science, industry, and our culture seem to be evolving at an ever faster pace. Specific to the aviation industry, new technology will certainly have an impact from the design and properties of aircraft vehicles to how we can best educate future students. Based on the relatively short history of aviation to date, any perception of the future includes an expectation that there will be a much broader application of value and use of air travel. This form of transportation may be much more individualized and certainly more prevalent than today's air travel. Students won't be able to imagine a time when there was not instant access to ubiquitous air travel options in terms of time or destination. Of course it is anticipated that strict regulations and automated safety protections in every aspect of aviation will mitigate risk in the crowded skyways. Specific to academic achievement, the process should provide the basis for both knowledge and practical application skill required to assist students in development of career goals. Both are required in order to possess the ability to perform at a basic level within industry core competency guidelines (North Central Regional Educational Laboratory, 2006). On a practical level, this includes conventional familiarity with the current technology, industry drivers, and enough strategic insight to construct a workable model for a tactical implementation plan within the parameters of the vision. In creating a future vision specific to aviation education, its clear learners must excel in understanding scientific, engineering and cultural components such as new fuels, the consequences of super sonic travel, an aircrafts ability to function effectively and safely in all conditions including adverse weather, and the ability to deal with air traffic congestion. It is anticipated that new technology will assist with such aspects as automated air traffic control techniques, computerized standard maintenance, automated flight plans, and contributions to the safety, ease, and affordability of future air transportation. Future students will be equipped with significantly more knowledge of trends in aviation such as the impact of climate change; aircraft emissions; other environmental impact considerations; the impact of nationalization or privatization of air carriers; the effect of competition; and of course a medley of regulatory issues. Educational institutions of the future will be required to address these considerations with programs that can keep pace with rapid evolution and still provide a high quality and cost effective education. Vision and Philosophy In developing a vision for the future, a statement of appropriate goals is first visualized in order to define objectives and set appropriate parameters. My vision of the future incorporates a desired outcome of the anticipated idealization of aviation industry education, and would be similar to the following draft: "To provide the academic knowledge and associated credentials, along with the core competencies and practical application skills required for a successful career in the aviation industry today and in the future." In developing an educational philosophy consistent with the topic, it is understood that it would reflect personal values and subsequently have an impact on how one views educational activities as well as a perspective on personal goals and objectives. If the definition of a philosophy of education includes the principals of purpose and methods of education, then it is largely a statement of approach and belief in how best to provide a framework for continuous learning consistent with the strategic vision and the mission statement. Therefore a personal philosophy of education is associated with fostering a learning environment that promotes enthusiasm, respect, engagement, academic discipline, and fun. Education is a life long learning process that requires an approach that is flexible enough to adapt to the changing technological and socio-economic environment, but disciplined enough to provide a strong basis for knowledge building and encouragement of critical thinking. Conclusion The function of the enterprise of education in the United States, and its ability to be efficient and effective in a changing environment is critical to the prosperity and survival of the nation and the way of life citizens have come to expect. The educational systems and the learners it serves are the backbone of our hope for the future and as such are a valuable and key national resource. The mindset of students will always be influenced by current events, culture, an idealistic view of possibilities and the unique focus of a generation in search of its own identity. Still above all other attributes, leadership is the overall key to success (Valdez, 2004). Leadership attributes are not just the strategic vision perspective essential to future growth but the cognitive characteristics that will allow for effective decision making and intelligent implementation (Dowd, 2003). Specific to the environment of aviation education, educators, students, staff, and other stakeholders centered on a similar vision and mission are required to achieve a common goal. In this regard, each component of the team is critical to the success of an effective approach and ultimate achievement of specific goals and objectives. References Delpit L., Gates, L. Kohl, H., and Zinn, H. (1995). Rethinking schools: An agenda for change. New York: The New York Press. Dowd, B., (2003). The relationship between decision-making and accountability: A case study of two state community college systems (Doctoral dissertation, University of San Diego, 2003). ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, 237 pages, AAT3088656. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. (2006). Technology literacy. Retrieved November 29, 2008, from http://www.learningpt.org/page.phppageID=83 Northouse, P. (2001). Leadership theory and practice (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Valdez, G. (2004). Critical issue: Technology leadership: Enhancing positive educational change. North Central Regional Educational Laboratory. Retrieved November 29, 2008, from http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/educatrs/leadrshp/le700.htm Read More