Rethinking Higher Education

Introduction

In their 2020 book entitled?The Phoenix Encounter Method , INSEAD professors Woodward, Padmanabhan and Hasija developed a strong case for scorched earth thinking. In an era of pervasive uncertainty, we need to challenge the status quo, envisage the destruction of our organisation, then rise phoenix-like from the ashes with a vision for renewal.

With historical sources of competitive advantage coming under threat, tinkering is no longer an option when trying to build a future-ready organisation. More radical, blue ocean, scorched earth approaches are required — identifying existential threats, reimagining underlying assumptions and practices.

Core Beliefs and Assumptions

One of the key steps in implementing the Phoenix Encounter Method is to challenge the core beliefs and assumptions underpinning your industry, your organisation - 'the way we have always done things around here.' In an era of pervasive uncertainty and digital disruption defending the status quo is no longer an option. Question everything that your organisation has taken for granted about its business, market, and competitive environment.

To illustrate the above, and with the help of ChatGPT 4.0, we challenge some of the long-established assumptions underpinning higher education - the industry where I spent much of my career.

Challenging the Status Quo of Higher Education

The higher education sector has long operated on certain foundational assumptions that have shaped its structures, policies, and approaches to learning and administration. Rapid societal, technological, and economic changes are prompting a re-evaluation of these traditional assumptions.

Below we list twenty long-held beliefs in higher education that now need to be questioned and challenged:

1. One-Size-Fits-All Education Model: The traditional model assumes a relatively uniform approach to teaching and assessment that suits all students. This model needs to be rethought to accommodate diverse learning styles, backgrounds, and capabilities.
2. Necessity of Physical Presence: The assumption that quality education can only be delivered in person on a campus is being challenged by the rise of effective online and hybrid learning models, which have expanded students' access and flexibility.
3. Four-Year Degree as the Gold Standard: The traditional four-year college degree is often seen as the primary route to a successful career. This assumption is being questioned in favour of alternative credentials and pathways, including associate degrees, professional certifications, and micro-credentials that are more aligned with specific career needs.
4. Research Over Teaching: Many institutions prioritize research output over teaching quality when it comes to funding, reputation, and faculty advancement. There's a growing call to balance these priorities more equitably to enhance the student learning experience.
5. Commercialization of Education: The assumption that higher education should primarily be a commercial product, with rising tuition fees as a norm, is increasingly criticized. This perspective is challenged by calls for more accessible and affordable education models.
6. Knowledge Gatekeeping: Higher education has traditionally been seen as a gatekeeper of knowledge, which conflicts with the current trend towards open-access information, open-source learning platforms, and free educational resources.
7. Static Curriculum: The traditional curriculum is often slow to change and may not respond swiftly to evolving industry demands or societal changes. There's a need for more dynamic curricula that can adapt more quickly to new knowledge and skills requirements.
8. Standardized Testing and Assessments: Relying heavily on standardized tests for admissions and assessments assumes these are the best predictors of student success. This model is increasingly criticized for not considering diverse talents and potentials beyond academic testing.
9. Faculty Roles and Tenure: The traditional roles of faculty and the tenure system are being reassessed in light of new teaching technologies, changing student needs, and alternative educational delivery methods.
10. Institutional Autonomy and Regulation: Higher education institutions often operate with significant autonomy, guided by the assumption that they best know how to educate and manage their affairs. Increasing public scrutiny and demands for accountability are challenging this assumption, suggesting the need for more transparent and responsive governance structures.
11. Elitism and Exclusivity: Higher education has historically been viewed as a domain for the elite, often prioritizing exclusivity over inclusivity. This assumption is increasingly challenged by the need for wider access to education as a means for societal advancement and economic equality.
12. Academic Pathways as Superior: The traditional view that academic pathways are superior to vocational training is under scrutiny. There is a growing appreciation for the value of vocational education and training (VET) in preparing students for specific trades and careers, highlighting the need for equal respect and funding for both pathways.
13. Permanent Knowledge: The assumption that what is learned in college will last a lifetime is outdated in a world where skills can become obsolete rapidly due to technological changes. Higher education institutions must promote lifelong learning and continuous skill development.
14. Educational Homogeneity: The belief that courses and programs should be standard across institutions ignores the benefits of diversity in educational approaches and offerings. Tailored programs that reflect local industry needs, cultural contexts, and student demographics are increasingly important.
15. Economic Viability of All Degrees: The assumption that all degrees offer similar economic returns is being questioned, especially as student debt levels rise and the economic outcomes of different fields of study diverge significantly.
16. Teacher-Centered Learning: Traditional education often assumes that the instructor is the primary source of knowledge. This teacher-centred model is being challenged by student-centred and active learning approaches, which encourage students to participate actively and engage in the learning process.
17. Full-Time Student Model: The assumption that students will attend college full-time immediately after high school is not reflective of the reality for many who juggle education with work, family, or other responsibilities. There's a need for flexible scheduling and part-time programs.
18. Centralized, Campus-Based Education: While traditionally students are expected to relocate to and live on campus, there's an increasing shift towards decentralized education models facilitated by online platforms, which can reach a broader base of students, including those in remote or underserved areas.
19. Siloed Disciplinary Focus: The traditional structure of separate and distinct academic disciplines is being questioned in favour of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches, which are better suited to solving complex, real-world problems.
20. Tenure as a Primary Goal: The assumption that tenure is the ultimate goal for academics can drive a focus more on research and publishing than on teaching and learning quality. This creates a need to reconsider faculty evaluation and reward systems to better balance research, teaching, and community engagement.

Conclusion

Not all of the trends listed above could be considered 'disruptive' in nature. They do, however, highlight the need for radical change in the sector.

In a follow up article, and based on the trends identified above, we explore five radical scenarios for the future of higher education.

Stop & Reflect

To what extent does the status quo of your own industry need to be challenged?

What long-held and traditional assumptions underpinning your industry now need to be questioned and challenged?

As always, comments and feedback are very welcome.

Take care.

Jim H

Please Note: This article is an extract from our new online executive-level course Building Future Readiness: Know Your Starting Point .