To Save the University - Laurent Schwartz

To Save the University: A Manifesto for Higher Education in the 21st Century

In his passionate and provocative book, To Save the University, Laurent Schwartz argues that the traditional model of higher education is in crisis and in urgent need of reform. He contends that the current system is too focused on producing research and not enough on teaching students how to think critically and solve problems. As a result, graduates are ill-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century workforce.

Schwartz proposes a radical new vision for higher education, one that is based on the principles of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. He argues that universities should be places where students are encouraged to question everything, to challenge assumptions, and to come up with new ideas. He also believes that universities should be more closely connected to the real world, and that students should have the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Schwartz's book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of higher education. It is a powerful and persuasive call for reform, and it offers a clear path forward for universities that want to remain relevant in the 21st century.

Why the Traditional Model of Higher Education Is in Crisis

The traditional model of higher education is based on the idea that the primary goal of universities is to produce research. This model has been in place for centuries, and it has served society well. However, Schwartz argues that the world has changed dramatically in recent years, and that the traditional model of higher education is no longer adequate.

One of the biggest challenges facing higher education today is the rapidly changing nature of the workforce. In the past, a college degree was a guarantee of a good job. However, today, many college graduates are finding themselves unemployed or underemployed. This is because the skills that they learned in college are no longer in demand.

Another challenge facing higher education is the rising cost of tuition. The cost of college has been increasing steadily for decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down. This is making it increasingly difficult for students to afford a college education.

As a result of these challenges, the traditional model of higher education is in crisis. Universities are struggling to keep up with the changing needs of the workforce, and they are facing increasing financial pressure.

A New Vision for Higher Education

Schwartz's vision for higher education is based on the belief that the most important thing that universities can do is to teach students how to think critically. Critical thinking is the ability to analyze information, identify assumptions, and evaluate arguments. It is a skill that is essential for success in the 21st century workforce.

In addition to critical thinking, Schwartz also believes that universities should teach students how to be creative and collaborative. Creativity is the ability to come up with new ideas and solutions. Collaboration is the ability to work effectively with others. These are all skills that are essential for success in the 21st century workforce.

Schwartz's vision for higher education is a radical departure from the traditional model. However, he believes that it is the only way to save the university. He argues that universities must adapt to the changing needs of the workforce and the rising cost of tuition. If they do not, they will become irrelevant and eventually die.

How to Save the University

Schwartz believes that there are a number of things that universities can do to save themselves. These include:

Rethink the curriculum. Universities need to focus more on teaching students how to think critically, be creative, and collaborate. They need to less focused on producing research.
Reduce the cost of tuition. Universities need to find ways to make college more affordable for students. This could be done by increasing financial aid, reducing administrative costs, or offering more online courses.
Connect with the real world. Universities need to build stronger connections with the business community and other organizations. This could be done through internships, co-ops, and research partnerships.
Embrace technology. Universities need to use technology to improve the learning experience for students. This could be done by using online learning platforms, simulations, and other educational technology tools.

Schwartz believes that if universities take these steps, they can save themselves and continue to play a vital role in society.

Conclusion

To Save the University is a passionate and provocative book that offers a radical new vision for higher education. Schwartz argues that the traditional model of higher education is in crisis and in urgent need of reform. He proposes a new vision for higher education, one that is based on the principles of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Schwartz believes that if universities take these steps, they can save themselves and continue to play a vital role in society.