Respond to at least two of your colleagues' posts (Note: 2 of my colleague's responses are copied below, I need one response for each person) in at least one of the following ways:

• Explain the insights you have gained from having read and discussed the differing perspectives on the issue in the case study.
• Identify an effective argument a colleague presented, and explain why it was effective.

Samantha's Post:

Based on the discussions surrounding the Case Study 2, we all seem to understand the importance of a varied curriculum on both sides of the spectrum. In accordance to each doctoral candidate's background, I believe that we have witnessed situations of how not being properly taught and or trained can do more harm than good. Although we may have shared the same underlying tone within our post and discussions, I did notice that my classmates and I varied on how and what process would be taken in order to address these concerns. Some of the questions that I posed early on focused on authentic internships and practicums. In addition to establish new and strengthening old relationships between businesses and stakeholders. After my own research at the expense of past experiences of others, I still fully support the idea of tailoring the curriculum around the real expectations of the career and/or trade. Part of tailoring the curriculum means closely looking at the assessment piece that dictates mastery or non-mastery. Secondly, create a platform where such relationships between businesses and stakeholder can develop and flourish. Stakeholders need to solicit support from businesses and vice versa.

Which brings me to more thoughts to ponder. How are these business utilizing these highly trained skills of their employees from these trade and traditional schools? Do the descriptors that explicitly explain the task of job really lend themselves to the level of education and experiences that is being required for them? As a student and professional, my mindset is to always be solution-oriented, but solutions do not always come easy. In order to understand the future, one has to sometimes look at the past. If I can utilize one skill set that I learned from this week, I would definitely have to support the idea of analyzing a variety of literature and research. For example, the United States of America is considered to be a melting pot of a variety of cultures and ethnicities. As a country, being diverse has somehow become a part of our identity. I think it is important to keep this mindset when trying to devise a plan for addressing the above mentioned issues and concerns. We need to intentionally consider the audience in which these decisions will ultimately impact. As well as considered intended audience's contribution to the problem and solution. These are indicators that one would assess during the planning and research phase of the issues revolving education. In this case, researching these questions within a variety of settings and communities, involving a diverse community of stakeholders should impart a wealth of knowledge that can prove to be valuable in the end.

Laquanda's Post:

From reading the post this week, I was able to find out that many others feel that there is a need to integrate what is offered in colleges. The technical colleges and community colleges should offer students the option of gaining professional skills whether it be technical skills or degree level programs. In offering these programs, institiutions will be able to give students options. However, when these options are offered to students, the schools have to be able to assure that they have a faculty and staff that is equipped to meet the needs of these students. Professors/instructors should not be expected to teach most effectively and evaluate certain needs of the programs as well as advise each and every student. When schools decide that they want to offer so much to students, they have to be able to provide students with people and tools to be successful with these offerings. This may require money, and the schools who do not have the money to do so should think twice before they put these options into play without the means to do so most effectively. Through this weeks discussion post, I have an even firmer belief that this should happen in the schools that have the resources to offer students more but ensure that the students are equipped to be successful.

I would like to add that this discussion has inspired and even motivated me to want to do more research in this program as well as professionally because this is a discussion that we often see in my profession. With the budget crunch, the question of how to integrate curriculums without making it so difficult on the budget is a question that should be addressed. There are some problems that exist with this is how can I make an impact on this issue as an instructor. I have been brainstorming what can be done that would allow me to be able to help in the implementation of curriculums that are more suited for all students who attend an institution.