ClassX Video Lessons The US is falling behind in higher education. Can we turn the tide? | Courtney Brown for Big Think
When we think about college students, we often picture young people fresh out of high school, living in dorms, and spending four years earning a degree. However, this image doesn’t capture the full picture. Many of today’s students are adults with varied backgrounds and responsibilities, challenging the traditional stereotype.
Recent data shows that about 40% of students work full-time, and nearly 40% are 25 years or older. These students often live independently and face financial difficulties, with some even living below the poverty line. As the job market changes, adults without a college education are increasingly looking to gain new skills or improve existing ones to stay competitive.
To create a successful educational environment, it’s crucial to support all students. This means understanding the financial challenges of pursuing higher education and ensuring students can earn valuable credentials that enhance their career prospects.
Many Americans believe the U.S. leads the world in higher education, but other countries have made significant progress in recent decades. In 2008, the Lumina Foundation predicted that by 2025, most jobs would require a post-secondary credential. To meet this demand, they set a goal for 60% of Americans to hold a degree or certificate by 2025. Currently, the U.S. is just under 52%.
To achieve the 60% goal, it’s essential to identify who lacks access to higher education and where the system is failing. Around 90 million people in the U.S. have only a high school diploma, often stuck in low-wage jobs with little stability. Additionally, about 36 million people started college but didn’t finish, leaving them with debt and no credential. This affects one in five adults aged 25 to 64, whose educational goals remain unfulfilled.
It’s vital for all Americans to have the chance to earn a post-secondary credential. If the U.S. doesn’t reach the 60% target, many talented individuals will be left behind, depriving the nation of the skills and knowledge needed for future success. Achieving this goal is not just desirable; it’s crucial for the well-being of individuals, communities, and the country as a whole.
Research and analyze the current demographics of university students in your region. Compare these findings with the traditional stereotype of college students. Present your findings in a report, highlighting the diversity and challenges faced by today’s students.
Engage in a role-playing exercise where you simulate the financial challenges faced by non-traditional students. Create a budget based on a typical student’s income and expenses, and discuss strategies to manage financial stress while pursuing higher education.
Conduct a comparative study of higher education systems in different countries. Identify key differences and similarities, and discuss how these systems support or hinder student success. Share your insights in a group presentation.
Work in groups to identify barriers that prevent individuals from accessing higher education. Develop a proposal for a program or policy that could help overcome these barriers and present it to the class.
Participate in a workshop focused on identifying and developing skills that will be crucial for future job markets. Discuss how higher education can adapt to meet these needs and ensure students are prepared for future challenges.
Students – Individuals who are enrolled in an educational institution for the purpose of learning and acquiring knowledge. – University students often engage in research projects to deepen their understanding of complex social issues.
Education – The process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. – Education plays a crucial role in shaping informed citizens who can contribute positively to society.
Demographics – Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it. – Understanding the demographics of a classroom can help educators tailor their teaching strategies to meet diverse needs.
Challenges – Difficulties that require effort and determination to overcome, often encountered in the pursuit of goals. – One of the major challenges in higher education is ensuring equitable access for students from all backgrounds.
Skills – The abilities and expertise needed to perform tasks and solve problems effectively. – Critical thinking and analytical skills are essential for students pursuing a degree in social sciences.
Credentials – Qualifications, achievements, or aspects of a person’s background that indicate they are suitable for something. – Earning academic credentials from a reputable university can enhance a graduate’s career prospects.
Access – The means or opportunity to approach or enter a place or to use something. – Providing access to quality education is a fundamental goal of many educational policies worldwide.
Poverty – The state of being extremely poor, which can limit access to resources and opportunities. – Addressing poverty is essential for ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed academically.
Jobs – Paid positions of regular employment that individuals engage in to earn a living. – Graduates often seek jobs that align with their field of study and offer opportunities for professional growth.
Success – The accomplishment of an aim or purpose, often measured by achieving personal or professional goals. – Success in education is not only about grades but also about developing a lifelong love for learning.
