Education Problems And Solutions 2009

So I have decided to get back into school again 1 year after I've graduated with an Electrical Engineering BS degree and minor in Computer Science.

First off, going back to a government educational institution right now is horrible due to all the budget cuts in California and probably nationwide. I thought only the fees were increased but actually a lot more of surprises came as school started. Our school has more "closed" days than before and also each professor must choose and discard 5 additional days during the semester. With an increase in the fees and reduction in the courses/lectures this seems good for people who want an easy education ... but not for those who actually want quality education.

So it looks like the future students of San Jose State University will have limited knowledge and less skills than previous students... because of the many setbacks and reduction in teach. My lecturers all have reduced their course objectives and have a few topics normally taught in the class. I believe this is only the beginning and a lot of issues will arise later.

It was also very difficult to get into courses because of the limited seating that is now enforced. Before you could get add codes easily if the professor allows it - but everyone now needs to ask permission and codes from the top.

I just started reading a book from this Stanford professor (economics) and it has a very interesting first chapter. The professor always gives this assignment of "if i gave you $5 make as much profit as possible within 2 weeks" and it is similar to the situation right now at SJSU. I think i should give this book to one of those professors at school and maybe they will get some of the ideas that have sparked in my head.

San Jose State should step up to this budget problem and find alternatives to generating income... the first chapter clearly shows that you can generate lots of money without money at all. Organizations should be started around school to create income for the school. The university is full of bright people, they should be able to start projects that eventually brings in some profits. Simple things like the printing shop across the street started by one of the professors probably donate income to the school - there should be student groups that do such things.

I would repair bikes at school for free and just put a donation can in front of myself to help generate income for the school (like an example in the book). Although it does sound weird to offer free services - most things are easily fixed and people end up donating more than they would for a repair. The CS courses I have been taking should offer consulting services to nearby organizations and possible get some sorta donation later. I have signed up to work with cinequest and in return i get some free movie tickets.

Well the ideas are endless and I'm sure SJSU is capable of figuring it out - they just need to stop looking at their problems and look at alternatives.