At this stage of my life, when I think of education, I think of inflation. Why? Because, the standards are inflated: competition has inflated the value of the term "success." We discussed the use of tests, and I think it is a valid observation that the bar has been raised on the expectations placed on students. I don't have sources to use in my blog, but I would argue that 20 years ago, college was something only obtained by a more "elite" class, but also it was possible to find a respectable job without a college education. Higher education was not the only way to achieve success. Today, it is assumed that with graduating high school comes the world of college classes and dorm food. Attending school has become an expectation and "the norm." This movement toward high education has created what I consider to be the marginalization of the degrees students today are earning. A Bachelor's degree which once took 4 years to earn is taking up to 5 years for many of our college students, and many careers expect students to come in with a Masters, thus making a Bachelors a stepping stone rather than the finish line fore many career bound students.
I probably sound cynical, and I probably am just that. I find myself easily discouraged when I think of the money I am spending to become a teacher. I fear that my Bachelors will be invalid (and I am most likely right in some instances), and I will have to spend more money to obtain a Masters and/or teaching license. Knowing that my dream of teaching is not one of financial prosperity, I often wonder if this whole "college thing" is really a waste of money. However, it is clearly decided that my choice career can only be obtained through a college education, so this time and money is really an investment. Sometimes, I really don't know if I agree.
Here's an article that, when I read it, it challenged my thoughts and I found it to be somewhat encouraging in my moment of frustration.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jayson-boyers/is-college-worth-it_b_2016933.html
I wonder what you all feel. Do you share similar feelings of frustration? Or do you absolutely feel that college is a worthy investment?
I completely agree with you that it is very easy to get discouraged with education. I myself find it ridiculous that in recent years it has become more the norm to go to Graduate school and get a Master's degree. I don't understand why a four year degree is not enough! Just because someone pays more money for school then another person does not mean that they are better qualified. It's even more frustrating when student's have mentally prepared themselves to go to Graduate school and then the university that they are going to changes the program when it is too late for that student to benefit (the situation that I am in). The changing education system is very frustrating and I believe that we are not the only ones that feel this way.
ReplyDeleteI think college is a worthy investment. College gives you higher education, and I wouldn't be able to reach my goals in life without it.
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