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Accessibility, affordability, and accreditation are the three main problems that Univ Foundation may assist in resolving for the education industry.
Last updated
Accessibility, affordability, and accreditation are the three main problems that Univ Foundation may assist in resolving for the education industry.
Last updated
Accessibility
Firstly, one of the most prominent issues facing higher education today is the accessibility barrier. The stark reality is that fewer than 7% of people globally hold a college degree, and even in the United States, a country heralded for its advanced educational standards, less than half of the population possesses a college degree. Furthermore, for those lucky enough to attend college, there are mounting concerns over equality and inclusivity, with universities increasingly scrutinized to ensure fair representation across all social, ethnic, and economic groups.
A closer look at the structure of higher education reveals an inherent design that places limits on accessibility. Traditional learning institutions operate within two significant constraints: time and location.
The Time Constraint
The model of higher education often strictly adheres to a chronological timeline, offering classes that commence at specific periods—typically in the fall, spring, and summer. Miss these starting points, and you're left waiting. Similarly, if you can't commit to the full duration of a 16-week semester, course completion becomes an unachievable task. In many instances, prerequisite courses are offered sequentially, which means missing one can significantly hamper your academic progression.
The Location Constraint
Geography poses another significant hurdle for many potential students. The majority of universities and colleges are tethered to specific locations, and while the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a sudden surge in online learning options, many of these programs are still primarily designed for in-person delivery.
Affordability
The Soaring Costs and Burden of Student Debt
The skyrocketing cost of college education in the United States has reached staggering levels, with a staggering , outpacing inflation by a staggering 236%. This exponential rise in costs has contributed to the astronomical burden of student debt, . The weight of this debt poses significant obstacles, limiting future possibilities and diminishing the likelihood of students pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors or pursuing their passions.
Moreover, the evolving nature of many professions demands a continuous process of reskilling and reimagining education as a lifelong pursuit. However, for countless individuals, the financial aftermath of their initial college experience lingers, making it highly improbable for them to embark on further educational pursuits."
Accreditation
Lastly, the current accreditation system often hampers innovation and the ability to deliver the necessary skills in the Knowledge Economy.
Traditionally, courses are measured based on the Carnegie Unit, which focuses on the number of hours students spend in a classroom. While this approach standardizes class time, it does little to ensure actual mastery of skills. In the Knowledge Economy, it is crucial to shift towards praxis, where practical application is prioritized. Alternative accreditation methods, such as competency-based models, offer a way to emphasize mastery over mere seat time.
Accreditation requirements and reporting obligations have placed additional pressure on colleges, leading to an increase in administrative roles, which now make up more than half of the payroll. This diversion of resources away from teaching and learning is a concerning trend.
Reconsidering accreditation and shifting towards a mastery-based approach has the potential to significantly transform the value proposition of education for parents, students, and employers. It opens up new possibilities for aligning education with the needs of the evolving job market, providing a more meaningful and relevant learning experience for all stakeholders involved.
AAA education is one that is accessible, affordable, and accredited, and that prepares students for the workforce. To get there, we'll need to embrace Univ foundation.
Furthermore, employers often rely on universities to make employment decisions, with.
Unfortunately, the emphasis lies more on the credential itself, known as the "sheepskin effect," rather than the actual knowledge and skills acquired. , you won't receive 7/8ths of the corresponding salary. The completion of the degree is seen as a signal to employers rather than a guarantee of competence.