Education Versus Society Essay -- Learning Media Papers

Education Versus Society The relationship between an institute of higher learning and society is undoubtedly complicated, complicated because this relationship is based on diversity, and unfortunately diversity does not always equate to successful relationships. Today's society, specifically the diverse culture that makes up the United States, and institutes of higher learning continuously struggle to foster positive relationships because of conflicts that exist primarily due to issues of diversity. Issues such as defining what it means to be educated; and exploring how education can best meet the needs of a diverse society. Diversity is a force that people struggle against rather than using to enrich society's progress, contributions, and unity. In the articles "Learning in the Key of Life" by Jon Spayde and "Lives on the Boundary" by Mike Rose the relationships that exist, and should exist, between higher education and society is explored. Both articles argue that education needs to be open to all, encoura ging different contributions from all individuals. Both Rose and Spayde question a traditional approach to education because of the exclusionary nature that often ensues. It is common for individuals to view the world of higher education as elitist and impractical, resulting in many students being unable to relate to many aspects of the college and/or university learning environment. Rose and Spayde both point the finger at higher education stating that students graduate without being able to function in the real world, are discouraged from applying their personal experiences to learning, and are learning material that is impossible to relate to. The word democratic means, in simple terms, social equality. Mike Rose sugg... ...ggest that society and educational institutes collectively embrace diversity. Education should reflect society by promoting teaching and learning that is nonexclusionary, practical, and responsive to changes occurring within a diverse society. Works Cited Rose, Mike. "Lives on the Boundary." The Presence of Others. Ed. Lunsford, Andrea A., and John J. Ruskiewicz. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000. 105-118. Spayde, Jon. "Learning in the Key of Life." The Presence of Others. Ed. Lunsford, Andrea A., and John J. Ruskiewicz. Boston: Bedfors/St. Martin's, 2000. 58-63. "THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA; MOREHOUSE COLLEGE; THE EVERGREEEN STATE COLLEGE UNIVERSITY; CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, MONTERY BAY; AND THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE Mission Statements." The Presence of Others. Ed. Lunsford, Andrea A., and John J. Ruskiewicz. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 2000. 51-