Solutions in Higher Education Essay -- Education, Training Faculty

Senge’s (1990) characterization of controlling versus learning organizations helps illustrate the challenge Medtech faces in making the shift to a learner-centered college with outcome-based classroom practices. When new and expansive patterns of thinking are nurtured, collective aspiration is set free (1990); however, Harris and Cullen (2008) state that the work environment at many colleges is quite to the contrary. So our questions are the same as stated by Boyer (1987) nearly three decades ago, â€Å"Is it possible for students to become independent, self-directed learners, as well as, how can faculty improve their teaching so as to encourage creativity and critique? For the purpose of this project, I will make the assumption that the answer to the first question is yes, and therefore, deal primarily with the second. â€Å"If we accept the premise that the learner-centered class is a microcosm of the learning organization, then it follows that the professional development of leadership should reflect professional development of teachers (Harris & Cullen, 2008). This can only be accomplished through concrete mechanisms for effecting change. The problem identified for this project stems from Dr. Terry O’Banion’s (2010) statement, â€Å"we cannot assume students are learning†. I identified that existing teaching and assessment often does not achieve the learning objectives required for the courses due to the hiring of faculty who are experts in their field; however, are not trained educators. In the past, tradition dictated that knowledge of the discipline was sufficient for the transmission of knowledge to students; however, this can no longer be taken for granted. The recommended solution is to implement a process for the shift from traditiona... ...the communication to the students will be through the updated syllabi and implementation of new practices in the classroom. Finally, the campus will host an open house on-site for all affiliate partners that include classroom demonstrations that will highlight the new practices. In addition, the presentation will include an explanation on how the new practices benefit the partners with externs and potential employees who have the critical thinking skills required for on the job success. Welsh (n.d.) reflected on a higher education that was static in the mid-twentieth century as he admits that is not so anymore. His charge is that change is necessary today for higher education to remain vibrant. The entire institution must become learner-centered and by initiating incremental steps, immediate rewards, and links to intrinsic motivation we will achieve that vision.