Excell’s Philosophy of Education
Excell’s Philosophy of Education
Philosophically, it is my firm belief that education is the lifeline of our country. In order for our country to thrive socially and economically, it is imperative that we construct and cultivate educational institutions where continuous learning exchanges take place. Currently, education is in a volatile state of epidemic proportions. As baby boomers start to prepare for retirement, the knowledge and years of industry expertise is subject to leave with them. This is coupled with the fact that graduation rates in high schools, colleges, and universities are drastically low in areas of greatest need. Therefore, the generational transfer of knowledge gap is widening at a rate that will not sustain our economy. As a solution, leaders in communities across the United States must create and support College Learning and Opportunity Centers. My philosophy of education embodies three concepts to fulfill this vision: cost of education, access to education, and quality of education.
First of all, it is important to make education affordable. The cost of education is on the rise. Students often graduate with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree at a cost equivalent to their first year salary. The amount of time it takes to complete an Associate or Bachelor degree is rapidly increasing. Therefore, it is important for students, faculty, and staff to be mindful of their investment.
Secondly, it is equally important to make education accessible. Perspective students often do not have the access to educational advancement due to a multitude of barriers to entry such as heightened enrollment requirements and logistical issues such as transportation. If adult learners were to view education as a tangible asset, the interest in actualizing their educational aspirations will increase substantially. Furthermore, by making the conscious decision to strategically place the Learning and Opportunity Centers, the possibility that furthering ones education is more achievable in underserved areas.
Finally, people invest in what they feel is valuable. Therefore, the quality of education is significant. From an outcome perspective, corporations invest in communities that promote quality of education. Ultimately, enhanced quality of education breeds successful graduation rates. Communities that build educated workforces secure corporations that invest in the communities they serve.
In conclusion, my philosophy of education from a cost, access and quality perspective is simple. The focus must be on first generation and non-traditional students. If done properly and consistently, change will occur that will boost our current economic state and ultimately add value to the quality of life in most communities.
Excell, I agree with your philosophy of continuous education. In todays rapidly changing world, your career and the need for your skills can be eliminated in the “blink of an eye”. Those entering the workforce need to be mindful that they are taking the first step in a lifelong learning experience surrounding what they are good at, and what they think they want to do. Jobs change, jobs move offshore, jobs are replaced by computers, and so on.
So a new worker today must concentrate on finding their strengths and identifying their weaknesses, and then developing a plan around those two areas that includes what might be rewarding and fulfilling for them. They also need to have the flexibility to make changes in that career plan, and to make changes quickly when the environment around them makes it necessary to adapt.
Cost of education and availability of education are key factors in people’s ability to develop career flexibility.