Higher education

Some specialists complain that there are too many specialists and not enough work.  Certain specialist training programme director once told me that we were in the business of providing an education; as long as there were students applying for a course we would train them.  Hidden between the lines was this, as long as there are students, we will train them whether they find a job or not (it has nothing to do with us), whether there’s a need for them or not (it has nothing to do with us), whether society benefits or not (it has nothing to do with us).

The disconnect between educational institution and the real world seems to actually exist.

Recent world economic forum paper proposed changes in three areas of higher education.  It is essentially a capitalist’s view of the world of education.

1 course duration

It was asked if it’s possible to condense academic experience and shorten the course. This will reduce course fee and associated expenses allowing more people to access education.  We at university never actually thought of this because it was like a default position.  We take it as it’s been done this way and never actually ask why or can it be done differently? 

2 Fee

Realigning incentives of university and students by abolishing university fee and charge percentage of students income after graduation.  It will align university incentives to produce employable grads.  Students and society will mutually benefit.  If this can be done, it will lead to a fairer and better world.  It would, in essence, tear down financial barrier for a lot of people, but it could be a nightmare administratively.

3 Research

Forging closer ties to industry. Research projects could be set by industry or clinicians? Industry gets answers they seek that are important and relevant to them, students get education.  It is a beautiful win win situation. 

Perhaps people in academia may need to learn a few things from capitalists.