Are we expecting too much from education?
Many people share a common belief that "getting a good tertiary education" will guarantee a successful, well paid career.
This may well have been the case in the mid 20th century, when there was a scarcity of tertiary educated people. Most modern research would suggest that this is no longer the case though.
Education is by no means useless; but many people do tend to over value it, at their own peril.
Put any prejudice you have aside; and start thinking about what will be needed to survive and thrive in a career over the coming decades. We know that most of the jobs in the future will be is self employment (small business, or perhaps contracting). We know that science, technology and automation will play an increasing role in many jobs. We know that change will be rapid in the workplace, and that most people are probably going to be continually changing what they work at and how they do their work. Globalisation is also likely to be a continuing trend.
With all of this in mind, make a list of what attributes you need to develop for a successful and sustainable long term career?
Two things need to happen:
1. Students and their families need to recognise not just what education can give them; but also what it cannot give them
2. Educators need to recognise the things that are important to teach, and the things that are not; and accordingly, take a different approach to running courses.
Main stream education is lagging. Education outside the main steam is a mixed bag....it includes some of the best, but also some of the worst.
We at ACS recognise the limits of education; but also understand what it can give you.