Issues in Higher Education - Term Paper Example

Issues in higher education-what will be studied? Issues in higher education-what will be studied? Higher s have significantly changed in the recent past. The trend has seen institutions growing significantly to accommodate the large influx of students. The student enrolment is probably the highest in the current times since the inception of universities. There has also been an expansion in curriculum and a steady rate of professionalization in governance. The higher education values and status in the US are largely dependent on its culture (Altbach, 2011). The culture of reforms in order to adapt to the changing times is perhaps Americas’ backbone in maintaining its superb academic stature. Many foreign students from across the globe flock into the US’ colleges and universities to benefit from its resources. It is imperative for academic leaders to understand the previous academic events in order to align the institutions of higher education to conform to the emerging needs. There are several issues affecting higher education as discussed (Altbach, 2011). History of Higher Education Programs In the immediate postcolonial period, prestigious colleges such as Harvard and Yale were very rigid in their institutional operations. The curriculum focused on political economy and oratory. It was unacceptable for women during such times to enroll in any institution. The young men who enrolled in these colleges did so not because it was a prerequisite for achieving employment. In addition, it was an insurance policy into service and leadership. The curriculum comprised majorly of five concepts: arithmetic, astronomy, music, geometry and grammar. Higher education institutions embraced changes in academic practices at the end of the nineteenth century. More affordable colleges offering several degree programs were constructed. Unlike the previous era, a large number of women began to enroll into colleges. This controversial reform led to the reconstructing of the curriculum to include liberal arts which most of the women applied for at first. The incorporation of Africa American students into colleges led to the proliferation of the practical applications and economic growth programs. In the twentieth century, the complexity of the curriculum accelerated and expanded to include other professional fields such as teaching and medicine. Prior to World War 2, most universities and colleges curriculum matured to reflect political changes and cultural diversity (Altbach, 2011). Currently, colleges and universities house more than 17 million students from all over the world. The convergence of several cultures has led to evolution and diversification of the curriculum (Altbach, 2011). Higher education programs in the United States The higher education programs in the United States have a similar culture. An effective program focuses on reinforcing knowledge to skills in order to promote social development. In addition, such a system transgresses the subject or professional boundary in equipping the learner with problem solving skills. Higher education institutions have a major role to play in propelling the human race to a sustainable future. The curriculum is a vital tool in the realization of this vision (Eddy, 1998). Extracurricular vs. Co-curricular The job market is highly competitive (Kerr, 1994). A degree does not guarantee a well paying graduate job. Apart from good results, employers are constantly seeking for something extra from potential graduate employees. An effective program offers the student the benefit of good academic performance and other practical experiences that students can utilize to attain success in the future (Kerr, 1994). Academic experts are for the idea that development of skills should not be an add-on but should be entrenched in the relevant degree program in order to best shape the students’ future. In addition, the flexibility of programs as far as incorporating modules such as a communication and entrepreneurship for all students is important in sending a positive message to the employer about a students’ ability to learn and interact. Other non-academic pursuits are also attractive and valued by the employer. It is important to embed these programs in the curriculum and to encourage students to indulge in such investments. In addition, sustainable programs are crucial as they empower students to participate wholly in the learning process (Kerr, 1994). Inclusive Programs Studies reveal that many disabled students are in pursuit of higher education (Kerr, 1994). Higher education institutions should therefore support inclusive programs that incorporate students with special needs into their environment and mainstream learning (Kerr, 1994). The environment and technology should fit the needs of persons with disabilities in learning institutions. For instance, the necessary academic adjustments and auxiliary aids for the deaf and blind students is a requirement. There should be implementation of a system that promotes inclusion of all persons and cultures and prohibits exclusion (Kerr, 1994). Programs to Be Offered In Higher Education Institutions Universities and colleges are responsible for admitting in their institutions. However, the criteria used should be free and fair to all students irrespective of race, culture, religion and sexual orientation. The method applied by any institution should portray their integrity and exude confidence to the public. In the past four decades, there were few universities offering limited degree programs. The few universities present during such times, such as Harvard admitted students depending on their status, economic and academic qualification. Such elite universities were so expensive such that more than 85% of the population was students from high-income families (Robinson 2005). It was uncommon to find African American students in such institutions because of the high tuition fee charges. The few black students who admitted to such institutions at such times were there because of sports scholarships. Furthermore, the alumni children had first priority because they are the primary source of funding. This resulted into universities divided along economic lines therefore the difference in programs offered. The elite colleges offered technical programs such as Engineering, because they had the resources while the low-income colleges and universities offered mostly art programs, which are easier to finance. Consequently, the disparity in programs offered in universities and colleges widened greatly (Robinson 2005). Currently, most universities are diversifying and accommodating students from across different lifestyles, culture and race. The admission process in most institutions is fair and transparent. Despite this, certain groups are still under-represented. However, improvements are achievable by making reforms in the courses offered. The choice of course for students is mostly dependent on affordability and not the country’s socio-economic needs (Robinson 2005). Future of Higher Education Currently, there are significant changes taking place in higher education in the country. Several factors such as technology, politics and the economy have affected higher education considerably. The future of higher education as predicted by studies will be entrenched in technology (Eddy, 1998). Several Researchers agree that distance learning and teleconferencing will be very common. Consequently, these technological advancements will result into even more enrolment from students all over the world. Administrators in these institutions should therefore make adjustments in the programs offered because the near future is promising in enrolling students from all the corners of the continent (Eddy, 1998). Conclusion For many decades now, scholars have questioned the use of a textbook curriculum in providing lasting learning outcomes. Furthermore, there is no tool for teachers to determine the outcome of such procedures. Lecturers in institutions of higher learning need to answer several important questions to determine whether their teaching methodology and curriculum is effective for its purpose. Update, revision or alteration of curriculum is fundamental in order to conform to current times. For this purpose, the administration should exhibit flexibility to adopt a competent curriculum (Austin, 2002). A competent curriculum is learner based and oriented for professional practice. In addition, it uses a constructive approach in acquiring quality knowledge. In practice, education programs are competent based. However, research shows that the changing role of knowledge has trodden on such competency resulting in the evolution of more competent curriculum. It is noteworthy that there are many competent curriculum models working for the achievement of one goal, which is satisfactory implementation of education in the relevant profession. References Altbach, P. G., Gumport, P. J., & Berdahl, R. O. (2011). American higher education in the twenty-first century: Social, political, and economic challenges. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Austin, A. E., & Chapman, D. W. (2002). Higher education in the developing world: Changing contexts and institutional responses. Westport, Conn. [u.a.: Greenwood Press. Eddy, J. P., & Murphy, S. D. (1998). Current issues in higher education: Research and reforms. Lanham, Md.u.a.: University Press of America. Kerr, C. (1994). Higher education cannot escape history: Issues for the twenty-first century. Albany: State Univ. of New York. Robinson, G. M., & Moulton, J. (2005). Ethical problems in higher education. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, Inc. Read More