Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses

Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses

by Richard Arum

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3083 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	341 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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In their groundbreaking book, Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses, Richard Arum and Josipa Roksa expose the shocking reality of higher education in America. Despite spending billions of dollars and years of their lives, many college students are graduating with little to no improvement in their critical thinking, complex reasoning, or writing skills.

Arum and Roksa's research is based on a nationally representative survey of first-year and senior college students. They found that, on average, students' critical thinking skills improved by only 4 percentile points over four years of college. Their complex reasoning skills improved by only 3 percentile points, and their writing skills improved by only 2 percentile points.

These findings are particularly alarming given the increasing cost of college. The average cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public college has increased by more than 250% since 1985. At a four-year private college, the average cost has increased by more than 150%.

Arum and Roksa argue that the lack of learning in college is due to a number of factors, including the proliferation of low-level courses, the decline of academic rigor, and the increasing use of technology in the classroom.

Low-level courses are courses that require little to no critical thinking or complex reasoning. These courses are often taught by adjunct professors who are paid less than tenure-track professors and who have less experience teaching.

The decline of academic rigor is another factor that is contributing to the lack of learning in college. In recent years, there has been a trend toward making college courses more "student-friendly." This has led to a decrease in the amount of reading, writing, and critical thinking that is required in many courses.

The increasing use of technology in the classroom is also having a negative impact on learning. While technology can be a valuable tool for teaching and learning, it can also be a distraction. Students who spend too much time on their laptops or smartphones in class are less likely to be paying attention to the lecture or participating in discussions.

Arum and Roksa's book is a wake-up call for anyone concerned about the future of higher education. They argue that we need to make significant changes to the way we teach and learn in college if we want to ensure that our students are graduating with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.

Reviews

"Academically Adrift is a must-read for anyone concerned about the future of higher education. Arum and Roksa's research is rigorous and their findings are alarming. This book is a wake-up call for colleges and universities across the country."—The New York Times

"A devastating indictment of the American higher education system. Arum and Roksa's research shows that many college students are graduating with little to no improvement in their critical thinking, complex reasoning, or writing skills. This is a major problem that needs to be addressed immediately."—The Washington Post

"A groundbreaking book that will change the way we think about higher education. Arum and Roksa's research is essential reading for anyone who cares about the future of our students and our country."—The Chronicle of Higher Education

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Academically Adrift: Limited Learning on College Campuses

by Richard Arum

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3083 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	341 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE