This is perhaps the era where most if not all individuals are obsessed with education and learning. In fact, even entrepreneurs are investing more into the education sector. But due to the challenges and day-to-day issues faced by several educational institutions, higher education in the United States is currently in the middle of a "seismic upheaval."
According to Flatiron co-founder and president Adam Enbar, millennials are currently the most educated generation in U.S. history. But in reality, only 20 percent of college students are ready to work. That's why Enbar wrote in his article published on Quartz that the education sector needs to be saved by some "hard truths."
Truths That Will Save Higher Education
First of all, Enbar stressed that a "one-size-fits-all" stratagem or the so-called "college for everyone" approach doesn't work at all. Instead, educators should offer students more opportunities to explore the possibilities if technical education or a high-quality career fits them.
Second, higher education should provide skills and knowledge that are useful for students when they enter the world of workforce. Sometimes, the knowledge and skills students learn in school are not what they really need in getting a job hence, educational institutions should ensure that students will gain the necessary skills to launch a career, not just wasting six years to get a degree and having a $37,000 debt in tuition.
Lastly, Enbar highlighted the significance of continuous education, particularly in an age where smart technology and automation become prevalent. Even though the rise of technology and sophisticated innovation may not wipe out jobs, investing in lifelong learning could be a competitive advantage.
Why Traditional Branding And Marketing Won't Save Higher Education
Due to the ever-evolving face of higher education, college is no longer considered as an "automatic option" for students. As a matter of fact, higher education seemed to have lost its relevance in the society today.
Despite the efforts to halt the disruption in higher education, PR Week reveals that traditional marketing and marketing are not enough to save the education sector. According to John Brodeur, proportionate solutions are needed to save the deep-rooted issues in higher education, urging the need for every mission and vision of educational institutions to be reviewed.
Why Is There A Need To Save Higher Education
Today, higher education is one of the industries that is experiencing more radical changes than ever. New learning approaches seem to have intensely altered and influenced the conventional classroom model of education while books are no longer the most important resources because digital versions are much better and easily updated.
In spite of the modernization and the radical changes in education, the reality in which 60 percent of the working-age population in the United States still have no college degrees is quite alarming. With that said, higher education definitely needs to be saved.
Fortunately, Huffington Post outlined sensible solutions that can make higher education more accessible, affordable and relevant. The publication also highlighted the fact that educational institutions should stay relevant to students' needs despite facing changes and uncertainties.
What do you think is needed to save higher education? Share your thoughts below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
