The Comparative Argument for Alternative Education
Traditional education awards degrees based on the time served and the credits earned.
Alternative education awards degrees based on demonstrated competencies and skills.
Traditional education bases degree requirements on the medieval concept of some “liberal” education and some specialized education.
Alternative education bases degree requirements on an agreement between student and faculty designed to help the student achieve his or her career and personal goals.
Traditional education considers the years from eighteen to twenty-two as the optimum time for attending college.
Alternative education assumes that learning is desirable throughout life, and degrees should be available at any age.
Traditional education views faculty as transmitters of knowledge and information.
Alternative education views faculty as counselors who help students learn how to learn.
Traditional education aims at producing a well educated “finished product” ready to enter the job market or graduate school.
Alternative education aims at producing lifelong learners, capable of change and responding through life to their own evolving needs and those of society.