Here's to the end of school supported credentialism

Anyone who knows me knows how little respect I hold for credentialism and for the belief that schooling equals anything really valuable out there in the real world.

I'm always astounded by those job postings that contain the phrase, "University Degree Required to apply," as that stipulation immediately eliminates the creative and probably most functional people from the running.

Add too the reality of cheating in Universities. MacLean's Magazine had it in their research that cheating runs to 80% of students! What that means is that of those who gain a bachelor's degree, 80% of them don't deserve it. Additionally, that degree is obtainable with a passing grade of 50%....

So what does that mean for an employer? Simply this: by limiting their search to only those who hold a bachelor's degree, they're not asking for or getting the cream of the crop by any means. They're getting drones who will commit to four years (or more) in a class and who are quite good at regurgitation. Neither zombieism or regurgitation are sought-after characteristics for employment.

I certainly believe there is every excuse for further education. Simply for access to new ideas, philosophies and means of thinking, higher education is critical. HOW we educate is at question here and what is considered correct and right and valuable in terms of learning and styles.

This speaker, Sir Ken Robinson, eloquently packages up all the stuff I feel about the current state of education. Please note his brief but pointed nod to "ADHD."

About this Talk

Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining (and profoundly moving) case for creating an education system that nurtures creativity, rather than undermining it.

Robinson points out the many ways our schools fail to recognize -- much less cultivate -- the talents of many brilliant people."We are educating people out of their creativity," Robinson says.

"If you have not yet seen Sir Ken Robinson's TED talk, please stop whatever you're doing and watch it now."

Read the transcript >>

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