(28-08-2023, 03:23 PM)Lilith7 Wrote:(28-08-2023, 02:34 PM)Oh_hunnihunni Wrote: Most unis have strategies in place now for alternative learners, the best courses are very proactive in that regard. But a lot does depend on the pathways selected by students being appropriate...
As for the purpose of higher education - it isn't just about jobs. Learning has so many benefits for human beings, it is actually what keeps our brains functioning efficiently. Interestingly enough the more challenging the learning the more benefit we accrue. It can even stave off cognitive decline as well as improve physical health outcomes.
Win win!
Absolutely - ideally I'd like to see free education for every human on the planet for their entire lives, in basic stuff budgeting,parenting,cooking, gardening etc. etc. as well as everything else. And for older people, learning new things may help stave off dementia or Alzheimers.
If we could somehow manage that, I'm sure it would in time make an enormous difference to us & our planet.
But we seem to be slow learners really; its only a relatively short timne since our schools have finally recognised Dyslexia & learned how to cope with kids who have it. Not sure about Dyscalculia though.
"...budgeting,parenting,cooking, gardening etc....". Definitely. And there's a whole lot more to add to our lists - woodwork, metalwork, etc. No gender distinction. Everyone learns the life skills that come with those things.
You are also very right that learning new things keeps the brain working longer and reduces dementia (incl Alzheimers). I've been watching Michael Mosley's series on TV. The key thing with lifelong learning is that it doesn't need to be academic. Some people need formal education for vocational reasons. Many don't, and many today just go on to uni or polytech because they are expected to when they would be better off learning trades or learning more depth in what really interests them. Plus getting out in the world and getting some life skills.
For older people, some enjoy academia for personal reasons - eg the elderly ex-teacher I ran into who was doing papers to keep her mind working and said it was fun to be able to pick and choose without having to have a specific degree in mind; or the bottle collector who did an archaeology degree to enhance his knowledge relating to his interest. But for many people other things they might learn, or simply do, to exercise their minds don't involve formal education. My point is that all forms of vocational learning should be embraced and supported equally.
An interesting book to read is The Accidental Teacher by Tim Heath. I read a library copy recently. Very readable and I remember that it covers the concept of "getting it" for literacy, plus a whole lot of other important stuff.