Changing The Measure Of Success

CHANGING THE MEASURE OF SUCCESS

Jane Arnold writes that in debating accountability, we need to remember that definitions of excellence have evolved over time.

http://insidehighered.com/views/2006/12/01/arnold

 

Thought provoking, indeed

Arnold's essay should be required reading for anyone involved in modern higher education. It speaks volumes about the outdated visions of what makes a student to which many in academia continue to cling. As both an online student and instructor, I can't tell you how tired I am of the debate of whether distance learning constitutes "real" education.

I am concerned, however, that the recognition of diversity and evolution that Arnold advocates could also be used as a excuse for those who believe instructors not hold students to any standard.

Yes, we do indeed benefit from having all ages, genders, colors, creeds, ethnicities, social classes, etc. in our courses. That is not the same, however, as meaning that because of these differences one no longer need be required to convey thoughts in a coherent manner, submit assignments on schedule, or know how to craft an intelligent argument.

I know of a situation where a student filed a civil rights complaint against an instructor because, in essence, the instructor required the student to provide support for arguments in defense of discredited theories.

In almost every online class I've taught there has been at least one student who has made loud and angry complaints because s/he felt I had no right to judge their work and certainly could not declare it sub-standard.

In the pursuit of celebrating diversity, I fear we have much to lose if we allow standards to become loose.

(Note to students: Please notice the difference between the words loose and lose!)