Bridging the Gap: Making Higher Education More Practical and Career-Focused
Published 29 November 2024
“In the future, I want higher education to be more practical. I have always struggled when I’m taking classes and we’re covering content and information that doesn’t seem to have a practical application––especially when you are in a course that is directly tied to your future profession! I think it is so important for those professors in those courses to make it explicitly clear exactly how this skill would be used and when it would be expected of a professional in that exact career choice to better prepare those students for what they can expect in their jobs.”
The higher education experience is often celebrated as a time of intellectual discovery, but for many students, a glaring question lingers: How will this help me in my career? When coursework feels disconnected from practical application, students may struggle to engage, wondering if their time and money are being well spent. Bridging this gap by aligning course content with real-world applications isn’t just a nice-to-have—–it’s a necessity for equipping students for success in their chosen professions.
The Importance of Practical Relevance
Practical relevance in coursework significantly enhances student motivation and learning outcomes. Research shows that when students understand how a skill or concept will be applied in their future careers, they are more likely to engage deeply with the material. According to Ambrose et al. (2010), clarity in learning objectives tied to real-world contexts enhances cognitive engagement and leads to higher retention of information. For example, a nursing student learning about anatomy might better understand the relevance of the material if instructors connect it directly to patient care scenarios.
Professors and instructors play a crucial role in creating these connections. Instead of presenting information in isolation, educators can incorporate examples from industry, invite guest speakers, or even design assignments around case studies that mirror challenges professionals face in the field.
Applied Learning in Action
Courses designed with practical application in mind are already demonstrating success across disciplines. In STEM fields, "design-and-build" projects allow engineering students to apply theoretical knowledge to tangible outcomes. In business programs, experiential learning opportunities such as creating mock marketing campaigns or conducting financial audits for local organizations bring concepts to life.
One notable example comes from the University of Waterloo, which has pioneered cooperative education programs integrating academic learning with real-world work experience. Students alternate between classroom studies and paid job placements, allowing them to directly see how their studies align with industry needs. This model not only reinforces learning but also helps students build professional networks and gain confidence in their career readiness.
Addressing the Disconnect in Higher Education
For educators, the challenge is to reflect critically on their curricula. Are the skills taught reflective of what’s demanded in the workforce? Are students being given opportunities to practice these skills in authentic, low-stakes environments before they're expected to apply them in high-stakes professional contexts?
A 2021 survey by the Strada Education Network found that 59% of students wish their classes had more direct career relevance. This disconnect underscores the need for higher education institutions to maintain regular dialogue with industries, ensuring curricula remain responsive to changing professional landscapes (Strada Education Network, 2021).
The Path Forward
Making higher education more practical doesn’t mean abandoning its broader mission of fostering critical thinking and intellectual growth. Instead, it calls for a thoughtful integration of theoretical and applied learning. This balance ensures students are not only well-versed in foundational knowledge but also confident and prepared to meet the challenges of their future professions.
By grounding education in real-world application, we can create classrooms where students are inspired, engaged, and better equipped for success. It’s a win-win: students graduate with clarity and confidence, while educators see the transformative impact of their work in shaping future professionals.
Discussion Question
What are some ways educators and higher education institutions can collaborate with industries to ensure that course content remains relevant to current professional demands?
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Ambrose, S. A., Bridges, M. W., DiPietro, M., Lovett, M. C., & Norman, M. K. (2010). How learning works: Seven research-based principles for smart teaching. Jossey-Bass. https://firstliteracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/How-Learning-Works.pdf
Strada Education Network. (2021). Students’ views on education and workforce relevance. Retrieved from https://stradaeducation.org
