After exploring the rapid increase in tuition over the last several decades (hardly news), That Old College Lie goes on to state that
…for the average student, college isn’t nearly as good a deal as colleges would have us believe…Colleges are often lumped in with other non-profit entities like charities and hospitals in the public mind. But they actually most resemble the institution from which many of the oldest and most renowned colleges sprang: organized religion. Like the church, colleges have roots that pre-date the founding of the republic. They see themselves as occupying an exalted place in human society, for which they are owed deference and gratitude. They cherish their priests and mysteries, and they are disinclined to subject either to public scrutiny.
The author recommends more transparency and greater focus on measurement. I think transparency is a good start – universities should be explicit about the data they collect in relation to students, professors, and learning in general. I doubt the solution to education’s difficulties will be found in better measurement, however. Higher education faces a significant challenge in demonstrating the value of its teaching role (the other two roles of HE – research and accreditation are still secure). The growth of freely available resources and even a few alternate university models (University of the People) gives reason to pause and ask: “What is it that universities offer today’s learners and is the existing model one that needs preservation”?
One Comment
An interesting historical take that resonates. If fact I would grant the development of a students “spirit” (identity, mental outlook, intellectual aura, ???) is something that colleges could do well. But the attempt to codify seems to be problematic, whether it’s intellect or religion.