Hi, An interesting news on the academic standard of an Australian University - Curtin University in Perth. Student passing despite cheating twice and submitting substandard assignment. http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/news/npwo102.html
This is exactly the sort of event that would be used to "prove" the diminished nature of a DETC school. But I guarantee, we will not see a single generalization about the credibility of the Australian "accreditation" process because of this particular event. As there should not be. I submit that these questionable activities can be found everywhere, and that disgruntled students can be found at nearly every regionally accredited school. That a student expresses disatisfaction or points to what is projected as questionable activity toward a DETC school is treated in this group more often with a broad brush than is the similar sentiment expressed about a regionally accredited school. If the exact same referenced story were about a student at a DETC school, I can only imagine the responses. Paul C.
As I've said elsewhere, my problem with DETC is not with the best of their schools, but rather the worst of their schools. ISIM is a good example of them doing their best. Another good example would be American Military University. I wish more DETC schools were in that mold. I think that they have some great programs. I also think that they need to decide who it is they actually represent (serious academic institutions or lactation educators or what?). Tom Nixon Tom Nixon
Tom, I can appreciate your point of view. I've seen others express a similar point. However, I don't see much seperation in the process between the accreditation of a school that offers an academic program and one that offers education in breastfeeding. You get experts in the subject area to ensure that material is appropriate for the stated learning objectives, you want to make sure that the delivery method and instructional design is adequate for the desired results, you want to make sure that the school is in a stable financial condition, with staff and educators that can successfully carry out the offered programs, etc. I just don't see why you wouldn't want to apply the same general method of review, regardless of whether it is a three course lactation program or a two year master's program. Paul C.
