Higher Education
Higher education is an optional formal stage of education delivered by colleges and universities. Higher education includes teaching and research activities where students acquire professional skills. Since the second world war, countries have increased higher learning institutions to create more opportunities for professional training. In most of the developed countries, higher education is accessible to almost every citizen who wishes to undergo training. Higher education is essential for the economic growth of every country. Economic, social, and political factors have contributed to the evolution of higher education since its establishment.
The higher education system had its origin in Europe where the first universities were established. The second world war is a political-historical event that led to the establishment of many higher learning institutions in Europe (Altbach,2015). After the war, most European nations decided to establish higher learning institutions to enhance their technology through advanced training. The nations realized that they needed skills in planes, breaking of codes and bombs. The involved countries learned from the second world war that power belongs to the nations with advanced technology. Therefore, second world war influenced many European nations to advance their technology by establishing institutions of higher learning, which was a turning point of higher education. In the 20th century, several European nations underwent revolutions. Revolution led to an increase in population in most European countries. People thought that establishing higher learning institutions will bring students together, which will enhance national unity for people to live with peace. Therefore, the increased population in the 20th century after the revolution was a social factor that led to the establishment of higher learning institutions. Also, after European revolutions, trade activities in Europe increased, and cities were constructed. The trade advanced and professionals were required in trade operations, which brought the need to have higher learning institutions for training. Therefore, the need to develop the economy through improved trade in European nations was a key economic factor that led to the establishment of higher learning institutions.
After the second world war, people decided to promote peace through universities by introducing students exchange policies where students had opportunities to study in different countries. Establishment of total quality management philosophy by Edwards Deming was a major turning point for higher education (Stotsky,2018). The purpose of the philosophy was to ensure effectiveness in teaching in higher learning institutions. Every higher learning institution’s goal is to produce graduates who are industrial oriented. Before the total quality management philosophy of higher education, the teaching in higher learning institutions was different from the industrial requirements. Deming’s in his philosophy suggested that higher learning was not different from industrial institutions as many people thought. The philosophy was applied by higher learning institutions, which saw them produce graduates who were industrial oriented. The philosophy has an impact up to date where most of higher learning institutions are looking forward to producing graduates who have adequate skills to fit in the industry.
In conclusion, higher education involves research and teaching activities where students gain professional skills to solve existing problems by making new inventions. Higher education is important for the development of a country’s economy. Since its establishment, higher education has evolved in many different ways. The second world war challenged European nations to establish higher learning institutions to advance their technology. Philosophers have contributed to the effectiveness of higher education by providing solutions for the problems facing higher education. Higher education is necessary for economic growth. Leaders should empower higher learning by providing the necessary resources required for effective and conducive learning. Economic, social and political factors have great influence on higher education.