Let’s just assume that we all agree that education is needed in order for individuals to ensure that one has a fighting chance at becoming an affective contributor in today’s society. With that stated, the looming question that arises is: Is the current system as it stands effective in making the majority that currently pursue higher learning prepared for our society? Well, let us explore that notion…
Curriculum: If you examine the current curriculum as it stands, one is required to first take general education courses, coupled with a required amount of electives. Now, I personally don’t believe that this is the best and most effective practice. If I have to pay to be schooled I don’t believe that it should be required of me to pay to take a class that doesn’t pertain to my field of study. General education courses are needed to ensure that my skill level is up to par but electives are just a waist of time. The perfect curriculum would allow one the opportunity to go straight into course study classes after the ‘ge’ courses without the elective requirement. After all, isn’t that what art class was for in high school? In turn, eliminating these unnecessary required electives would allow students to focus more on their chosen fields of study also reducing the time spent in college from the traditional four years to two. And if readying ones self for the “real world” is the ultimate goal, than it is a must that one learn how to conduct themselves around all individuals eliminating the non-coed theory. Also, the ultimate form of responsibility is proven when one is required to manage time effectively. What better way of learning than having remote classes or online courses. It’s easy to get the work done when being micromanaged in a classroom. We actually do our students a disservice by forcing them to show up day in and day out constantly ramming deadlines and lectures down their throats. After all, in the “real world” either it’s done, or not.
Let’s examine the pre-med student for a moment. In order to be a surgeon, one must successfully complete four years of undergrad, three years of graduate school and depending on the type of surgeon then they must undergo five plus years of residency. After all, no one wants a doctor who doesn’t know what they are doing. The same could be said of any other field. Most times experience is a better teacher. With that stated, instead of all these electives, it should be required of students to do a certain number of hours interning or work study. This will better equip the student for the “real world”. Of course, the appropriate courses that coincide with the field of study would be requirements. And as far as finances are concerned, higher learning costs are absorbent yet continue to grow yearly. They should cover salaries and needed operational expenses but the business of being schooled alone is a major reason why more don’t opt for higher learning. If there were some other form of payment available for the less fortunate more could partake in this great resource.
Overall, the current system as it stands does have a good structure as a base for a better platform to be ushered in. It is definitely not perfect and the above suggestions will definitely prove to better prepare collegiate hopefuls for their futures in the “real world”.
Gargantua Activity: Designing and Ideal Education
Group Activity: Designing the Ideal College Education
In Rabelais’ Gargantua and Pantagruel, two different types of education are described: the Medieval and the Renaissance (or Humanist). After comparing and contrasting the two different types of education presented, your group will discuss and develop what you believe to be the ideal education for the average college student. Your plan should be appropriate for all majors and fields, so you cannot limit your subjects to one area.
I. Duration and Orientation: Discuss how long a college education should last. Should all people be required to have a college education? Should schools be coed (male and female)? What should the cost of education be, and do you have emendations to make in the current way that financial aid (loans, scholarships, your parents or your checkbook) works?
II. Pedagogy: Before developing your curriculum, be sure to discuss classroom format and the method of teaching and assignments. Will these be distance-learning courses or will students meet in classrooms? How many times weekly? Will there be exams, writing assignments, group activities, grades, etc.? What kind of methods will the ideal teacher be expected to use?
III. Courses: Here are some subjects to consider and help get you started (although these are by no means the only subjects to consider—refer back to Rabelais for additional suggestions). Remember, each subject has its own subsets, some of which I have included below—so list not only subjects, but which specific types of courses, and the number of courses in each section, are to be taken. If you feel that internship and field training are requirements, make sure to list those alongside the appropriate courses.
Math (i.e. Calculus, Logic, Algebra, Geometry); Languages (i.e. Ancient Latin or Greek, Chinese, French); Literature (World Lit—ancient or modern, Lit from different countries, styles: poetry, plays, stories, novels); History (ancient or modern, world or national); Religions; Physical Education; Fine Arts (i.e. painting, sculpture) and Performing Arts (acting, debate); Music; Games and Hobbies; Sciences; Military Preparation and Tactics; Trade School Courses (i.e. nursing, paramedic, mechanic, sanitation); Emergency courses (i.e. CPR, choking); Etiquette (i.e. eating, dancing, speaking, walking, dressing); Technology (computers—graphic design, internet guidance, repairs).
IV. Conclusion: Once you have developed a curriculum, explain why you chose the courses that you did. What does your emphasis on certain courses demonstrate about your approach to success in the modern world? In other words, how will your curriculum better prepare students for success in society than the current curriculum that you are being forced to complete?
In Rabelais’ Gargantua and Pantagruel, two different types of education are described: the Medieval and the Renaissance (or Humanist). After comparing and contrasting the two different types of education presented, your group will discuss and develop what you believe to be the ideal education for the average college student. Your plan should be appropriate for all majors and fields, so you cannot limit your subjects to one area.
I. Duration and Orientation: Discuss how long a college education should last. Should all people be required to have a college education? Should schools be coed (male and female)? What should the cost of education be, and do you have emendations to make in the current way that financial aid (loans, scholarships, your parents or your checkbook) works?
II. Pedagogy: Before developing your curriculum, be sure to discuss classroom format and the method of teaching and assignments. Will these be distance-learning courses or will students meet in classrooms? How many times weekly? Will there be exams, writing assignments, group activities, grades, etc.? What kind of methods will the ideal teacher be expected to use?
III. Courses: Here are some subjects to consider and help get you started (although these are by no means the only subjects to consider—refer back to Rabelais for additional suggestions). Remember, each subject has its own subsets, some of which I have included below—so list not only subjects, but which specific types of courses, and the number of courses in each section, are to be taken. If you feel that internship and field training are requirements, make sure to list those alongside the appropriate courses.
Math (i.e. Calculus, Logic, Algebra, Geometry); Languages (i.e. Ancient Latin or Greek, Chinese, French); Literature (World Lit—ancient or modern, Lit from different countries, styles: poetry, plays, stories, novels); History (ancient or modern, world or national); Religions; Physical Education; Fine Arts (i.e. painting, sculpture) and Performing Arts (acting, debate); Music; Games and Hobbies; Sciences; Military Preparation and Tactics; Trade School Courses (i.e. nursing, paramedic, mechanic, sanitation); Emergency courses (i.e. CPR, choking); Etiquette (i.e. eating, dancing, speaking, walking, dressing); Technology (computers—graphic design, internet guidance, repairs).
IV. Conclusion: Once you have developed a curriculum, explain why you chose the courses that you did. What does your emphasis on certain courses demonstrate about your approach to success in the modern world? In other words, how will your curriculum better prepare students for success in society than the current curriculum that you are being forced to complete?
Friday, November 21, 2008
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