What’s the problem with the higher educational system?
This is a tricky question. And, of course, it assumes (as I do) that you believe higher education has a problem.
“Educated” people often lament that there aren’t enough instructors to go around. This is a trope I’m sure you’ve heard before.
However, to my mind, the issue is not one of scarcity or a lack of supply. No, my contention here is that there are too many educators in the system. But, this is only part of the issue; there are also too many pupils.
You read that correctly; there are just too many people pursuing higher education these days. Too many psychology degrees, for example. Of course, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that profession. Or is there one? More on that in another post. No, the problem is that so many people are led to believe that they must pursue a higher education degree and that working as, say, an electrician or a plumber, is not a respectable option. Well, why not?
Hmmm… well, when did this even become a thing? And is it? I’ve never heard anyone say those aren’t respectable positions, but it’s implied in the societal push toward higher education. Society wants people to go into higher education, not pursue trades.
One major issue with this is that people are not created equal. Everyone has their own unique set of skills and abilities. Some people are perfect for the theoretical impulses of higher education, but many are not. Many people are good with their hands. And apart from becoming an art major, there aren’t many uses in higher education for people who are good with their hands.
Our educational system’s insistence on treating all students as though they are of equal ability and potential, and capable of “great things” is a monstrosity that should be put to rest, and the sooner the better.
We need to reduce the number of professors until only the most qualified remain, and we need to reduce the number of pupils until only the most motivated (and interested) remain.
I’m a proponent of community college. And students who would rather be plumbers and electricians shouldn’t be allowed to disrupt the learning of those who do want to study the “higher arts.” And moreover, their talents are better suited for other things.