Higher Education: Is It Worth The Price? Introduction Over ✓ Solved
Higher Education: Is it worth the price? Introduction Over
Over the years, higher education has received significant recognition from different stakeholders across America and the world. It is a common belief that the higher education systems employed in American universities impact the needed knowledge and skills to students to allow them to perform different occupations in society. Despite the common belief, this is not the actual status of the American higher education system. Various authors and researchers have developed arguments attesting to this with examples and reasons to the deteriorating quality of higher education in America.
This paper takes an argumentative approach that seeks to explain the different contributing factors leading to the decline of higher education in America. The research outlines the antagonists to these factors and aims to answer the question of whether higher education is worth the high cost incurred by students and parents.
Current State
Research on the cost of higher education ranked America among the top ten countries having high costs related to acquiring higher education. The analysis showed that more than seventy-five percent of household income is used to finance children's higher education. The high cost is a result of the high regard granted to the American higher education system.
Despite the skyrocketing costs, students have committed to enrolling in universities and colleges across America. This significant cost raises the need for an evaluation of the worth of the knowledge and skills gained through education systems in America. Sadly, many types of research have shown that the output to input ratio concerning higher education in America is highly imbalanced, making it necessary to outline the factors contributing to this plight.
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism, a concept employed across various disciplines, argues that engagement in an activity should be guided by the benefits derived from it. The American education system has integrated utilitarianism in its curriculum.
Students evaluate disciplines based on the advantages presented by specific courses. Utilitarianism contributes to students choosing courses associated with significant financial benefits, leading to a diminished value of education compared to the cost incurred in America. However, some individuals argue that utilitarianism leads to increased outputs, positing that students seek knowledge to foster a positive impact on society.
Societal Culture
The culture of society also plays a crucial role in contributing to the deteriorating quality of higher education systems in America. A shift towards immediate gratification over delayed gratification has become prevalent, resulting in a preference for creative assignments over research-based ones.
While creativity can enhance education, it should not replace thorough research that reflects reality. Some educators believe this cultural shift enables the development of alternative solutions to pressing global issues, maintaining that it should be viewed as a positive approach rather than a factor leading to quality decline.
University and College Orientation
Institutional orientation impacts students' intellectual discipline. The historical reliance on religious practices fostered commitment and discipline among students, enhancing their learning experience. However, the current freedom-oriented approach in universities may contribute to a decline in quality, as students often lack the commitment required to excel.
Despite this, freedom activists argue that unrestricted learning promotes success and creativity among students. They contend that freedom is necessary for a well-rounded educational experience, suggesting that it should not be viewed as a factor contributing to lower quality.
Commercialization of Education
The commercialization of education significantly contributes to declining quality in American higher education. As many educational institutions become commercially oriented, the drive to accommodate more students through fast-paced learning programs limits the comprehensive understanding of new concepts.
Education has transformed into a market-driven commodity, where the competition for students has led to an influx of institutions. This aspect provokes questions about the long-term impact on quality. However, some argue that commercialization fosters competition that ultimately benefits students through improved educational services and technological advancements.
Stakeholders and Impacts
Identifying the factors contributing to declining American higher education quality serves to inform various stakeholders, including students, parents, educators, and governing bodies. By highlighting these elements, stakeholders can better understand how they relate to quality and how to address these issues.
The examination of these factors, including commercialization, is essential in fostering informed decisions about education. While factors such as political influences impact the situation, the focus remains on those significantly contributing to the decline in higher education quality.
Conclusion
The American higher education system's perceived excellence does not reflect reality. Factors such as commercialization, societal culture, utilitarianism, and shifting institutional perspectives contribute to this decline. By correlating these elements in the discussion, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into enhancing the quality of higher education in America, ultimately improving its relevance in our modern economy.
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