A few months ago, one of the deans at the college where I teach used the word "client" to discribe our "students" and ever since that fateful day faculty have been very upset. Many have vocalized that students are not clients, and that education is not a business relationship, and finally teachers are not in the business of cutomer service. I understand the knee jerk reaction, but what if we consider it for just a second. What if public education was run more like a business... what if it had to at least financially break even? What if the needs of students and the wishes of parents in public education had to be addressed or they would go else where? What if faculty had to perform or they would be fired? (OK, I have said it again, I don't believe in tenure.) What if students had a say in the classes they had to take in order to earn a degree? Would they really even include math? At USC (one of the the top 20 schools in America) removed a math requirement from their BFA curriculum over 25 years ago. Has the institutions' reputation or students suffered? Are students learning what they need to learn or what we have always taught them?
Our educational system needs a complete overhaul - total tear down and remodel. It is not effective, it doesn't work, parents and students put up with it because they have little other choices. It frustrates me as a parent, as a life long learner, and as an educator. If I was a client I could take my business else where.
AMEN! You just said what I've been complaining about ever since I started going back to school, Wendy. I am attending a state college, mostly for financial reasons, and for the most part it has been a positive experience. I try to overlook certian things, but there are things that I just can't overlook. I have found out that even at college level, the faculty and administration at my school seem to believe that the students concerns and issues come second to policy and their way of doing things for the past 40 years. It is very frustrating sometimes. So, to make and long comment even longer, lol. I agree with you completely. :) Good post, as they all are.
ReplyDeleteBravo , I love the way your mind works and I agree as a parent and recently as a full time student.
ReplyDeleteAs a parent, photographer and forever student...well said! I admire that you're willing to stand up and speak when others around you stay seated and act like they have duct tape on their mouths.
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