SCHOOLING VS. EDUCATION: PART II
In an earlier post, we explored the difference between formal schooling and genuine education. Now we will examine a few alternatives to the conventional higher education system.
To begin with, we need to ask ourselves what we hope to gain by education. Is it enlightenment? To this end, are we studying the humanities: philosophy, history, and the arts? Do we see education as cultivation of mind and soul? Do we see it as a means of making us more aware and responsible citizens, with our employment prospects a secondary concern?
Do we see education as an investment? If we do, is there a direct connection between the amount of formal schooling we have, and our value in the labor market? Can this be measured?
Even if we don’t know more, nor have more advanced skills, than when we started, is higher education worthwhile because of the career credentials it confers?
Zachary Slayback says that in any of these cases, we can reach our goals without the formal school system. Slayback is the author of The End of School: Reclaiming Education from the Classroom. In his book, he argues that formal schooling is not necessary for humanities study, for vocational skill development, or for credentials. There are other ways to reach these goals. We don’t have to pile up massive debt, nor drop out of the labor force for years.
In the first place, most universities do a poor job of teaching the humanities. Higher education has largely been hijacked by cultural Marxists, and the curriculum reflects their ideological hobbyhorses. For many people, online courses are a better option. The Great Courses, for example, offers video and audio instruction in more than 500 subjects, including science, math, philosophy, history, and the arts. ‘Tuition’ ranges from less than $50.00 to about $250.00 per course, depending on complexity. All courses are taught by qualified professors known to be experts in their subjects. Students learn at their own pace. The student can get nearly everything necessary for a university degree from The Great Courses, at a small fraction of the expense.
Formal schooling may not be necessary for lucrative job skills, either. Apprenticeship programs can help in developing valuable trades. Praxis (discoverpraxis.com) offers a one-year program, ten months of which are paid work for a startup company. At the end, the student has a portfolio demonstrating drive, focus, and experience in creating real market value. This is worth more to most employers than a degree is.
Some people say formal schooling is necessary for job credentials. Even if the student hasn’t learned much in the university, they say, the paper certificate still opens doors. Many employers, though, consider a degree a much less reliable indicator of work ethic or relevant skill than it was a few decades ago. Ernst and Young, one of the most prestigious accounting firms, no longer requires degrees for new hires. An applicant with a demonstrated record of producing valuable products and skills may have a leg up on the degree holder without such a record.
((One of the essential tools necessary for informal learning is a reliable internet connection. Talk to us. we can help.)