This document discusses globalization and higher education trends in Asia and America. It notes that Asian countries have greatly increased investments in universities, leading to growing international demand for Asian education. This is in contrast to challenges facing American higher education, including rising costs outpacing inflation, less college-prepared students, and questions around curriculum relevancy. However, the document suggests that America could adopt principles from high-performing Asian countries, such as affordable public university subsidies, curricular reform emphasizing skills, and preparation programs to better equip students. Increased global cooperation and mobility of students and ideas are also presented as important for innovation.
4. Why is America falling behind?
“The cost of university per student has risen by
almost five times the rate of inflation since 1983.”
(The Economist, 2012)
“The booming [post-WWII] economy allowed
[states] to spend unprecedented sums of money
to expand higher education.”(Sanchez, 2014)
Ranked 14th in the world for college completion
rates. (Simon, 2013)
Educational stagnation at HS level has led to less-
prepared students entering college. (Summers, 2014)
Relevancy of traditional university curricula. (Friedman, 2011)
5. (Lane and Kisner, 2013)
“Asia is fast becoming a key player in
global higher education. Asian
nations’ growing demand for
education and the increased
investment they have made in their
universities presents opportunities
and challenges to the world.”
6. Why are Asian schools
succeeding?
“Government subsidies make college
education affordable at many Asian
universities.” (Breitenstein, 2013)
“Singapore, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan,
and Japan composed the top five in math
among fourth-and eighth graders.” (Breitenstein, 2013)
Push for cross-border coordination of
educational programs throughout the region.
(Lane and Kisner, 2013)
7. Challenges facing Asian HE
Increasing populations stress existing
educational systems. (Asian Development Bank, 2011)
Over-enrollment increased under-
employment post-graduation. (Carlson, 2012)
Cultural valuation of education may increase
“burnout rate” amongst youth. (Breitenstein, 2013)
8. “…the key to innovation and economic
growth will lie in the freest possible
movement of people and ideas.” (Wildavsky, 2010)
American Education…2.0
9. East, meet West.
Increased federal and state support for institutions
of higher education.
Implementation of “knowledge-based economic”
principles that favor “expertise…[over] elbow
grease.” (So, 2014)
Push for curricular reform and greater relevancy in
degree/certificate programs, particularly at the
undergraduate level.
Focus on college preparedness programs to
better equip entering students with skills needed
to succeed.
11. References
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