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Higher education was initially perceived as a prestigious level of learning in which students were exposed to several benefits that could aid in a successful learning process. For instance, students had numerous learning materials, enough finances to cater for their learning needs, and adequate instructors to guide them in their studies. However, the current situation in the higher leaning is raising fears over the quality of higher education. Most students complain of faculty shortage, inadequate learning resources, and financial shortage. The financial shortage has, however, been the most significant problem hence the need to establish some of the implications that come with the shortage.
My Professional Experience in Higher Education
I am a medical student specializing specialized in end-stage renal diseases and dialysis under the broad course of healthcare and nursing. I am currently pursuing a masters degree in Education. Even though higher education was initially strengthened to train individuals through instilling skills that were essential for the wellness of the society, the current situation fails to meet the educational goals due to the challenges experienced in most universities. Dreams of individuals are shuttered while others drop out due to several reasons that the state and the university’s management have failed to address.
Major Problem in the Higher Education
One significant issue that I have observed in college education is inadequate funding. Initially, students received adequate financial support from the government and other private institutions. Currently, government support has been reduced while the private entities have withdrawn their support. Lack of adequate funding has compromised the quality of education offered in the institutions of learning.
Reasons Why Inadequate Funding is an Issue of Concern
Inadequate funding in institutions of higher learning has resulted in several implications both on the students and the instructors. Students are forced to drop out of school or defer their studies as they look for other means of sponsoring their education (Kezar & Lester, 2011, p.92). Also, the staff are denied a chance to form unions that will help advocate for fair pay. Some of them fear speaking out due to fear of losing their jobs. According to Kezar & Lester (2011, p.92), the university staff are isolated and lacks a sense of identity since their pay is not in proportion to the roles they perform. The postponement of studies brings a disconnect between learner and education, a factor that affects his competency in the profession. Also, learners spent more time to complete their studies than expected. Instructors, on the other hand, are demoralized as a result of poor or delayed pay, making them resign their duties in search of other well-paying jobs (Dougherty & Reddy, 2014, p.172). The result is faculty shortage and compromised the quality of education in these institutions.
Individual Motivation
I aim to see institutions of higher learning fully funded. This will assure them of adequate learning resources that aids in the facilitation of quality learning. Instructors will also be retained in the universities, thus helping prevent problems that come with faculty shortage (Kezar & Lester, 2011, p.93). Also, adequate funding will reduce cases of student dropouts and deferment. The reduction will enable the learners to complete their studies in time while at the same time the society benefiting with the adequacy of professionals coming to help address community challenges in different fields.
Individual Identity
I am a senior director in charge of five healthcare systems. My experience in the role has noted that the facilities lack adequate staff to perform most of the tasks. The inadequacy according to Chiwandire & Vincent (2019, p.67) has been informed by the high out of pocket costs that students have to incur in pursuant of any medical course leading either to drop out or student deferment of their studies. Also, I am currently a master of education student, but funding has been a challenge to me. I have been forced to look for other alternative funding sources to finance my education. I, therefore, plan to use my leadership and administrative roles to influence policymakers to have measures in place to ensure that higher education id adequately funded. The funding will be of significant importance as it will aid in supporting students to complete their studies in time, thus filling the staff shortage gaps in different sectors.
Conclusion
Quality of education in institutions of higher learning can only be assured when the state and private entities are willing to fund them adequately. The current funding challenges facing the institutions have resulted in lower performance in terms of research and student. Instructors are demoralized due to lack of motivation, making them perform their duties with a lack of focus while others resign, thus worsening the situations in these institutions. There is, therefore, a need for proper mechanisms to be put in place to assure the universities of adequate funding, an aspect that will help restore their glory.
References
Chiwandire, D., & Vincent, L. (2019). Funding and inclusion in higher education institutions for students with disabilities. African Journal of Disability, 8, e1-e12. doi:10.4102/ajod.v8i0.336
Dougherty, K. & Reddy, V. (2014). Performance funding for higher education: Forms, origins, impacts, and futures. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 655(1), 163-184. Doi: 10.1177/0002716214541042
