Definitely a both and. We have seen an infantilization of the academy that I believe is in no small part due to the increased economic necessity of a college degree. I think quality education should be available to all who want it. Forcing people to jump through arbitrary and largely irrelevant hoops just to get a middle class job though is definitely hurting a significant segment of our society who are capable but not academically inclined. Catering to these students also deprives resources from the stronger and more motivated students.
By the time I went to college, the institution was already clearly in decline, but it does seem that things have gotten markedly worse in the last 10-15 years, which is quite dispiriting.
Comments
Definitely a both and. We have seen an infantilization of the academy that I believe is in no small part due to the increased economic necessity of a college degree. I think quality education should be available to all who want it. Forcing people to jump through arbitrary and largely irrelevant hoops just to get a middle class job though is definitely hurting a significant segment of our society who are capable but not academically inclined. Catering to these students also deprives resources from the stronger and more motivated students.
By the time I went to college, the institution was already clearly in decline, but it does seem that things have gotten markedly worse in the last 10-15 years, which is quite dispiriting.