Education Papers: Education Essays, Term Papers on Education, Education Research Paper Help

The cost of higher education within Australia is a contentious issue for all concerned. Proposed changes by the current government are looking at bringing tertiary education closer to a ‘user-pays’ situation. This is designed to make the system of higher education more viable and sustainable. It is an idea that has a solid base and is attractive to many people. However, by shifting the cost of education away from the taxpayer and onto the student, governments could be cutting off their prospective nose to spite their face. Education is seen to be many things by many people. Ways to a better career, a course to a better income and an avenue to increased social mobility are just a few of the reasons that an improved education is sought. Yet, all these solutions and more are being placed beyond the reach of normal, everyday Australians by the cost. In its efforts to create a healthier higher education system, the government is increasing its outlay. This could have the effect of placing it beyond the reach of the potential higher earnings taxpayers of tomorrow. This essay will consider the arguments for why higher education in Australia should be free of student costs and charges. These arguments will be considered in terms of the ramifications of these costs to students and their studies, the government and society in general.

As previously stated, higher education is sought for different reasons. Each potential student has their own reasons for its pursuit and there is no doubt that education at a higher level is expensive. There is not just the cost of the tuition to consider. Living expenses whilst at study, hidden costs like student unions and parking and the actual study materials like text books also contribute to the expense. The thought of attending a university is tantamount to an impending battle to a new student. The harder curriculum and discipline required is forbidding to say the least. Therefore, with these pressures upon them, it is not fair to add the financial burden as well. Read more…

Since 1830 private schools have been a symbol of upward mobility and the American dream. If parents wanted to send their children to schools they deemed “better” they were free to do so. In 1925 the Supreme Court found that private schools were a suitable alternative to the nation’s public school system. The constitutional right for parents to send their children to private school is not in question in this essay. I do believe, however, that the mentality created by most private schools and parents who choose to send their kids to private schools, is a major factor in the lack of personal responsibility in today’s society.

Lack of personal responsibility is the most troubling problem in America at the moment. From frivolous lawsuits to murderers who were egged on or just lost control, people these days seem to have excuses and scapegoats for every problem they face.

“You have to go to private school in Alabama,” says an acquaintance of mine. “Colleges don’t like transcripts from public schools in Alabama.” As ignorant, closed-minded and overall atrocious that comment sounds it was spoken and is the attitude of more than one American I’m afraid. Read more…