In order to understand the higher education system in any nation, it is vital to understand what defines and constitutes a higher education system. The definition of higher education varies depending on the systematic issues in different nations. Teicher (2007, as cited by Ooro, 2013) defines higher education as “multidisciplinary institutions in charge of both teaching and research, entitled to award advanced academic degrees (notably the doctorate) and, where applicable, entitled to award subsequent degrees qualifying for senior academic positions (the doctor scientiae” or the Habilitation), are considered the key institutions of higher education.” Higher education encompasses public and private universities, colleges, and training institutes.
Numerous forces influence the higher education system. Some of these factors include geographical, economic, technological, social, cultural, and political (Mong’ateko, 2016). In this paper, the numerous factors influencing higher education will be discussed. The paper will also offer strategies to address the challenges faced by higher education. Lastly, the paper will reflect Ooros (2013) article titled “Creativity within the Higher Education System.”
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Forces that Influence the Higher Education System
The climatic conditions, population distribution, and land configuration are the three geographical aspects influencing education system (Mong’ateko, 2016). Climatic conditions, such as extremely low temperatures, affect accessibility to school. Regarding population, the population tends to be concentrated in urban areas. The schools in the urban centers are well equipped with administrative personnel and adequately qualified teachers while those in rural areas are not well-equipped. Land configuration influences education systems in the sense that it determines settlement and location of schools.
The education system of a country is strongly influenced by its economic strength. This is because the economy of a country determines expenditure on education. If the economic condition is poor, many aspects of education become backward. On the other hand, the educational aims, as well as the curriculum, tend to be given a special direction if the economy of a country is strong. Another force that influences the higher education system is a social and cultural factor. Learning institutions often reflect the social patterns prevailing in a given nation. Thus, education is seen as a social factor. It is due to this reason that higher education should ensure cultural continuity. The society tends to have some kind of educational system, and the society will strive to perpetuate as well as protect its traditions and aspirations (Mong’ateko, 2016). In addition, the education system of any country ought to reflect social patterns of its citizens.
The historical background of a nation also influences the education system of that nation. The education system of many African countries has been shaped by colonialism (Mong’ateko, 2016). Most of the current educational systems reflect that of their colonial masters. Christian missionaries also strongly influenced the educational system in Africa. The higher education system is also influenced by political factors. The government of a nation tends to be controlled by politicians, and these politicians often have an inevitable impact on education. This because they are involved in the formulation of policies and implementation of educational reforms, which may impact the education system. Language and religious factors are two other forces that influence the higher education system. Despite there being many languages, only one enjoys the status of a national language. In addition, religious loyalties dictate aims, content, and methods of instruction in education.
Components of Higher Education, Challenges faced by Higher Education, and Strategies to overcome them
Some components of the education systems include lecturers or instructors, who enter the classroom, Lecturer preparation programs and regulation, how teachers, lecturers, or instructors are evaluated, and state and local certification requirements. In recent years, higher education has faced numerous challenges. Some of these challenges include the rising cost of education, the decline in college completion rates, growing privatization of public colleges and universities, and changes in teaching methods caused by new methods and curricula (Allaire, 2018). Thus, higher education ought to come up with strategies to overcome these challenges.
For instance, many higher learning institutions have started offering online classes so that students do not have to pay for meal plans and on-campus accommodation. The aim of this strategy is address the challenge of the increasing cost of education by giving students an outstanding, cost-effective education. To address the challenge of low rates of completion, education should be made cost-effective and sustained policies at the local, state, and federal levels are required. Universities also need to make their program financially accessible so as to enable many students to be admitted. This would lessen the chances of the students turning to private businesses. Lastly, universities and colleges ought to grant faculties to explore as well as develop new teaching methods.
Reflection on Ooro’s Article
In her article, Creativity within the Higher Education System, Sarah S. Ooro set out to analyze the overall system of governance affecting higher education in Kenya. Basing her study on the theories of multi-level governance, Ooro developed a conceptual framework to explain the developments in Kenya from “pre-independence” to date. The historical background of the nation raises Ooro’s interest in the questions of the increasing complexity of governance with time and the efforts to create new coordination mechanisms. With reference to the Kenya case, however, Ooro argues that the development of governance in higher education was very closely tied to that of societal governance altogether. This ought to be anticipated in any nation that requires expects the higher education to play the chief role in the development. Due to this fact, I concur with Ooro’s arguments. Additionally, higher education governance in Kenya, as well as in other countries, especially African countries, is strongly shaped by international factors.
References
Allaire, J. (2018). Five issues facing higher education in 2018. [Online]. Available at: https://www.cornerstone.edu/blogs/lifelong-learning-matters/post/five-issues-facing-higher-education-in-2018 . Accessed 3rd June 2019.
Mong’ateko, Z. (2016). Factors influencing the education system of any country. [Online]. Available at: http://mwalimzakayomongateko.blogspot.com/2016/02/factors-influencing-education-system-of.html?showComment=1454696061331#c8802540562317203267 . Accessed 3rd June 2019.
Ooro, S. (2013). Creativity within the higher education system: An analysis of the new higher education professionals. Interdisciplinary Studies Journal. Vol 2 (3); 47-60.
