“Higher Education” — A misnomer?

The phrase is strange, isn’t it? And a touch elitist.

Why is my LLB “higher” than an electrician’s apprenticeship?

Why is the ability to do the 12 times tables by heart greater than the ability to change the oil on a tractor?

If my children can draw an excellent picture to tell a story, but cannot do long division — which is “higher”?

We have skewed our lives towards certain skills.

And away from others.

That is the ebb and flow of economics.

But within that, we ascribe value.

When we ascribe value — it is the ebb and flow of arrogance.

Whatever its height — education is education.

Originally published at Chris Hargreaves.