What are colleges for?

In reading W.E. Sedlacek's Beyond the Big Test (2004), I was driven to consider what the purpose of college is. The book focuses on the inadequacy of admissions test such at the SAT and the ACT which focus on cognitive variables (verbal and math) in order to predict college success. His argument is basically two-fold. First, the test is inadequate because it is biased toward white male cognitive patterns and measures only componential ability (i.e., ability to interpret experience in a static environment), thus unfairly relegating non-white male thinkers to lower status. Second, the test is a poor predictor of grades (beyond the first year) or retention or graduation.

Under the circumstances, he suggest replacing traditional entrance exams with assessment tools that measure also noncognitive variables that he says are better predictors of success: e.g., positive self concept, realistic self-appraisal, successfully handling the system, a preference for long-term goals, availability of strong support persons, leadership experience, community involvement (having to do with support community), and knowledge acquired in a field. His research shows that these are better predictors of success and are valid across racial groups.

My question is, how do you experience the college environment? Does it seem to be slanted toward success as defined by the white male ideal? What other models of success might there be? And finally, what is the purpose of the college? Is it there to redress civil woes?

This is your first post. I await your riposte ; )

John

Welcome to 966 Culture Clash

Thanks for stopping by! This blog is an experiment in inter-generational perspective engagement around the college student experience. It is part of my Ph.D. program at Michigan State University where I am pursuing a doctorate in higher education administration as part of the Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education department, affectionately known as HALE. The 966 derives from the course sigma -- EAD 966 -- which stands for the core course entitled Students in Postsecondary Education.

I have called it the 966 Culture Clash because, as an older student (51 years), I am, I suspect, hopelessly out of touch with today's college student generation. I do have five kids of my own, ranging from 19 to 24 years old, four of whom are in college at this time. They keep me well informed but probably keep me sheltered from some of the more controversial aspects of college student perspectives. They will, hopefully, be regular contributors on this blog (if not, y'all are out of the will! -- just kidding). Over the course of the semester I will be posting my thoughts and reflections on what I am reading. The real purpose, however, is to get feedback from you, today's college student.

So, thanks for your interest and do me a favor. Be sure to post your comments. I am not interested in "correct" answers, but I am interested in your reaction to some of the things I am learning and how they are perceived by today's college students. Oh, and share this with all your college friends.

Thanks,

John