The Problem With Higher Education

  
 We start out in Preschool and elementary immersed in math, reading, and language. The goal of this primary education is to create well rounded citizens who can go on and support a community. In middle school the heat is turned up; more English, Spanish, and some Calculus. However, in my district when we reached high school our options concerning class schedules became much more rich. Metal working, painting, pottery, wood shop, musical theater, Psychology, Intro to Law, Sociology, etc etc. Our district was getting us ready for college and creating well rounded students by providing us with a plethora of class choices.

Come Sophomore or Junior year of college we are "encouraged" to pick a major in our area of interest. We are forced to specialize, and this is where higher education creates experts. But you may say " I remember taking all of those dumb classes that weren't remotely related to my major!"   Well I remember taking those as well. In my case my upcoming winter schedule is jam packed full of Psychology classes bar for my one Greek class. Where has the variety gone? Sure, I can pry out subtle differences in the takeaways from each psychology course, but that would dilute my point.

                    So what Can Higher Education do About Experts?

 
"If you recall from class"; a statement that implies a previous knowledge of a subject, indicating or reaching for the idea of some level of expertise. Anyhow, if you recall from class we expressed the idea that experts can have difficulties expressing ideas concerning their expertise to non-experts secondary to technical jargon. The idea that communication and idea sharing is hindered because of a gap in knowledge between subjects should not be the determinate of a dialogue.

So what if everyone was forced to take more communication focused courses? Our society believes that the budding economist or businessperson should have an entire toolbox full of communication techniques. Never mind the lay engineer or music student who will depend on interpersonal communication on a daily basis. To be forced out of a comfortable mindset is to encourage learning and growth; because I know of many people who fear the 'get to know you questions' at the beginning of the semester.

 Classes can only go so far to facilitate skills. We also need real life applications of our communication skills. So go out to that (Those) party(-ies) and explain your concentration and what you find interesting in your field. If needed conservative use of a social lubricant can remove any hesitation you may have!

                                      A Meditation on Sharing: 

                     Keep these notions in mind when communicating!

•  5 + or - 2 ideas presented at once
•  Use a story, antecedent, or an example to deliver ideas
•  Relate to your subject and their interests 
•  String together ideas into a coherent digestible thing 
•  Recap ideas and their relation to each other in the grand scheme of things 
•  Try to prevent DAF as much as possible 

To end my rant; Yes, we need experts and colleges are creating them! And being a non-expert is fine. Many of people survive and communicate well with just a high school degree or less. But I'm concerned with institutions of higher learning, these institutions need to focus on instilling effective communication techniques into these budding experts. Otherwise how are the portfolio managers going to explain Stock and Market options to their clients who have no more than a high school education? In no way does the notion of effective communication include a condescending delivery of information to the non-expert. Instead effective communication is conducive to a coherent and productive society. So get out of your comfort zone and take a few extra poetry, writing, or partying* classes to satisfy those electives.

* Read: communication