I shared, yesterday, the “3 F’s of change” (James C. Hunter)—Foundation, Feedback, and Friction. These have inspired quite a bit of thought about a number of things that I am sure I will be sharing over the days to come. Today, it will be giving some of my thoughts on education.
I am an educator and have a number of great teachers in my family. I support education. I am also highly critical of education. I sometimes appear overly critical of education. I appear so critical because 1) I am passionate about it, and 2) I see the product of education. I intend to be constructively critical, but it doesn’t always come across as such. (So, please, if you continue reading, understand this to be my intent.)
Change is essential—particularly in education. “Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results” (Albert Einstein). Education in the United States has remained virtually unchanged for generations. It hardly keeps up with our changing society.
I believe that education is the root solution for every problem that is facing our world today. So, yes, I am passionate that about it! We rightly consider education to be a fundamental right. I support public education. I do not, however, take access to education lightly. In other words, I believe that as educators we have a moral obligation to provide more than a degree, and students have an obligation to do more than just show up.
A diploma might have its greatest value when one runs out of toilet paper—unless it leads to a better society. Recent graduates often complain about the lack of jobs and opportunity, as well as the mounting debt that higher education causes. There is certainly some truth to these concerns, however….
Education is expensive. There is no denying this. In many cases, going into debt to be educated is necessary. Wisdom, however, is warranted. Questions need to be asked. What am I getting in return for this debt? Can I afford this now? Would I be better to postpose my education and save some money? Is this “stuff” I “need” (e.g., new phone, computer, car, clothes, etc.) necessary? For what am I being educated? Will there be a career for me when I complete the degree? Et cetera.
If you are not going to be able to pay the debt because the field of choice is a low-paying field, then, well, Forrest Gump nailed it: “Stupid is as stupid does.” On one hand, the student has responsibility, here. On the other hand, we educators have to take some of the blame. Believe me, as an exercise science professor, I often ask myself: “What the hell am I doing?” (Kiplinger.com recently listed Exercise Science as the #10 “Worst College Majors for Your Career 2016-2017”. In the March 2009 issue of Professionalization of Exercise Physiology online, respected chair of the Department of Exercise Physiology at The College of St. Scholastica and editor of PEPonline, published an article, “Exercise Science Is Not a Sound College Investment”.) Now, certainly, there is much truth to the Kiplinger ranking and Dr. Boones’ statement about the degree. Kiplinger looks at exercise science as a route to a career as a fitness trainer. Dr. Boone addresses that the majority of exercise programs are designed to prepare students for advanced degrees—more debt. I see the points being made, but I also see the great opportunity in an exercise science degree. (I personally believe it should be the preferred route to all advanced medical degrees, e.g., MD, DO, DPT, PA, etc. I also see that, for students preparing for these professions, there are other career options, if they fail to obtain admission to medical school, etc.) The key to making an exercise science program (or any academic program) successful and valuable is in taking care not to merely prepare students for a job (e.g., fitness instructor) or for graduate school. Rather, education—and this should be understood as the role of all education—is to prepare students to become a creative member of society. In other words, education should—must—not merely prepare students for jobs. Instead, education should be preparing job creators. Unfortunately, educators—particularly in higher education—are too focused on their own disciplines and fail to see the broader connections that should be made during a college degree. Often educators train students from their perspective of the discipline for the purpose of preparing one for a career in said disciple. Decades ago, this may have worked. Times, as Bob Dyan sang, “they are a changin’”.
I believe that education needs to be more flexible. Information is so easily accessible to all levels of society through the Internet and books. The traditional lecture/notetaking format must give way to developing critical thinking skills. I expect my students to challenge what I teach and what society attempts to teach. There is so much discussion, lately, or “fake news”. The fitness industry, from my perspective, is more driven by marketing than physiology. Educated people must be discerning.
Education (Kindergarten through PhD) must provide more than a certificate of completion (i.e., diploma). Education is to be the foundation for future life. It should prepare students to become productive members of society.
It is important to note that “educated” is not limited to scholarship. Indeed, we would be nowhere without people skilled in trades or willing to take on the physical labor that builds the thinks that the thinkers create. Such persons are critical to society and should me considered for their contribution. Without the creators, though, there is no hope for the laborer. We must produce creators!
I support STEAM education. There is much talk of STEM education in schools—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—but there is also a critical contribution to be made by the Arts (and, of course, I demand that Physical Education be included). As educators, no matter what our discipline, we need to understand the role that each of these—each of us—play in producing a well-educated society.
I propose a system that broadly educated at all levels to provide the skills for everyone to succeed. Rather than teach to a battery of tests or to an antiquated degree plan, we must focus of delivering the skills that will ultimately add value to the educated.
A diploma is expensive and should be thought of as more than a purchase. An education is an investment in our society, as well as the student. The value of an education must appreciate with time or it is money wasted.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow!
Carpe momento!