Respond to colleagues who assumed roles different from the role you assumed. Be sure to respond from the perspective of the role you assumed in your initial post. You may, for example, ask questions to better understand your colleagues' positions. If the responses your colleagues provide lead you to rethink your perspective, explain how and why your perspective has changed.
Discussion 1, 1st colleague
Based on the further readings, on both sides, the information presented appears to be from reliable sources and relevant to the case study. I say this because after investigating the articles presented and a few others, on my own, I found that they align well with the information and statics that are presented.
As I stated in my last discussion, I believe that the humanities are of the utmost importance in education. I found evidence, in my last discussion that supports, not all professional and technical programs, at community colleges, require and support the humanities. However, taking on the role of a department chair, in student education, I have the advantage to help support student learning outcomes.
The information from document 7, "Transforming Society Through Education in the U.S. and around the world", helped me deliberate on my decision. I am going to consider the needs of the students and the economic impact that not having an advanced education could have on them. For example, in document 7 Edgar Ruiz, president of a high-ranking American University states that college graduates earn twice as much than those who only have a high-school diploma (Laurate education, 2014). Shelia Gary also mentions that universities and colleges are making major changes based on their political context. If the political context calls for professional and technical program, then that is where the future is headed. In order, to train successful future leaders, society must provide the education to do so. However, I am still calling for the humanities.
Offering 2-year degrees to students means following through to ensure that professional and technical program students can successfully complete the degree program that incorporates both the experiential training and humanities.
In the case study Edgar (document 7), states that due to our increasing diverse population we need to provide opportunities for students, without "sacrificing the value of learning itself" (Laurate education, 2014). As a result, students will be required to participate in experiential training in the field that they entering. An example of this can be taken from a pilot program at University of Saskatchewan, Canada. Here students are required to participate in a global practicum. Where they are place in externships that linked them with leaders in the field interacting with indigenous communities. "The principles of the global health strategy included health equity, diversity, community and inclusiveness, and mutually beneficial, reciprocal, and respectful relationships" (Watt, Butler, Exner-Pirot, & Wright, 2015). As can be seen this is an effective way to introduce students to diversity in their communities. With understanding, not all experiential experience will be as intense. It depends on the desired field of education.
To incorporate humanities, Grubb & Kraskouskas (1992), University of Berkley, identified 8 models of integrating the professional and technical fields with academic education (humanities). Of the 8 models one struck my attention. Model 5 focuses on multidisciplinary courses combining academic perspectives and occupational concerns. This model takes the perspectives and methods of academic disciplines and incorporates broad occupationally oriented issues. For example, some explore literature (both fiction and nonfiction) to explore themes about the role of work for individuals and society; several examine the history of technology and its effects on society; and others investigate the ethical issues surrounding work and technical change (Grubb & Kraskouskas, 1992). This makes me feel confident that students are receiving a "whole education", that includes the humanities, but is relevant to their course of study. Possibly increasing the completion rate of two year programs.
As the department chair in the professional and technical field. I have the advantage of evaluating the departments role and needs in the college. Working with the dean, and decision boards, I can provide the whole picture of the needs of the students and faculty. I will present, scholarly, research that supports my findings. I will advocate for the integration of all fields of education, with in the college, to work together, to create cohesion for the students.
DISCUSSIN 2, 2nd colleague
Board of Trustee Point of View and Literature Review
For Board of Trustee members, the knowledge gap of the operations of Higher Education Institutions can be significant. Many times Board members only have knowledge from their own student experience or that of a family member. Frequently, Board members make decisions on policies or, in Rogal's case, mission redefinition without fully understanding the history of the College or even the basics of the curriculum.
To ensure that my decision as a Board Member for Rogal College is informed, I am conducting a literature review for what literature exists; especially highlighting the curricular trends in Higher Education.
- Evaluate whether the new information is based on reliable sources, and whether the information is relevant to the issue.
Review One: In Case Study Document 5, the presented evidence highlights the trend is to incorporate the practical with the traditional education. The article presented information about the success of internships. It stated that the goal is "to increase students' sets along with their knowledge base..." (Case Study Document Five). The article also highlight accreditation sources that emphasize the move towards practical education. However, at of this discussion, the Department of Education has removed the accrediting authority from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. It is unknown at this point is what is the accrediting agency for Rogal College. The College accrediting body information needs understood to fully finding relevance of this article.
Review Two: The report issued by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) was not particularly useful in search of what direction Rogal College should lead. Has Rogal ever received a grant? The economic impact of the report is qualitative and while the reported works are interesting, there is little quantitative evidence of an impact. While it states that the benefit lies in the advancing "an educated citizenry" (Laureate, 2017), it does not help answer our current question. NEH is reputable and established in 1965. As a board member, I would encourage the administration to explore opportunity grants regardless of the direction we head.
Review Three: Document 7 is an excerpt from a simulated panel discussing the role of Colleges and Universities. The panel is assumed to have been vetted and deemed as reliable. One of the greatest and relevant questions asked during the discussion came from Dina Whittaker, an engineer working with universities in developing countries. She stated, "How is education transforming society? We're not just looking at how society is changing globally and locally, we are expanding opportunities to more of the people who make up that society" (Laureate, 2017). As a Board member, I consider that an excellent question for Rogal College to answer. How is Rogal transforming its society? What contribution are they truly making?
Review Four: Document 8 highlights the positive benefits of degrees in Humanities. In this article, several secondary sources validate degrees in Humanities lead to life long career advancement. To the contrary, the article argues that degrees in a specified field are only as good as the job market allows. This is an excellent point for Rogal to consider. Much research is needed to carefully select relevant programs that have a market and are sustainable.
Review Five: Rogal College is not unique in its question for the future. It would behoove the administration to consider colleges that have underwent such a transition. As article from the Washington Post in 1985 highlight the now prestigious George Mason University's transition. D'Vera Cohn highlights in her article, "Virginia's George Mason University; A Calculated Climb," George Mason grew from 17 students at its humble beginning to over 17,000 students within 28 years. She writes,
It illustrates the problems that can be created by the swift rise of such an institution - from severe crowding and concerns about unequal academic quality to low morale among faculty members who fear that liberal arts departments are being slighted in the push to enhance the school's high-technology studies. (Cohn, 1985).
As a Board member, this article is inspirational. By studying George Mason, Rogal would not have to recreate the wheel. The positives and negatives of transition from an exclusive Liberal Arts College to a STEM institution have been tried and tested. Rogal could learn a great deal from this.
On a side note, personally, I do find the Washington Post to be a reputable newspaper even though the highest office in the Country does not deem them so.
- Explain your position on the case study issue from the perspective of the role you are assuming and how this new information informs this position.
As a Board member, this new information helps define what questions should be explored before final decisions are reached. The questions are embedded above in the reviews. I implore Rogal College's Administration and the Board to study George Mason so that any mistakes can be avoided. We need a careful understanding of our accrediting body and what recommendations they may have. We need data to inform what academic programs should be added to the catalog.
- Explain the steps you might take to follow up on this information based on your role and your position on the issue.
Here are some of the steps that I recommend to follow-up:
- Continued literature review
- Data regarding industry needs to guide academic programming
- Defining Rogal College's role in both higher education and society at large