In what ways does a university education prepare graduates for a lifetime of learning?

Essay by iamsamUniversity, Bachelor's March 2009

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In what ways does a university education prepare graduates for a lifetime of learning?Universities in the past have always been institutions to train men for careers in law and the church truth (Wallace: 157). It was seen as conservative and not for the common people. However, in the twentieth century, universities became more in tune to the needs of the community. With the financial support from governments and businesses, universities organised knowledge into disciplines and started developing courses for professions and trades like nursing and accountancy (Wallace:158). Universities that were initially institutions exclusively for rich men, became institutions for both men and women from all walks of life (Wallace:159).

Universities today are not so different to the universities in the past when you compare certain core values such as the concern for the truth, reasons, specialised knowledge and critique (Wallace:160). Universities are meant to develop qualified people for the job industry by teaching students the knowledge relevant to the field as well as orient them toward lifelong learning (Wallace:166).

A university education provides graduates with career opportunities but it also provides graduates with thinking tools to last a lifetime. It develops the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for life by teaching students to think critically and problem solve issues. Employers prefer to give jobs to university graduates compare to non graduates as it is expected that one who has gone through a university degree, not only comes with the knowledge of the field, but they will have also developed the ability to think critically and be flexible in their thinking (Wallace:167). A university education teaches us the core information for life after university, which is usually job specific. It also teaches us to think critically, creatively and to problem solve issues (Wallace:45). Critical thinking teaches us to be alert to...