Discussion Questions

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Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example

Below are various discussion post that needs to be answered within 450-500 words each. 1. At least one reference for discussion.

In the field of education, ideas often repeat themselves. Which current ideas in higher education could be identified as emerging during the period from 1620-1800? To what extent do these ideas remain viable today? Explain.

1. Cohen and Kisker posited that there are three questions that originated in higher education leadership in the period from 1620-1800: What shall be taught? Who shall learn it? Who shall pay for it? Which question do you believe has the greatest influence on current practice in higher education leadership? Support your position.

1. What three issues emerging since 1800 have exerted the most significant influence on higher education? Which of these still exert the same caliber of influence? What strategies will you, as an educational leader, implement to solve these issues that remain?

Three significant issues that have emerged since 1800 and exerted a significant influence on higher education are:

1. Massification and Access to Higher Education: In the 19th and 20th centuries, higher education transitioned from being a privilege of the elite to a more accessible endeavor for a broader population. This shift led to the growth of enrollment numbers, diversification of student demographics, and a need to balance quality education with increased access.
2. Globalization and Internationalization: The increasing interconnectedness of the world has transformed higher education into a global enterprise. Students, faculty, research, and ideas flow across borders, necessitating institutions to adapt their programs, curricula, and research efforts to a more international context.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
3. Technology and Digital Transformation: The digital revolution since the late 20th century has disrupted traditional educational models. Online learning, digital resources, and innovative technologies have altered the way education is delivered, accessed, and experienced, prompting institutions to rethink their pedagogical approaches and infrastructure.

Of these issues, all three still exert a significant caliber of influence on higher education today.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)

As an educational leader, here are strategies you could implement to address these ongoing challenges:

1. Massification and Access:
   • Diversified Learning Pathways: Develop alternative routes to education, such as online courses, microcredentials, and vocational training, to cater to a broader spectrum of learners.
   • Scholarship and Financial Aid: Expand financial aid opportunities and scholarships to ensure that socioeconomic factors don’t hinder access to education.
   • Flexible Delivery Models: Implement hybrid and blended learning models to accommodate diverse student needs, including working professionals and non-traditional learners.
2. Globalization and Internationalization:
   • Global Partnerships: Forge partnerships with institutions worldwide to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and collaborative projects.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
   • Cross-Cultural Competence: Integrate cross-cultural competency into curricula to prepare students for a globally interconnected world.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
   • Virtual International Experiences: Offer virtual international experiences, such as virtual exchange programs, to expose students to diverse perspectives without physical travel.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
3. Technology and Digital Transformation:
   • Adaptive Learning Platforms: Implement adaptive learning technologies that personalize educational experiences based on individual student needs and learning styles.
   • Faculty Development: Provide training and support to faculty members to effectively integrate technology into their teaching methods.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
   • Digital Literacy Curriculum: Incorporate digital literacy skills into the curriculum to equip students with the ability to critically engage with technology.

1. What three practices emerging since 1800 have exerted the most significant influence on modern higher education practices? Why do you believe these practices had such a significant influence?

Three practices emerging since 1800 that have exerted significant influence on modern higher education practices are the research university model, standardized testing, and digital technology integration. Each of these practices has had a profound impact on shaping the way higher education functions and the experiences of students and educators alike.

1. Research University Model: The establishment and proliferation of the research university model, which emerged in the 19th century, significantly transformed higher education. This model emphasized the integration of teaching and research, allowing professors to engage in cutting-edge research while also instructing students. This approach fostered innovation, advanced knowledge, and led to the development of specialized disciplines. The research university model contributed to a culture of academic freedom and critical thinking, as scholars were encouraged to challenge prevailing ideas and produce new knowledge. This emphasis on research has shaped modern higher education institutions, where research output and impact are often critical measures of success.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
2. Standardized Testing: The rise of standardized testing, particularly in the 20th century, has greatly influenced admission and assessment practices in higher education. Tests like the SAT and ACT emerged as tools for evaluating students’ readiness for college, providing a seemingly objective measure of academic abilities. Standardized testing helped institutions streamline the admissions process and make comparisons across a large pool of applicants. However, it also led to concerns about equity and fairness, as it has been criticized for favoring students from privileged backgrounds and perpetuating educational inequalities. Despite these criticisms, standardized testing has played a central role in shaping modern admissions criteria and the emphasis on quantifiable measures of student ability.
3. Digital Technology Integration: The integration of digital technology into higher education has been a transformative practice since the late 20th century. The proliferation of the internet, online learning platforms, and educational software has expanded access to education, allowing for remote and flexible learning opportunities. Digital technology has also revolutionized teaching methods, enabling interactive and personalized learning experiences. Additionally, it has facilitated global collaboration and knowledge sharing, allowing researchers and educators from different parts of the world to connect and collaborate seamlessly. However, the rapid pace of technological change has also posed challenges, such as concerns about online privacy, information integrity, and maintaining the quality of online education.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)

The significance of these practices lies in their ability to reshape the fundamental aspects of higher education. The research university model elevated the status of research within academia and fostered a culture of academic exploration. Standardized testing provided a systematic approach to admissions and assessment, albeit with both positive and negative consequences. Digital technology integration democratized access to education, transformed pedagogical approaches, and connected a global community of learners and scholars.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)

These practices have had a lasting influence because they addressed critical needs and challenges faced by higher education at various points in history. They responded to the demand for specialized knowledge, efficient admissions processes, and innovative teaching methods. While each practice has brought about benefits and complexities, their impact on modern higher education is undeniable and continues to shape the landscape today

1. Recent decades have seen a rise in the number of for-profit institutions of higher education in America. Leaders in some traditional, non-profit higher education institutions have been quick to label these institutions as “diploma mills” and assert that for-profit status diminishes the caliber of education provided and places students at a disadvantage when entering the work force. Do the leaders of these traditional, non-profit institutions raise a valid concern? Why or why not?

The concern raised by leaders of traditional, non-profit higher education institutions about for-profit institutions being labeled as “diploma mills” and potentially offering a lower caliber of education is not entirely unfounded. However, the situation is complex and nuanced, and it’s important to consider multiple factors before making a blanket judgment. Here’s an overview of the key points:

Valid Concerns:

1. Profit Motive: For-profit institutions are businesses driven by profit motives, which might lead to decisions that prioritize financial gain over educational quality. This could potentially result in cutting corners, offering shorter or less rigorous programs, or focusing on recruitment and enrollment numbers rather than academic excellence.
2. Recruitment and Admissions Practices: Some for-profit institutions have faced scrutiny for aggressive recruitment practices that target vulnerable individuals and promise quick degrees without ensuring the necessary educational standards. This can contribute to an image of diploma mills.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
3. Financial Stability and Closure: For-profit institutions are susceptible to market fluctuations and financial challenges that could lead to sudden closures, leaving students stranded without degrees or a clear path forward.

Counterarguments:

1. Diverse Offerings: For-profit institutions often specialize in career-focused and industry-specific programs that might be more aligned with the demands of the job market. This can provide students with practical skills and training that are directly applicable to their chosen fields.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
2. Flexibility and Accessibility: Some for-profit institutions offer online or flexible learning options, catering to non-traditional students who might not be able to attend traditional brick-and-mortar institutions due to work, family, or other commitments.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
3. Quality Variability: It’s important to note that not all for-profit institutions are low-quality or diploma mills. There are for-profit institutions that maintain high academic standards, offer rigorous programs, and prioritize student success.
4. Non-profit Challenges: Traditional non-profit institutions also face challenges such as rising tuition costs, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and outdated curriculum structures. The presence of for-profit competitors can sometimes encourage these institutions to innovate and improve their offerings.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)
5. Accreditation: Accreditation bodies oversee both non-profit and for-profit institutions to ensure they meet certain educational quality standards. Attaining and maintaining accreditation demonstrates a commitment to maintaining educational excellence.(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)

While concerns about for-profit institutions potentially operating as diploma mills are not without basis, it’s important to approach this issue with nuance and avoid making sweeping generalizations. Some for-profit institutions do provide valuable and relevant education to students, and some non-profit institutions might have their own shortcomings. It’s essential for students and policymakers to carefully research and evaluate the reputation, accreditation status, program quality, and outcomes of any institution, regardless of its profit status, before making decisions about higher education(Emerging Higher Education Ideas Essay Example)

Reference

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/