Go for universal education, leading American expert says
Go for universal education, leading American expert says
JAKARTA (JP): Students in developing countries should go for
basic universal education rather than specialized studies because
they will be better placed to adapt to a constantly changing
world, a leading American education expert says.
A graduate with a strong universal education will be able to
maneuver around the world's technological developments, James
Otis Smith, a professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin
in Milwaukee, said here yesterday.
"Too highly specialized too young, one will not be able to
adapt to the changes of the world," Smith, now a director of the
Institute of Help in Malaysia, said in a speech on the
Differences in Indonesian and American Education jointly
organized by Indonesia-America Friendship Association and the
Overseas Trade and Travel.
Recognizing the developing countries' interest in catching up
with more developed countries, Smith said that multinationals in
this age of globalization are interested in a work force with
basic skills.
"As you move towards an urban industrial economy, then you
need an educated work force".
Understandably, he said, governments in developing countries
are more supportive to students in technical areas because they
are essential to the economy they are trying to build.
"Americans value more broadly-educated persons than a more
highly specialized one", he said as a contrast.
Students in the U.S. spend the first two years of their four-
years at university studying liberal arts.
Those studying economics, for example, do not only learn
statistics, mathematics, accounting and other economic-related
subjects, but also literature, art, music, chemistry and physics,
he added.
If they want to specialize further after graduation, they can
continue on a more intense graduate level.
With this system, he said, students will not be so ignorant of
other aspects of life.
Smith did not profess that the American system is better.
"There are advantages and disadvantages, some work well in some
countries and not in others".
He said that a higher level of minimum education should be
imposed on every individual.
The American system is more flexible compared to those found
in Asia and Europe, where there is strong competition for seats
at state universities, he noted. (03)