Sunday, June 25, 2017

Strategies To Improve Higher Education w/ a focus on curriculum, globalization, and funding.


 Strategies To Improve Higher Education w/ a focus on curriculum, globalization, and funding.

In an effort to increase students’ interest in post-secondary education there must be encouragement supported by a quality learning experience and there must be programs of study that are attractive to both the student’s interest and industry needs. An active effort should be taken within the following manner to ensure that ongoing best practices are developed and implemented towards these goals and objectives. To support an improved learning environment within post-secondary settings, colleges and universities should consider: the curriculum structure, globalization of services and support initiatives, and financial assistance towards meeting the advanced educational needs of the learner.
Modern approaches to curriculum leadership include online learning as well as web-based platforms. More recently we are moving away from blended instructional frames in come college settings. However the increased uses of educational technology manifest blended instructional methods within certain programs, the more advanced learning environments. We are yet moving more towards continued site-based instruction and more web-based instruction. In colleges and universities where there is an increased enrollment you will find more support of online learning environments which are an attractive quality for adult learners who are also employed.
There are many more advancements that are coupled with curricula advancements such as content, grading criteria, short-term semesters, and degrees offered. Nevertheless, the greater qualities of the learning experience for the student are those that meet their life-long goals, personal needs, and career objectives. These are the areas that post-secondary administrators should consider when making adjustment for the improve efforts per their curriculum design. Curriculum should be a daily task in post secondary setting. Thus, knowledge of program outcomes must be well vested in the planning of new program designs and curricula structures.
As advanced efforts are taken towards increasing the affects of student learning, we should also focus on the globalization of our organizations. The methods used within the instructional practices should include the focus on diversification of faculty, facilities, to include recruitment efforts. Students must see themselves in the organization where they are to study successfully and where they are expected to advance socially. Retention in programs is greatly impacted by the manner in which students see themselves on college campuses. In the organization of programs, faculty, and programs there should be equity in the level of instructional programs with a fair distribution of cultural respects. There must be policy statements that support and protect these conditions and provisions for students enrolled as well as for those who may consider enrollment into a particular organization. These efforts will support the acceptance of your organizations’ graduates as their presence in the local community will be well respected and receive
Lastly, the financial needs of adult learners are a changing dynamic that should be addressed with more attention. In some college and universities there are many resources available to the student and their unique learning needs. For example, dining services, housing, and child care continue to be major factors in the enrollment, retention and graduation of students in both 2-year and 4-year college systems. More adults are working directly from high school and need the financial assist that is provided at larger colleges and schools. In rural populations there is also a need if not a greater need for similar services and career opportunities. To off set the experiences of college students in a new environment there should be more opportunities for employment available to them. If at all possible the campus location where they are seeking an advanced education would be a great start of both educational grown and development and employment. To future assist the financial needs of the adult learner, the organizations should consider offering required financial literacy programs as a curriculum and graduation requirement. Many times students complete college with poor fiscal management habits which leads them to failed careers. Colleges must improve in the exit procedures for students in post-secondary environments. The organizational culture, academic posture, and fiscal posture of the student towards the end of their learning experience will determine if the process was successful. These practices must be a revisit on a regular cycle if greater outcomes are to flourish in post-secondary learning experiences.

References:

Guri-Rosenblit, S., Sebkova, H., & Teichler, U. (2007). Massification and diversity of higher                           education systems: Interplay of complex dimensions. Higher Education Policy, 20(4), 373-389.
                  Retrieved from Walden Library using the SAGE Journals Online database.


Salmi, J., & Bassett, R. M. (2009). Rankings 09: Measures matter. World University Rankings 2009. Retrieved from http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/story.asp?storycode=408566

Post by:
Melvin Alonza Lowe, III, EdD
Educational Director
Career Technical/Workforce Development
Macon County Public Schools
(Walden University M.S. Higher Education w/ Adult Learning)

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