The education systems and its outcomes are significantly affected by the public institutions and individual experiences in a given society. Like the issues and structures are changing in society, so is the education sector. The connection between education and community helps study the changing patterns and apply various theories to solve problems. In their book "The Sociology of Education," Jeanne Ballantine and her colleagues stipulate the issues and structures within the society and education having a connection. The book gives the reader insights to understand and respond to existing and emerging problems in the education sector ( Ballantine et al., 2017). The paper applies sociological perspectives to solve problems at the City University of New York (CUNY).
Background
The City University of New York (CUNY) is in a dilemma following the increased demand for higher public education. More students are registering for classes as the budget of the institution is straining. However, after an anonymous donor giving out 1 billion dollars to construct a new experimental senior college, there is a blink of hope. The money is enough to develop the faculty plus other additional expenses. Consequently, the Chancellor of CUNY has hired me to advise on physical outlook up to the curriculum and pedagogy of the institution before construction. Below is a preliminary report suggesting how the new experimental senior college should look like?
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Siting
Effective teaching and learning take place in a favorable environment. Siting should consider both internal and external factors. Initially, the location should be proximate to significant transport lines, for instance, road or airports. If road transport is the primary means, then risks associated should be evaluated. The distance to the facility and safety of students and tutors using it should be considered. Secondly, the location of existing institutions is paramount. Siting the institution near other facilities is effective in that the environment is enabling. Areas surrounded by institutions are free from noise and secure for learners. Society at large does not mess with such places. Besides, the institution should be situated in high demand, probably in an urban center where students can access it from both local and far places.
Physical Layout
The physical layout of the organization significantly affects learning. A good classroom layout, for instance, promotes active involvement, easy movement, and comfort. Since the society is modernized, the institution should embrace urban models. The old school layout system with many scattered buildings sometimes slows down engagement and feedback among instructors and learners. The layout should be similar or somehow unique to the surrounding buildings. Tall buildings with unique styles not only create beautiful scenery but also save space. If storeyed, the administration section should be situated on the ground floor for easy accessibility. The next floor should consist of classes. The Library section comes after classrooms. Since leisure is critical in learning, the institution should have facilities such as the gym and performing art centers. Such activities may be situated on the top of the building where there is free circulation of air. Instructors may develop their curriculum regarding performing arts since the courses are additional studies offered to willing students.
Entry and Degree Requirements
CUNY's new senior college should look at all-around aspects of the applicants. Entry requirements are critical since learners have different capabilities which are shaped by both nature and nurture. Grades in academic courses, grade point average, patterns of high school coursework, and test scores should and letters of recommendation come first. Afterward, major talents, community activities, leadership roles, and other abilities should be considered ( Ballantine et al., 2017). Once the process is complete, applicants should be interviewed on why they chose the institution, will they adhere to its culture, and how will they do to transform it. Graduating in a specific course occurs after the student meets the pass mark, a cumulative total of the waived units.
Pedagogy
Teaching and learning should apply both heuristic and expository approaches to meet the extended needs of learners . Heuristic approaches involve learners exploring and solving problems on their won while expository strategies involve an instructor leading the learners through a given concept. Research studies suggest the use of many learning strategies which enable adequate knowledge and skill acquisition among learners. Such knowledge is vital in solving problems facing society. Instructors should use various learning strategies such as corporate learning, visualization, inquiry-based instruction, and differentiation. Apart from lectures, learners will take part in more engaging activities such as discussions and field trips. In the classroom setup, seats should be arranged in conventional rows to facilitate the instructor and student movements. The instructor's actions are critical in grabbing the attention of learners. Courses will take place in the classrooms, labs, and performing arts, depending on their requirements. The institution should be based on a progressivism philosophy. It is prudent to develop whole learners who will cope up with future challenges. A progressive culture develops skillful and independent learners who can solve problems affecting education and society.
Equity
Equity is paramount in education. Favorism due to gender, race, sex, and other factors have deteriorated the outcomes of education. On gender disparities the institution may introduce new courses with relatively lower requirements that encourage more girls to enroll ( Ballantine et al., 2017). Racial bias in admission and other interactions should not be tolerated. The institution should draft a constitution that gives equal entitlement to individuals from all backgrounds. Similarly, individuals with unique sexualities should be assigned a platform and protection against hostile groups. Disadvantaged students or groups should be empowered through campaigns, clubs, or societies which protect their self-interests.
Evaluation
Learners should be assessed in various ways since their capabilities differ. These include giving out tests, assignments, exams, and informal observation. Quizzes, exams, and tasks should measure the learners' knowledge, skills, and progress. Instructors should help learners overcome their weaknesses and maximize their strengths.
Employment Practices
Employment practices set by the ministry of education should be upheld. The institution should hire competent full-time instructors in that they should be approachable whenever students' needs arise. Full-time instructors should teach compulsory units. Besides, the faculty may have a few adjuncts who teach courses with minimal enrolment. Instructors should be compensated through salaries for regular classes and wages for extra hours. Tutor evaluation should involve performance appraisals from top officials' assessments and student responses. Apart from that, the faculty should employ students' representatives ( Ballantine et al., 2017). Such leaders should be enacted through elections.
Discipline
The institution should be based on solid moral practices. The rules and regulations should consider social, cultural, and political customs. Parents, teachers, and students should be involved in decision-making. Learners should be aware of the rules and consequences if broken.
Conclusion
Education and society are intertwined. Changes in culture affect the patterns in the education system. Sociology of education is critical in helping individuals understand existing and emerging issues in education, which paves the way for solving them. The City University of New York case calls for the application of various sociological perspectives to solve the issue of increased demand for higher public education. The perspectives are vital in designing the new institution’s internal and external environments.
Reference
Ballantine, J. H., Hammack, F. M., & Stuber, J. (2017). The sociology of education: A systematic analysis . Routledge.
