Communications and Media

Years ago, there are conflicting views on how higher education should function for the students. Higher education is an essential component in building a prosperous economy and nation in the future for academies develop and train future citizens of the society to make a productive and fruitful addition in the economy. In contrary, some people argue that long term vocational training and applied research should be the focus of the universities. Clearly, we have not met an agreement in the role of research in university teaching. Some people view that excellent teaching can take place even though lecturers are not engaged in research. However, most academicians view that teaching and research is indivisible and these are essential tools in inspiring students.

Vast amount of literature has been made to determine the real purpose of education although the answer seems elusive. Many argue that education is the key to a prosperous economy however, successful economies also need infrastructures, investment, jobs and so much more. Many students go to universities in order to be prepared to careers in their chosen field. However, disciplines advance rapidly and new ideas and principles emerge each day in addition to the existing knowledge. For example, medicine is a field that advances too quickly with new drugs, instruments, techniques and treatment being developed each day. Medical schools teach students skills and knowledge essential for practice however, years after, these may be obsolete in the medical field.

Students need to know how to learn on their own after they leave the university. Students should learn how to conduct research in order to expand their knowledge. Research entails identifying a problem, gather evidences, assessment of implications and draw conclusions. Through teaching research, doctors and other professionals will be able to acquire skills and knowledge essential in conducting the different steps of research. Furthermore, aside from job-related skills and knowledge, students should also have a wide-ranging knowledge on other fields, even just the basic. This will fulfill their personal desires outside their chosen field like reading literature and listening to their type of music.

A universitys job is not only to produce skillful professionals, it also aims to produce educated men and women who understand and relate in the society and knows their place in it. To produce professionals who do not only master their field, but also equipped with knowledge and skills in other fields. This may deemed difficult to academic institutions but it should be the aim of every university, which is not only to fill students with facts and employment skills but to make them wise.