The recent decline in undergraduate student engagement is a pressing concern for higher education, highlighted by a “State of the Student” survey conducted by Wiley. This study reveals that the transition back to in-person instruction has not alleviated the challenges of engagement and retention. Economic and emotional insecurities have left students uncertain about which programs to pursue, with more than half of the respondents struggling to stay engaged in their classes and nearly half worried about keeping up with coursework.
Student Desires and Challenges
The Wiley survey and subsequent analysis by Inside Higher Ed underscore a clear trend: students crave a greater career-preparatory focus in their education. They seek current, relevant content that applies to the real world and promotes interaction. A significant number of students believe their educational experience would improve if professors emphasized practical applications over theoretical studies. This shift in preference reflects a growing demand for job skills, work experience, and professional certificate preparation through activities like case studies, professional interactions, and workplace simulations.
Potential Solutions
Addressing the engagement crisis requires multifaceted solutions, some of which are already in motion:
- Reducing Costs: Lowering the financial burden of tuition would allow students to focus more on their studies and social activities, forming stronger learning communities and enhancing classroom participation.
- Connecting Curriculum to Career Impact: Educators should highlight the positive impacts and real-world applications of their programs. By demonstrating the meaningfulness and long-term value of various majors and minors, institutions can foster greater student engagement.
- Articulating the Value of Liberal Education: There is a need to counter the prevalent notion that foundational teachings in history, philosophy, or literature are impractical. As Dr. Art Carden argues, educators must communicate the intrinsic value of a liberal education, inspiring students to pursue it beyond mere occupational advancement.
Cultural Shifts and Educational Approaches
The conflict between traditional liberal education and career-preparatory training may be evolving. Some prominent employers, including Google, Tesla, and IBM, have relaxed their college degree requirements, contributing to a trend of reducing “degree inflation.” This shift provides an opportunity for universities to:
- Reaffirm the importance of a rigorous liberal education for intellectually curious students.
- Allow those focused on immediate career entry to bypass academia in favor of skills-based training and hiring.
Conclusion
To revitalize student engagement, universities must effectively communicate the life-changing value of liberal education, address tuition costs, and support alternative paths to career readiness. By doing so, they can transform college classrooms into vibrant centers of learning, where students are motivated and engaged in their educational journeys.
