Category: College Education

Introduction

College education has become a requirement in today’s society. And with a free college education, students would have time to educate themselves. The article entitled “should be free” states that “free college tuition should be given to students because it will assist students to concentrate on their studies” (Dynarski). They wouldn’t have to worry about their financial situation or other issues regarding their personal education. College education should be free because it decreases the student debt, allows more students to attend college and it will increase the educated population in the society.

Why College Education Should Be Free?

College education should be free for every student to follow and achieve their career passion. With a free college education, it would decrease the gap between rich and poor student. As poorer students would have equal and more opportunities to learn. Many states have developed free tuition programs for families with financial problems. According to the article entitled, “should college be free” exclaimed that, “free college education helps more members of racial and ethnic minorities to attend” (Dynarski). It helps them choose the major they want to learn and achieve their college education free of charge. There are a lot of jobs requiring a college degree and it made harder for those without higher education. “The economy also benefits from free education because It increases the pool of highly educated laborers” (Dynarski). It would expand higher educational benefits such as jobs and higher pay for the workers. Making college education free reduces the amount of student debt being carried over time.

Making college education free would allow a lot of students to focus on their education and their careers. It could also cost less on the current spending and could save millions in loan debt and grants. According to the article, “Make Public College Tuition-Free” (MPCTF), states that, “making college tuition-free would cost less than what we already spend on the patchwork of financial aid programs we currently support” (Bryant). Free college education might give a lot of people the chance to learn and give equal opportunities to students who can’t afford a college education. Many institutions are offering some form of free tuition and they trying to bring in more talented students with low income.

College education has become much more necessary than it was before to fill today’s role. It will boost the economy and produce a better-educated workforce to American economic growth and at the same time increase tax revenue. Additionally, if more people get more good jobs, it would reduce other forms of public assistance. With a free college education, the students’ debts would decrease as a lot of people are stressed over. However, a young woman said in the article entitled, “Students Call for a Debt-Free College” “Between my boyfriend and me, we’ll have $50,000 in debt,’ she said. ‘It’s like this looming problem over our heads, how are we going to afford this?” (Erickson). This explains that a lot of people are in their college debt. and how much they had to pay on their own. People get stuck in their college debt for the rest of their lives. According to the article “Free Higher Education is a Human Right” “the total student debt outstanding in this country is now $1.225 trillion. What’s more, that figure has risen by nearly $400 billion over the last four years, or nearly $100 billion a year” (Eskow). That means that every year the student debt crisis increases dramatically and will increase unless something is done about it.

Obviously, college education is expensive and it is not a right for everyone to experience college because free college education would increase the taxes. Making college education free will left a lot of students with burdens of high student fees. The article entitled, “Free higher education is a right” says “America’s colleges and universities are quietly shifting the burden of their big tuition increases onto low-income students, while many higher-income families are seeing their college costs rise more slowly, or even fall” (Eskow). This article explains that college education should be free to every student regardless of their race, background information, and their financials.

Subsidizing college tuition to zero has its own effects. With a free college education, people won’t value it. Getting a college education is a huge privilege that a student has to earn. In the article, “should college be free”, stated that, “students in the public school system will take free education for granted as though it were given.” (Dynarski). Some students might not want to go to college because they aren’t paying for anything and that it doesn’t value their time and money. The college institutions would need money to manage their financial problems and other school supplies. But with a free college education, there will be a more educated population and that would have economic and social benefits for the country.

Conclusion

College education should be free because of more people attending college, a more educated population and fewer student loans. It would give poor students the chance to learn and experience college. With a free college education, there will social and economic benefits fro the country. Students would be free to follow their passions and abilities. Some students won’t value-free education. Colleges would also need money to manage their financial problems. But free education began with pre-school and kindergarten and everyone deserves the opportunity to get free higher education.

Long and Short Essay on Education in English

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of individuals and societies. It serves as the key to unlocking one’s potential, fostering personal growth, and driving societal progress. In today’s rapidly evolving world, the significance of it cannot be overstated. In long essays, we will delve into the multifaceted aspects of education, exploring its impact on individuals, communities, and nations. From examining the purpose of education and its various forms to analyzing the challenges and opportunities it presents, we will explore how it equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary for success. In contrast, short essays will offer a concise overview, emphasizing the importance of education in empowering individuals, promoting social mobility, and building a brighter future for all.

Education Essay 1 (100 words)

Education is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and societal development. It equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate the complexities of life. The primary goal of education is to nurture critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It empowers individuals to fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities. It also plays a crucial role in fostering social cohesion and equality, as it provides equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background. By promoting literacy and providing a platform for diverse perspectives, it creates an inclusive society that values diversity and respects human rights. Overall, education is the cornerstone of progress, empowerment, and a better future for individuals and society as a whole.

Education Essay 2 (150 words)

Introduction

Education is a key driver of personal and societal development, providing individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the modern world. This essay explores the importance of education and its profound impact.

Importance of Education

Education empowers individuals to reach their full potential by imparting knowledge, fostering critical thinking, and promoting lifelong learning. It stimulates creativity, innovation, and social mobility, breaking the chains of poverty and inequality. It also cultivates responsible citizenship and promotes social cohesion.

Conclusion

Education is an indispensable foundation for personal growth and societal progress. It empowers individuals, fosters critical thinking, promotes social mobility, and creates a more inclusive world. Investing in accessible, quality education for all is crucial to ensure a brighter future.

Education Essay 3 (200 words)

Introduction

Education is a vital process that shapes individuals and societies, providing knowledge, skills, and values for personal and societal development. This essay focuses on education in the United States.

What is education?

Education is more than acquiring knowledge; it encompasses formal instruction, practical experiences, and personal growth. It broadens perspectives, develops critical thinking, and empowers individuals to contribute to their communities.

Education in the USA

In the United States, education is highly valued and considered a fundamental right. The system includes public and private schools, aiming to provide equal opportunities to all students and bridge the achievement gap. Efforts are made to enhance standards, promote inclusivity, and create a supportive learning environment.

Conclusion

Education is the foundation of personal growth and societal progress. In the USA, it is recognized as a fundamental right and offered through diverse institutions. By investing in it, society empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives, contribute to communities, and drive innovation. Equitable and inclusive education systems are crucial for a brighter future.

Education Essay 4 (300 words)

Introduction

Education plays a crucial role in the progress and development of any society. It empowers individuals with knowledge, skills, and values needed for a fulfilling life and meaningful contributions to their communities. This essay examines the significance of education in society and the steps taken to promote it.

Role of Education in Society

Education is the foundation of societal advancement. It provides individuals with knowledge across disciplines, fostering critical thinking and intellectual growth. Moreover, it equips individuals with life skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration, enabling them to adapt to change and contribute to society.

Furthermore, it promotes social cohesion and equality. It bridges socioeconomic gaps by providing equal access to quality education. It cultivates empathy, respect, and understanding, promoting harmony among diverse groups. It also serves as a catalyst for social mobility, helping individuals break free from poverty and strive for a better future.

Steps Taken to Promote Education

Efforts have been made to increase enrollment rates, especially among marginalized groups. Initiatives such as scholarships, grants, and subsidies make it more accessible. Enhancing the quality of education is another focus, through curriculum reforms, teacher training, and infrastructure development. Technology has expanded educational opportunities, enabling remote learning and breaking geographical barriers.

Partnerships between governments, NGOs, and private entities address educational challenges and promote innovative teaching methods. Collaborative initiatives develop comprehensive educational strategies that meet diverse learners’ needs and equip them with relevant skills for the future.

Conclusion

Education is vital for societal progress, empowering individuals and fostering social cohesion. It provides knowledge, skills, and values necessary to navigate the complexities of the world. Governments and stakeholders have taken significant steps to promote education by focusing on accessibility, quality, and inclusivity. However, the journey towards universal education is ongoing, requiring sustained efforts to ensure education remains a fundamental right for all.

Education Essay 5 (500 words)

Introduction

Education is an essential pillar of society that plays a pivotal role in shaping individuals and their future. However, the modern education system is not without its challenges. This essay examines the problems of the modern education system and explores the profound impact education has on individuals’ lives.

The Problems of the Modern Education System

The modern education system faces several challenges that hinder its effectiveness and hinder the holistic development of students. Firstly, the emphasis on standardized testing and rote memorization often prioritizes the acquisition of knowledge over critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This approach fails to nurture creativity and stifles students’ ability to think independently.

Secondly, the one-size-fits-all approach to education neglects the diverse needs and learning styles of students. Many learners have unique strengths and weaknesses, yet the current system often fails to cater to their individual requirements. This can result in disengagement, diminished motivation, and a lack of enthusiasm for learning.

Moreover, the modern education system has not kept pace with the rapidly evolving technological landscape. While technology has transformed nearly every aspect of our lives, education has been slow to embrace its potential. Insufficient integration of technology in classrooms limits access to digital resources and impedes the development of crucial digital literacy skills.

How does education impact your life?

Despite the challenges, education remains a powerful catalyst for personal and societal development. It equips individuals with knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for success in various spheres of life. It opens doors to opportunities and empowers individuals to pursue their dreams and aspirations.

Education broadens horizons by exposing learners to diverse perspectives and ideas, fostering tolerance, empathy, and cultural understanding. It helps individuals develop critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyze and evaluate information independently. Moreover, it instills values such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork, which are invaluable in personal and professional settings.

Furthermore, education plays a vital role in social mobility. It breaks the cycle of poverty by providing marginalized individuals with the means to improve their socio-economic conditions. It empowers individuals to become active participants in society, contributing to its progress and development. Moreover, it fosters informed citizenship, promoting democratic values, and nurturing an engaged and responsible citizenry.

Conclusion

While the modern education system faces various challenges, it remains a crucial pillar for personal and societal development. Addressing the problems of the system requires a shift towards student-centered learning, emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Moreover, the integration of technology in education must be prioritized to enhance accessibility and digital literacy skills.

The profound impact of education on individuals’ lives cannot be overstated. It equips individuals with the necessary tools to navigate an ever-changing world, fostering personal growth, and enabling social mobility. It is imperative that we recognize the importance of education and work collectively to overcome the challenges of the modern education system, ensuring that it remains a transformative force for generations to come.

Long Essay on Education – Essay 6 (1000 Words)

Introduction

Education plays a pivotal role in shaping the lives of individuals and societies. It serves as the foundation upon which personal growth, societal development, and progress are built. Throughout history, it has been regarded as a fundamental right and a catalyst for change. This essay explores the significance of education in our lives, highlights the modern concept of education, and emphasizes how education acts as the key to success.

Why is Education so Important in Our Life?

Education is vital for several reasons that extend beyond mere academic achievements. Firstly, it equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate through life effectively. Education imparts critical thinking abilities, problem-solving techniques, and decision-making aptitudes, enabling individuals to make informed choices and contribute meaningfully to their communities. For example, through education, individuals gain a better understanding of scientific concepts, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and the environment.

Furthermore, education fosters personal growth by promoting self-awareness, confidence, and a sense of purpose. It empowers individuals to recognize and develop their unique talents and strengths, leading to enhanced personal fulfillment and overall well-being. Education also cultivates a lifelong love for learning, encouraging individuals to embrace curiosity and intellectual exploration, even beyond formal educational settings.

Moreover, it has a profound impact on societal development. It creates an informed and engaged citizenry, laying the groundwork for a thriving democracy. Education promotes social cohesion by instilling values such as empathy, tolerance, and respect for diversity, thereby fostering harmonious coexistence among individuals from different backgrounds. By providing individuals with a comprehensive understanding of history, social sciences, and ethics, education enables them to actively participate in shaping the future of their communities.

Additionally, it plays a crucial role in reducing poverty and inequality by providing opportunities for upward mobility. It helps break the cycle of poverty by equipping individuals with skills and knowledge that lead to better employment prospects and improved economic conditions. By investing in education, societies can empower marginalized groups and create a more equitable and just society. Education acts as a powerful tool for social mobility, allowing individuals to transcend socioeconomic barriers and achieve a higher quality of life.

Modern Concept of Education

In the contemporary world, the concept of education has evolved to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. Traditional notions of education primarily focused on imparting knowledge within the confines of a classroom. However, the modern concept of it extends beyond classroom boundaries, encompassing various modes of learning. Technology has revolutionized education, making knowledge accessible to individuals irrespective of their geographical location or socioeconomic background. Online platforms, digital resources, and e-learning tools have democratized education, enabling individuals to pursue it at their own pace and convenience. This flexibility in learning methods has opened up new possibilities for lifelong learning and skill development.

Moreover, the modern concept of education emphasizes holistic development. It recognizes the importance of nurturing not only intellectual abilities but also emotional intelligence, creativity, and critical soft skills. Education is no longer solely focused on academic excellence; it aims to foster well-rounded individuals capable of adapting to the complexities of the modern world. The inclusion of subjects such as arts, sports, and social sciences in the curriculum reflects the recognition of the diverse talents and interests of learners. This interdisciplinary approach prepares individuals for a range of career paths and equips them with transferable skills that are highly valued in today’s workforce, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

Education is the Key to Success

Education serves as a key that unlocks the doors to success in various spheres of life. Firstly, education opens up a world of opportunities in the professional realm. It equips individuals with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their chosen fields. A well-educated workforce contributes to economic growth, innovation, and technological advancements. For example, advancements in fields such as medicine, engineering, and information technology are driven by the expertise and research conducted by highly educated professionals. Moreover, it enhances employability by expanding job prospects and increasing earning potential. Individuals with higher levels of education tend to have greater access to high-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities.

Furthermore, it empowers individuals to lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. It equips them with the tools to pursue their passions, explore their interests, and make a positive impact on society. It enables individuals to participate actively in civic and community affairs, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Through education, individuals develop a broader perspective, allowing them to appreciate diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences. It also enhances personal relationships by promoting effective communication, empathy, and understanding.

Additionally, education equips individuals with the ability to adapt to a rapidly changing world. The acquisition of lifelong learning skills ensures that individuals remain adaptable, flexible, and resilient in the face of challenges. Education instills a thirst for knowledge, encouraging individuals to continuously seek personal and professional growth. In a world characterized by technological advancements and evolving industries, individuals who embrace lifelong learning are better equipped to navigate and succeed in the dynamic job market.

Conclusion

In conclusion, education is of utmost importance in our lives. It is a transformative force that not only imparts knowledge but also shapes individuals and societies. Education equips individuals with the necessary skills, knowledge, and values to succeed in various spheres of life. The modern concept of education goes beyond classroom learning, embracing technology, and holistic development.

By recognizing it as the key to success, we can strive to create a world where every individual has equal access to quality education, enabling them to reach their full potential and contribute to a prosperous and inclusive society. Embracing education as a lifelong journey empowers individuals to adapt, grow, and make a positive impact in an ever-changing world.

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced digital age, libraries stand as beacons of knowledge and community. As timeless institutions, they have undergone profound transformations to remain relevant. This essay explores the importance of libraries, their invaluable uses, and why they continue to hold a unique place in the hearts and minds of individuals worldwide.

Importance of Libraries

Libraries play a pivotal role in fostering intellectual growth and lifelong learning. They offer a vast array of resources, ranging from traditional books to cutting-edge e-books and online databases. Beyond serving as storehouses of knowledge, libraries provide equitable access to information for all, irrespective of socioeconomic backgrounds. By offering free access to books, reference materials, and educational programs, libraries bridge the knowledge gap and promote social inclusivity.

Moreover, libraries serve as communal spaces that encourage dialogue and intellectual exchange. They are nurturing grounds for creativity and innovation, hosting workshops, lectures, and book clubs that stimulate intellectual curiosity. These vibrant hubs cultivate a sense of community, allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and share their ideas, fostering a deeper understanding of one another.

Uses of Libraries

Libraries cater to an array of needs and interests, serving as invaluable resources to diverse groups. For students, libraries provide quiet study spaces, access to academic journals, and research assistance, which aid in their pursuit of knowledge. Researchers and academics benefit from the extensive collection of scholarly materials, augmenting their discoveries and fostering scientific progress.

Libraries also act as sanctuaries for book lovers and casual readers alike, offering an extensive range of fiction and non-fiction works. They promote leisure reading, which not only enriches the imagination but also helps reduce stress and enhance mental well-being.

Beyond traditional resources, modern libraries embrace technology to empower their patrons further. E-books, audiobooks, and online courses are readily accessible, catering to the tech-savvy and those who prefer learning at their own pace. As technology evolves, libraries adapt their offerings, ensuring that they remain on the forefront of knowledge dissemination.

Additionally, libraries serve as vital spaces for skill development. Through workshops, seminars, and access to online learning platforms, they empower individuals to acquire new skills, enhancing employability and contributing to the growth of local economies.

Conclusion

To summarize, libraries are more than simply book stores; they are keepers of information, advocates for accessibility, and hubs of community participation. Their adaptability to the ever-changing terrain of information distribution makes them important in today’s society. Libraries continue to inspire and empower people from all walks of life, ensuring that the quest of information remains a valued and communal effort. We must appreciate, support, and actively engage in the enriching world of libraries in order to fully grasp the treasures therein.

FAQs

• What is the significance of libraries?

Libraries are vital institutions that provide equitable access to knowledge, foster intellectual growth, and promote lifelong learning. They serve as communal spaces that encourage dialogue and creativity, creating a sense of community among diverse individuals. With their diverse resources, libraries bridge the knowledge gap and support academic, professional, and personal development. Moreover, they act as repositories of cultural heritage and facilitate research, contributing to scientific progress and societal advancement. In essence, libraries play a crucial role in empowering individuals and communities, ensuring the dissemination of information for the betterment of society as a whole.

How Can Students Develop a Thorough Study Plan?

Most students are not aware of the study plan but it holds a great importance in their academic lives. The study plan is generally considered a planned timetable referring the time for studies and learning objectives. Just like for any other task, the students must develop a thorough study plan and schedule that puts aside committed time for studying. This study plan must contain all the academic activities such as exams, quizzes, etc along with the important dates for projects and assignments. A study plan is a useful means to assist students find the way through their university education and hold them responsible for their learning goals and objectives. For students, developing a study plan can be difficult. Besides their regular classes, they may have to pursue other extracurricular activities, job and various social commitments.

However, developing a study plan permits them to observe how they use up their time and makes sure that they are allocating sufficient amount of time other than classes to work on homework, assignments as well. Generally, the study plans hold great significance for the students of all the academic levels since they require strength of will and resolve to pursue their studies without the regular prompts of the teacher. It is also important for students to comprehend that there is no specific method to develop a study plan as it would be tailored on their precise academic requirements. Here, we explain top five tips and guidelines for the university students to create their study plan without any hassles.

1. Evaluate study routine and learning approach

Here, students should consider how things can work best for them. They should try to ask themselves questions such as whether are they able to study for long hours or just one hour or is it useful if they study daily for half an hour? The research conducted by Essay Writer reveals that the students should also be able to know whether they are more productive at day or night. Also, they must analyze that do they keep hold of the academic lectures or concepts better if they study instantly following class or do they need a small break to freshen up for studies. So, here students should try to examine all these factors to create an effective study plan.

2. Examine time management skills

The students should use a calendar and mark all of their activities such as classes, job and various other activities. By doing this, students will get to know how much of their time is already reserved and what time they have on hand for studying. In addition, if their schedule presents small space for studying, they may require assessing what they can reduce or how they can reorganize their timetable to have more space for studying. Here, students should try to analyze their time management skills to create the best study plan.

3. Identify how much time is needed

Generally, it has been the accepted rule or standard for the students that they study two hours for every one hour of class time. But, students don’t have to follow this routine strictly. Nowadays, students have to do more in less time. In brief, at the start of each university term, teachers provide students with complete syllabi for the subjects they are taking classes of. These syllabi generally contain the dates of all the exams or projects. So, students can use this document as a guide for scheming how much time to reserve for every class, as some of the subjects might be more complex than others. In addition, it will also assist students list their study sessions to ensure they have sufficient amount of time to work on all of their projects and plan for exams.

4. Stick to timetable

The students should realize the fact that a study plan works successfully and best when it is pursued regularly. So, students should strive to build up a study plan that they can easily pursue for the duration of every term. Students will require adjusting their plan as compulsory when they change their classes every term. Kindly keep in mind that the significant thing is to follow and stick to the plan. Apart from sticking to the plan, students should not forget and always remember to take short breaks between their study sessions. In case, if their study schedule consists of extended hours they must sure to take short intervals or breaks for at least 10 to 15 minutes in order to provide rest to their mind and body. By doing this, students will be able to keep their mind fresh and assist avoiding them from feeling exhausted.

5. Allocate time for activities

The studies are the important part of every student’s life but other activities are also essential too. By developing a fair timetable, their mind will be more accessible all through the time dedicated to the purpose of studying. If they plan a number of days in a line of studying, they will get depressed and be enticed to quit. So, it’s suggested to the students that they plan time for non-academic or extracurricular activities, such as working out, pursuing hobby and socializing with friends. Apart form allocating time for the other activities, students must also try to keep the check on their schedule by maintaining accountability. There are a number of students who find it supportive to study with a colleague or friend as it offers accountability and various opportunities for great academic cooperation. In brief, when students create their study plan, they must confirm with other classmates to decide if they can coordinate study sessions. On the other hand, if they like socializing over study then they should follow a different study plan.

The Demand for the Doctorate

With the objective of striving towards better-equipped and higher value economies, governments, with all the concerned sectors around the world, are trying to develop necessary highly skilled workforces. Indeed, knowledge has become an important factor in achieving economic development. A knowledge economy has increased the demand for a highly educated workforce, especially a workforce with a university degree.

According to the Lisbon 2020 agenda—the EU development strategy—the EU is striving towards developing a knowledge economy, a sustainable economy based on employment, innovation, and education. The development of a knowledge economy might be the solution to its economic and social problems as well. In order to compare countries and knowledge economy development, the World Bank developed a framework and identified key knowledge economy pillars: education and training, research and innovation, economic incentives and institutional regime, ICT, and infrastructure. Education, especially higher education, is important for knowledge economy development. Higher education institutions are important for the creation, dissemination, knowledge transfer, and spillover of knowledge to the industry.

Over the last few years, the significance of the doctorate and higher education has taken a disproportionate upward spin in comparison to its share of overall graduate output.

Nonetheless, this unprecedented increase in doctoral studies does not mainly involve the traditional role of the Ph.D., centering towards the provision of future supplies of academics. Instead, it highlighted the importance of higher education in the development of a knowledge economy, through the production of high-level skills.

Historically, during the 1990s already it was recognized that there is a correspondence between the acceptance of the notion of the knowledge economy and society, on the one hand, and the rise of the doctorate, on the other.

Indeed with worldwide digitization and access to information, the sources of productivity and competitiveness for countries have become increasingly dependent on knowledge and information being applied to productivity, thus leading to what Castells (1991), calls the knowledge society.

Confirming the valuing of talent in today’s global economy, the Mercer Talent Survey shows that chief executive officers understand that talent is a primary source of competitive advantage: whether entering a new market, innovating existing processes, developing a product, or expanding service lines, it is an essential element of every core business function(Mercer 2013).

If knowledge and information are the new electricity of the economy, then it is a reasonable assumption that the university –as the main knowledge institution in society –will become increasingly important and that its apex training product, the Ph.D., will appear on the skills radar (Times Literary Supplement 2013).

But the Ph.D. is not just a possible contributor to talent in the knowledge economy–it is also regarded as crucial for improving quality in the university system.

In South Africa, the National Development Plan (NDP) (2012) has reaffirmed the national target of increasing doctoral output from 1 876 in 2012 to 5 000 by 2030. And at a meeting on the doctorate in October 2013, sponsored by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and Carnegie Corporation of New York, there was broad agreement that Africa needs tens of thousands more PhDsin order to renew an aging professoriate, staff the rapidly expanding higher education field, boost research and generate the high-level skills growing economies need (MacGregor 2013b).

The increasing appreciation of the role and value of the Ph.D. for Africa has led to a huge increase in the number of post-graduate students(enrolments and graduates) in Africa in recent years.

For decades, donors and policymakers have focused on primary and secondary education as the key to development and poverty alleviation in Sub-Saharan Africa. But until recently they have been reducing funding for tertiary education.

There is now a consensus that Africa needs many more doctorate holders to develop the robust knowledge products needed to promote development as well as replace aging teaching workforces at many universities.

As we can note there are five (policy) discourses that drive and influence the production of PhDs in South Africa. These narratives (in some cases explicit policy imperatives, in other cases not)address the need for increased volumes of Ph.D. output(quantity), transformation, efficiency, quality, and internationalization. Our argument is that these narratives are not simply separate and parallel “forces” that have differential impacts on doctoral production in SA. We argue that these narratives often intersect and are often at odds with each other, they co-exist-often intension-and are even contradictory when taken together.

There are two widely considered examples: Firstly, the internationalization and transformation narratives are also not in all respects –at least within current assessment metric systems –compatible. Secondly, the pursuit of the growth imperative may, for example, impact negatively the achievement of quality and even compromise efficiency.

Not surprisingly, as a following discourse, the SA government wants high graduate returns on its subsidy investments in doctoral enrolments (as in other spheres of education). In debates around efficiency, high dropout, and low completion rates are regarded as major indicators of inefficiency in the production of doctoral graduates. This led to the development of efficiency indicators and targets in the 2001 National Plan for Higher Education (Ministry of Education 2001).

However, targets set in the National Plan were unrealistically high: 75% of all students entering doctoral programs in universities were expected to graduate. When empirical data gathered through the Higher Education Management Information System (HEMIS) began to show that only around 50% of national cohorts entering doctoral programs would eventually graduate, the target was modified to 65%.

Nonetheless, if we take the completion rate as the best measure of the efficiency of the HE system in producing doctoral graduates, the picture that we are presented with here is mixed.

The average doctoral completion rate in South Africa over the past decade is about 50%. At first glance, this does not compare favorably with other countries. However, it is important to keep in mind that 70% of SA doctoral students study part-time, i.e. they work and study at the same time. Case-specific information shows that full-time doctoral students complete at much higher rates.

The second indicator, TTD, shows that the average time to degree has stabilized at around 4,7 years. This varies hugely by discipline, but the best predictor of this is the proportion of full-time students vs part-time students in a field.

For the policy-driven discourse on the quality of doctoral production, it is interesting to note that the competition for talent and the use of the Ph.D. as a talent indicator clearly assume high quality. Although the 1996 NCHE report and the 1997 Education White Paper stated that quality throughout the system was important, neither document discussed methods by which the quality of doctoral programs could be assessed.

As a core function of universities, doctoral research provides invaluable education and training aimed at producing highly skilled knowledge workers capable of transferring their intellectual and technical expertise to wide-ranging global contexts. The Ph.D. gained in this process is arguably the key qualification defining the quality of research standards of a country8, and is particularly acknowledged as a means for acquiring, generating, and using research-based knowledge. It is also viewed as a driver of research and development and innovation, a generator of knowledge and skills in key strategic areas of national innovation systems, a contributor to industrial and social resources, and a vehicle for addressing the gap between postgraduate study and the needs of the labor market.

New knowledge generated via doctoral education is widely acknowledged as an important strategic and economic resource. The capacity of a knowledge system to reproduce itself and for it to be sustainable in the medium- to long-term, depends on the capacity of that system to produce new PhDs at a rate that is suitable for that system.

Despite the requirement for ministerial approval for program and qualifications mixes (PQMs), very few of the doctoral programs offered by South African higher education institutions have thus far undergone detailed quality reviews by the CHE. Instead, the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) accreditation model locates responsibility for higher education program quality with the institutions themselves and proposed that institutions should maintain in-house quality assurance mechanisms.

Against this background, it is perhaps not surprising that one has to resort to a “proxy” measure of the quality of doctoral students. The measure that we have used is the proportion of supervising staff at SA universities with doctoral degrees. It can be argued that this measure constitutes a necessary condition only(and not a sufficient condition)to ensure high-quality supervision.

The fourth policy discourse is around transformation. There have been many reviews of transformation or the lack thereof, but the most comprehensive theoretical and policy review was by Badat(2004).

Starting with the National Commission on Higher Education (NCHE) in 2000, Badat listed the main areas of transformation as system and structures, equity, quality, and responsiveness. He subsequently reduced his focus to two key areas, institutional restructuring, and human resources.

While equity could be regarded as involving a range of issues, including race, class, and gender, in DHET policy terms, it increasingly refers to race, and to the participation of African students in particular.

From research findings, It is possible that recent growth rates will be sustained in the near future but this will only be achieved if enrolments from other African countries continue to increase.

It is unlikely that current completion rates (which effectively means that 1 in 2 doctoral students are likely to complete within a reasonable time period) will improve unless significantly higher proportions of students manage to study full-time. But this condition is so deeply entrenched in the socio-economic and employment realities of the country, that we cannot see this changing.

The challenge of increasing the proportion of academic staff with PhDs remains. We anticipate that this proportion is likely to increase –but not significantly so. Even with the now standard practice of incentivizing doctoral production with monetary rewards to supervisors at most universities, it remains unlikely that we will see the proportion of academic staff with PhDs getting close to the NDP target of 75%.

Perhaps more importantly: the burden of supervision on the top 10 –12 universities that are already producing 90% of total doctoral output will continue to increase. Students will continue to flock to the top universities that have better completion rates and more resources.

In the article ‘College Isn’t for Everybody, and It’s a Scandal that We Think It Is’, the author, Thomas Reeves, argues about the issues regarding under-preparedness and the consequences of it when going to college. Reeves talks about the declining ACT scores nationwide over the years, as well as the millions of dollars that are being spent on remedial education. He addresses the fact that in a few places such as Michigan, Colorado, Texas, and New York academic tests have been modified or tossed out because of low scores. He has taken data from a tenth-grade math test in Wisconsin and it showed that whites had a proficiency of 76 percent, while every other race was relatively very low compared to whites. He emphasizes that the educational process, students, and professors are all also being hurt by under-preparedness. He ends his article by asking why not put a billboard of the nineteen people doing skilled labor instead of in college studying something.

I agree with Thomas Reeves as he makes a few valid points about going to college, but I disagree with him because he doesn’t believe that everyone should go and try it out. An underprepared student can cause problems as they don’t have the necessary skill level that’s required in a class that they’re taking. Not having a sufficient skill level in a subject will only drag the student down and cause them to fall behind in their classes. It can make them drop their class and go into another, less rigorous one, also known as a remedial class, where they have to learn the necessary skills needed for a regular class that they could’ve originally taken. However, it is not always the student’s fault that they are underprepared as their high school could’ve helped to aid in that by not helping them prepare for the expectations about college. Another reason why a student could be underprepared is because of their financial issues or the fact that they aren’t challenging themselves to learn more. Even if underprepared, a student should still have the opportunity to go to college as they can always find a way to get help in their classes from tutors or a learning assistance center. Not only are students able to get help in their classes, but it also gives them a way to expand their knowledge and grow independently. Likewise, everyone deserves a chance to go to college as they are capable and because they don’t know what would happen if they didn’t go. In the article ‘Multiplying the Benefits of College for Everybody’, Jay Mattews talks about how the City University of New York (CUNY) experiment made a few overwhelming results after letting everyone who graduated from a New York High School, guaranteed admission to CUNY. A few of those results were unexpected, for example, as at least 50% of disadvantaged women received a bachelor’s degree that helped them to get a good-paying job. The women who went to college had a high average bonus which not only benefited them but the local economies where they spent their money. Not only did women have high bonuses, but they were also influential to their kids, as they also went to college to pursue higher education.

On the other hand, Reeves’ suggestion that everyone shouldn’t go to college is understandable to me. Being able to take a remedial class doesn’t mean you’re not ready for college, it just helps prepare you. I had a friend in high school that came to the U.S. from China and he was someone who didn’t know much English. He was placed in an English class that was meant for those who weren’t sufficient at the language. In the first few weeks, he was not interested in the class, so he put little to no effort into learning and found no use in learning English proficiently. He found it useless to learn because he wasn’t thinking about going to college, but going back home to China after graduating from high school. However, in the long run, by graduation, he ended up being placed in a regular English class and was able to get a good grade because he tried his hardest. He was both inspired and prepared that he decided to go to college for a medical degree before going back home. Thus, it is important to factor in remedial classes as it could help someone decide whether college is necessary or beneficial to them.

Concluding, there are some points that I agree with Reeves, but there are also some that I disagree with. Having someone else decide whether you go to college or not is stripping you of your right on the decisions about your life and it’s unfair. It’s normal if someone doesn’t want to go to college as they don’t think it will benefit or suit them. However, in the end, it is everyone’s own decision as to whether or not they want to go to college or find an alternative that suits them.

If the main focus of the humanities are men, why should there be a need to study ourselves? According to Gaff and Ratcliff (1997), the humanities talk about the life of others, people whom we have never even met before. The life of others gives us stories and ideas on how life was back then. The humanities are commonly focused on aspects that are deemed to be useless and unpractical, when in reality, the humanities prove to have the most value in our lives. It gives a man’s existence purpose and holds him in paramount importance. The humanities show us the value of our emotions and what truly makes us human.

In addition to my introductory points, the humanities encompass philosophical anthropology and economic development. They all thoroughly explain what makes us human and focus on dignifying our existence as men. Philosophical anthropology is highly fundamental because it proves that we are rational beings, and that we are capable of reflecting on our relationship with others. Aside from this, the humanities also pertain to different forms of art. Art is created and seen by everyone, everywhere, all the time. The value of art is never compromised. The humanities also help in preserving and cultivating man’s knowledge and enriches human life, which I think is similar with perfecting man’s faculties and achieving the ultimate end. The humanities study man not as a means but as an end, which is alike to the primary subject of economics, which states that human beings should be the center of economics and should not be treated similar to an instrument nor a mere utility for others (Crosthwaite et al., 2019). The humanities prove to distinguish man from material things and animals through the emphasis of man’s intellect.

Although some people may think that the humanities is a minor subject that does not serve any purpose in professional workplaces, I believe that studying the humanities is very useful. The humanities deserve to be taught in universities, because this subject teaches us the importance of being alive and being human. The humanities prove our distinction from material things and animals. The humanities do not only discuss being human, it also discusses preserving man’s knowledge and enriching human life. This includes art, culture, traditions, and others. If the humanities are not included in our studies, then how will we know the true essence of being human? Wouldn’t it be simply ironic that we are humans, yet we do not really know who we are?

Colleges develops our skills to be effective and successful in our careers in the future. Not only that, according to Ciardi (1940), this type of education lets us go in the minds of many amazing authors. These authors help us to understand what the world is and what the world should be. In today’s world, the humanities are the subjects that gives life to those authors. It makes sense why it is taught in colleges. I do believe as well that the humanities should be taught in colleges because this will complete our mindset in truly becoming educated to change the world for the better of people. It adds on the creativity that everyone should acquire to make the world a wonderful place to live in.

Humanities is an academic discipline that everyone needs to know about. According to College Choice (2020), by definition, it is a study of human culture. Based on what I know, I think it is important to know how to be a human. In the sense of knowing history and learning from the past, then applying those learnings in today’s current day. It also teaches us to appreciate art and understand the message of the artist. The subject matter gives us a holistic view to people’s opinions and perspectives. Most importantly, it makes us think critically in solving our problems. These are the cornerstones that the humanities have to offer. That is why I agree that it should be taught in college because the purpose of college is to prepare us in the real world.

University of Texas (2017) said that this subject gives us an additional asset that sets us apart from the others. Just imagine a world without this subject, we probably be clueless on what the world really is. There would be no appreciation to art, law, history and many more. We will have to figure out again and again how to live as one society. As you can see, the humanities are guides for us to understand each and everyone’s ideology and in that sense, we create a collective system that makes us civilized and upright citizens of the world.

In conclusion, I believe that the humanities are an important part of a college education. Young people like me can expound our knowledge about things that matters in our society. It focuses on perspective of other people, and I think that if we understand everyone’s situation, we will be more empathetic and holistic to the people around us, which will lead to peace. In preparing for the future, I think that peace should be our goal. Through teaching the humanities, we can achieve that goal and make our lives better. We can classify ourselves as an educated person if we gain the knowledge that the humanities want us to have.

References

1. What Skills Can You Gain by Studying Humanities? (2017, October 13). UTPB Online. https://online.utpb.edu/about-us/articles/humanities/what-skills-can-you-gain-by-studying-humanities
2. What Are the Arts & Humanities? (2020, June 4). CollegeChoice. https://www.collegechoice.net/faq/what-are-the-arts-humanities/

The humanities traditionally encompass those disciplines that treat human culture, experience, and perception as an object of study, while simultaneously treating the person as a knowing subject, and that pierce to the core of culture and the human condition.

According to the editors of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the humanities are differentiated in terms of substance and process, in a community of education disciplines, from the physical, biological, and, somewhat less decisively, social sciences. The humanities require the study of all literature, art, history, and philosophy. The humanities encourage us to view the world from another means, while additionally knowing reality. The humanities send you a vision on what is happening and supply people the knowledge to the viewpoints of the society, including the culture that they are currently in.

When I read John Ciardi’s writing entitled ‘Another School Year-What For?’, I pointed that he addressed not simply about college education, but including all the subjects that needed to be learned. One the subject is Humanities, which precisely is the study of academic disciplines that research human culture utilizing predominantly observational, critical, or specular methodologies and which have a valuable historical aspect, since they differentiate themselves from natural science, mostly empirical methods. So, what should students need to study the humanities? The humanities are taught in colleges is that it allows us to better understand our feelings better, moreover, to connect with them. It helps us to articulate individually in means of writing and performing and many more. It will open our eyes to be introduced to the treasures of our society. According to Shannon (2019), the humanities also teach us empathy and comprehension of their cultural ideologies and conduct by representing those individuals including characters. Examining old and modern books, morality structures, sculptures, and so on. will help one appreciate how people have sought to make sense of the world over time and today. Empathy is important to establish relationships and humane behavior. It implies seeing the perspective of someone else instead of just one’s self, which allows for social competence or assisting actions, instead of being coerced into it. According to Amico (2019), empathy is important to foster moral development, restrict violence, and minimize social damage in our community. The humanities empower analytical and imaginative thinking, furthermore, it benefits us to unite our viewpoints and share them.

Even if the majority of people do not consider the humanities to be an employable field of analysis, it is essential for us to examine their value for the education process, for employees, and for our understanding.

My first college course was philosophy, and it changed my life forever. Our first task was to write a short essay in response to Albert Camus’ article ‘The Myth of Sisyphus’. I am very nervous about homework and university. However, despite the confusion in the philosophy class, many of my questions about life have been answered. My purpose in entering the university is to obtain an engineering degree. I have always liked the way mathematics has right and wrong answers. I understand logic, and I am very good at it. Therefore, when I received my first philosophical assignment asking me to write an explanation of Camus’ article, I was immediately confused. I want to know what is the correct way to accomplish this task. I am nervous about writing wrong explanations and don’t want to make mistakes in my first assignment. More worryingly, the professor refused to provide us with guidance on what he was looking for; it gave us total freedom. He simply said, “I want to see what comes to you”. Filled with anxiety, I started reading Camus’ article many times to make sure I really knew what it was about. I do my best to take notes seriously. However, even if I write these notes and know the inside and outside of the article, I still don’t know the correct answer. What is my explanation? I can think of a million different ways to explain this article, but which one is my teacher looking for? In math class, he is used to giving examples and explanations. This task didn’t give me anything; I went to my personal performance entirely by myself. Then, when I sat down to write, these words did not appear on me. My notes and thoughts are present, but the text is lost. I decided to try all the prewriting strategies I could find. I brainstormed, made an idea map, and even wrote an outline. In the end, after undergoing a lot of pressure, my thoughts became more organized and the words fell on the pages of the book. I have my own interpretation of the ‘Sisyphus Myth’, and I have the main reason why I explain this article. I remember I was not sure of myself and wanted to know if what I said made sense or if I was on the right track. In all the uncertainty, I keep writing to the best of my ability. I finished the final paragraph, asked my spouse to correct the mistake, and came back the next day, hoping for the best. Then, after a week or two, Judgment Day came. The teacher returned our work with notes and comments. I remember being scared and eager to get the paper back in my hands. However, it turns out that I have nothing to worry about. The teacher gave me an A on the essay, and his notes suggested that I write an overall effective essay. He wrote that my reading of this article is very original and my thoughts are well organized.

I cannot overemphasize my relief and new confidence. What I learned in this process goes far beyond how to write a college essay. I learned to be open to new challenges. I never thought I would like to take a philosophy class. I always wanted to be a math and science person. However, this course and homework gave me confidence, critical thinking skills, and the courage to try a new career. I dropped out of engineering, continued to study law, and eventually became a lawyer. More importantly, that course and work helped me understand education in different ways. I did not see university as a direct stepping stone to a career. Instead, I learned to see university as a place to study first and then pursue a career or improve an existing career. By giving me space to express my own interpretation and uphold my own values, my philosophy class taught me the importance of education for the sake of education. This recognition continues to pay dividends every day.