1. Why go to university?
2. Do your reasons for doing a degree apply to all universities (good/bad/indifferent)? Do your reasons for doing a degree apply to all subjects?
3. Rate the importance of the following: subject knowledge, develop critical thinking skills, learn workload/time management, networking with like-minded peers
4. True or False?
a) Most employers see having a college/university degree as a basic formality - they have no real interest in your subject knowledge, or what kind of student you were.
b) Most students see going to university as a rite of passage; the student lifestyle (leaving home, parties, making friends) outweighs any negative costs.
c) Tony Blair (former UK PM) said that he wanted 50% of young people to attend university. This should be the benchmark for all countries.
d) Going to university and accruing a large amount of debt with a worthless degree is the real reason why young people can't succeed.
5. What do you think the infographic (see below) will recommend: going to university, or starting a career?
Read infographic here: College Degree Reading
6. What is your reaction? Were you surprised that careers without a degree have seen their salaries tripled, while careers that demand a degree have only doubled? How about the eightfold increase in tuition cost? American student debt hit $1.5 trillion in 2018 - is this sustainable?
7. What is the situation in your country? Does it mirror the situation in the US?
8. Are university enrollments falling/rising/staying the same?
9. In terms of earnings, is there a big gap between those who go to university and those who don't?
10. Has the average family size changed in your country?
11. What do people in your country want more of: vacation time, technology, restaurant dinners, or something else?
12. Is the average home in your country getting bigger/smaller/more expensive?
13. Do you have enough plumbers, electricians, hairdressers, nurses, or do young people no longer want to pursue those careers?
14. Do you know any famous people who didn't go to university?
15. Complete the following sentence (regarding your time at university)
If I had to do it all again,...
...........
Situation
You are the head of the CBI (Confederation of British Industry). You are concerned that labour shortages in the jobs market and a workforce that lacks practical skills is hindering UK growth. You are appearing on a radio show as a guest. Make your case for young people choosing a career over going to university. Your host (your teacher) will ask you questions.
.........
Discuss quotes
"Colleges are places where pebbles are polished and diamonds are dimmed."
- Robert Green Ingersoll
"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."
- Mark Twain
"Every time you stop a school, you will have to build a jail. What you gain at one end you lose at the other. It's like feeding a dog on his own tail. It won't fatten the dog."
- Mark Twain
Student Handout PDF: College
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