Transforming tertiary education

What could be and what should be outcome of tertiary education in general and learning in particular?

a) Prepare for job.

b) Prepare for nation.

c) Prepare for society.

d) Prepare for life.

e) ....

That gives rise to a fundamental question.

What type and kind of tertiary education system we need, not just want?

Should it focus on knowledge and skills needed for getting that first entry level available job?

If that is the need of the hour considering high unemployment and underemployment in many nations, then: What combination of knowledge and skills are required for performing first entry level jobs for range of industries, organisations and institutions?

If the need is to prepare them for the first entry level service of the nation, then: What combination of knowledge and skills are required for performing first entry level jobs for range of services required for the nation?

If the need is to prepare them for the first entry level service of the society, then: What combination of knowledge and skills are required for performing first entry level services for range of tasks required for the functional society?

If the need is to prepare them for the first entry level service of the life, then: What combination of knowledge and skills are required for performing first entry level services for range of tasks required for the life?

Tertiary education has evolved and continues to evolve. However, haven’t needs of the modern industries, nation, society and life changed over the period?

Wouldn’t just tinkering with curriculum and delivery mechanisms continue to keep us in same vicious circle of high unemployment, dysfunctional nation & society and disillusioned life?

Isn’t there urgent need for transformation of tertiary education system?

What should be type and kind of that reinvention and transformation?

What we can do to ensure that outcome? Who is accountable?

We don’t claim that we have ready-made solutions to overcome challenges mentioned above.

However, we are willing to collaborate with academicians, administrators, policy makers, industries, researchers and anyone who is interested to explore those uncharted uncertain unknown frontiers of tertiary education system.

To try is in our hand and mind. I have made that first move.

If it appeals to you, provide your comments, views & suggestions. Alternatively, you are most welcome to email your views to me.

Dr. Deepak Waikar

[email protected]