What's Happening to Universities?

It saddens me to witness the outdated curricula that many universities still offer and their limited collaboration with industry partners. This disconnect prevents students from understanding the opportunities that await them after graduation.

For those of us who feel like academics outside traditional academia, this disconnect is particularly disheartening. It highlights why many are seeking alternatives to conventional education. The urgency to acquire relevant skills and certifications quickly is driving this shift.

Consider entrepreneurs, for instance. They often work in isolation for extended periods before achieving success, all while juggling multiple side jobs to support their families. This is especially true in creative fields, such as writing.

Jan Thomas, Vice-Chancellor at Massey University, discusses the vulnerabilities that universities face in an insightful article. She points out that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a deep-seated distrust in scientific research and education.

Universities must adapt to the changing landscape, but the underlying issues they face are not new. The current climate highlights the urgency of addressing these challenges, especially as alternative career paths emerge that offer quicker results, often from home.

In my experience, many academic programs fail to resonate with students' realities. A lack of alignment between education and the job market leads graduates to accept any available position, resulting in dissatisfaction and eventual turnover.

Reflecting on My Own Journey

When I pursued a degree in English philology, many of my peers became teachers, even though we were informed about various career options. Unfortunately, those alternatives often felt out of reach.

Research on the future of higher education tends to be vague, failing to address the need for institutions to regain public trust. It’s not merely about technological advancements; universities must also teach essential life skills such as critical thinking, basic economics, and first aid.

Instead of modernizing their curricula, some institutions resort to offering quick workshops, known as "mushroom courses," attempting to bridge the gap between outdated content and contemporary demands. However, many of these programs lack the necessary tools to effectively connect with their target audience.

Rethinking Educational Approaches

While subjects like Classics and Philosophy are valuable, many educators fail to explain their relevance to students' future careers. Young learners often explore potential professions through play, indicating their readiness to grasp the bigger picture if guided appropriately.

The disconnect can sometimes stem from teachers’ limited understanding of the broader implications of their subjects or a lack of motivation to inspire change. Educational institutions should prioritize hiring passionate educators who genuinely seek to impact their students’ lives.

For instance, my twelve-year-old recently chose to study Greek mythology. Initially, he struggled to see its relevance, but after discussing its potential applications, such as in Jungian analysis, his interest grew. This conversation not only deepened his understanding but also strengthened our bond.