Thirty years ago, as a school social worker, I observed how difficult change was for clients even when not changing meant devastating losses. Today at YU Global, Yeshiva University's digital content arm, where we consult with struggling institutions about how to develop online content, I once again see how difficult change is even in the … Continue reading Higher Education at the Crossroads: Why Leadership, Not Economics, Determines Survival
Reimagining Course Development: A Cost-Effective Solution for Higher Education
A colleague recently told me, "People don't change unless they have to. It’s human nature." I might have amended that to be—people change when they are compelled or impelled to. And it is of course people who comprise and run our academic institutions, many of which are being forced to consider changing in ways they … Continue reading Reimagining Course Development: A Cost-Effective Solution for Higher Education
Reimagining Educational Pathways: A More Inclusive Model for Learning
In my 4th grade we had an SRA box on the table by the classroom door. It contained colored tabs signifying different reading levels. The tabbed sections contained large cards with stories printed on them. The idea was to start at your level and work your way to a higher level. I loved that box. … Continue reading Reimagining Educational Pathways: A More Inclusive Model for Learning
Transforming Higher Ed: The Case for Differentiated Learning
University student writing while using laptop and studying in the classroom. Copy space. One lesson I learned in the professorate that followed me into my career as an administrator and executive in higher education is that we have an obligation to create diverse and differentiated learning communities where everyone can engage, learn and transform; we … Continue reading Transforming Higher Ed: The Case for Differentiated Learning
Conducting Change: The Art of Leading Higher Education Transformation
Hands of a conductor of a symphony orchestra close-up in black and white Higher education institutions often struggle to reconcile their desire for change with an ingrained resistance to it. Academic leaders recognize the imperative for bold, innovative thinking while remaining unable or unwilling to loosen their grip on established practices, even when financial solvency … Continue reading Conducting Change: The Art of Leading Higher Education Transformation
Time for Change: The Future of Higher Education is Now
It is hard to miss the resounding message echoed from classrooms to board rooms, higher education is at a critical juncture. The rapid pace of change is causing a dramatic shift in the knowledge and skills required to thrive in the workforce. The half-life of learned skills has dropped from 30 years in 1984 to … Continue reading Time for Change: The Future of Higher Education is Now
Higher Education and Change
Within liberal arts there are deep divisions on issues of identity and purpose. We continue to issue degrees in academic subjects that have no correlation to employment fields. We dispute the definition of an educated person among ourselves while failing to engage in pressing public conversations about how our students will, can and should interact with a rapidly changing world. We relegate employment readiness skills to the realm of vocational education and prickle at industry partnerships for work force development as though only we are the “true” purveyors of knowledge and true knowledge has nothing to do with application or commerce. We create fractures and hierarchies between disciplines within the arts and sciences, and gulfs between faculty and administration. We continuously look outward and ascribe blame for our struggles rather than directing a reflexive gaze inward.
About Me
I entered college with two passions. One was a deep love of literature and writing and the other was a deep commitment to social justice and social change. I majored in English because I was told to choose one. Two years after graduation I entered graduate school in social work and began my career working … Continue reading About Me
Tough Times in Higher Education
As an anthropologist questions about what we should be point to questions of shifting cultural identity. In the academy we ignore questions about our identity at our peril. I would like to spotlight identity questions by drawing on my own experiences as an administrator at a small private liberal arts college.
daniellewozniak 