Most college students would agree - there are HUGE
differences between high school and college. Let's face it, after 13
years (k-12) of being required to attend school, most of us are ready
for something different - change is good!
Some say that the biggest difference is that high
school is structured to control students and learning. College is more
unstructured. High school teachers accept a great deal of
responsibility for each student's success. College professors are not
responsible for student learning in the same manner - students are
expected to accept more of that responsibility.
High school students are expected to do as they are
told and follow the rules; college students are expected to make
responsible choices. High school students that do not do what they are
told or do not follow rules will probably be "corrected" in a variety
of ways. College students that do not make responsible choices are
likely to flunk out.
Nation-wide, it is common for almost half of the
freshman class to drop out within that first year. Because we choose
to go to college and pay for that privilege (it is expensive),
adjusting to the differences between high school and college and
successfully completing a degree program is important. Once we make
the decision to attend college, the outcome is up to us.
In high school, instruction is directed - teachers are
clear about what is being taught, what students should be able to do,
and what will be on tests. In college, it is up to each student to
read and understand assigned material. High school classes will
"re-teach" areas that students have trouble with. College professors
will move on - those that are not ready will have to accept failing
grades and try again, if they can.
Does this sound unfair or harsh? That depends on your
point of view. Those that earn college degree have something of value
and have demonstrated that they are independent learners, able to
accept responsibility for their lives, and ready to work with others
to achieve goals. Many employers value this.
To those with degrees, the higher expectations at
universities make their diplomas more valuable. To those that flunk
out, yes, it might seem unfair. The real question is this, does anyone
really care who I choose to blame if I flunk out of college?
College demands more of students and requires that
students achieve these higher demands by taking responsibility for
their learning. The good news is that students are "accepted" into
college because they have demonstrated academic skills that indicate
they can succeed. Most campuses have a variety of support services and
programs to help students earn degrees.
The sad news is that these services are often
underutilized. Stop by a campus tutorial center the first few weeks of
classes - the place may be empty! College professors all know that
some of their students need extra help - they also know that some
students are not seeking it.
Students that are not ready for the transition to
college get a double-whammy: not only are the learning standards and
expectations higher, but it is the professors job to let some students
fail, especially that freshman year.
Students that are not ready to meet expectations in
lower level classes are unlikely to be ready for the higher level
classes where professional skills and standards are taught.
Demanding degrees, like a Bachelors of Business
Administration with and emphasis on Accounting, cannot possibly
accommodate students that are not ready to accept responsibility for
their learning. It holds the rest of the class back - remember,
everyone chose to be there and paid for the privilege.
In high school, effort counts a great deal - it is
rare for a student that actually tries to fail. In college, professors
expect students' "best effort." It is unlikely that this, by itself,
is enough. Students are also expected to demonstrate higher levels of
understanding and apply learning to a variety of new situations.
Colleges try to structure their programs so that all
students can succeed if they are ready to accept responsibility for
their learning and seek appropriate help when needed. At the
university level, it is accepted that some students will not be
successful. This is part of life - sometimes, failure is what we need
to make changes to move us towards our goals. At a university, this is
considered part of the "learning process."
Once we make the decision to continue our education,
are accepted into college, and pay tuition; the "smart choice" is to
accept the responsibilities that go along with our choice. Professors
want to see their students succeed - many find it difficult to watch
students struggle. It is part of the job, however. Professors hope
that all students will take advantage of their opportunities at their
schools. They are also expected to "dismiss" those students that are
not ready to take advantage of these opportunities.
Whether a student achieves an outstanding education,
barely squeaks by, or fails is up to the student. This is true in both
high school and college. In high school, teachers and administrators
are happy if students do what they are told and follow the rules.
College professors expect much more - isn't that really what a good
education is all about?
Key Differences between
High School and College
cty_tobcco_free134.gif){kind=small}
