Economists who have studied the relationship between education and economic growth confirm what common sense suggests: The number of college degrees is not nearly as important as how well students develop cognitive skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving ability. Derek Bok abilitycognitivecollege share on social
Although professors regard improving critical thinking as the most important goal of college, tests reveal that seniors who began their studies with average critical thinking skills have progressed only from the 50th percentile of entering freshmen to about the 69th percentile. Derek Bok 50th69thaverage share on social
Greater inequality in Europe has made people less happy. Derek Bok europegreathappy Change image and share on social
I suspect that no community will become humane and caring by restricting what its members can say. Derek Bok carecommunityhumane Change image and share on social
The most obvious purpose of college education is to help students acquire information and knowledge by acquainting them with facts, theories, generalizations, principles, and the like. This purpose scarcely requires justification. Derek Bok acquaintacquirecollege share on social
The college that takes students with modest entering abilities and improves their abilities substantially contributes more than the school that takes very bright students and helps them develop only modestly. Derek Bok abilitybrightcollege share on social
What college is all about is some kind of 4-year game about who is going to end up with the highest grades. And I don't mean to say that academic achievement isn't important. But it is, after all, a means to an end. Derek Bok academicachievementcollege share on social
Apart from finding a first job, college graduates seem to adapt more easily than those with only a high school degree as the economy evolves and labor-market needs change. Derek Bok adaptchangecollege Change image and share on social
Once you start worrying about a national football championship, then you begin to worry about getting the quality of athlete, and the numbers needed, to win a national championship. And that worry leads to pressure to compromise academic standards to admit those athletes. Derek Bok academicadmitathlete share on social
Education, and I regret to say this as an educator, but there's no indication that education has a direct effect on happiness. Derek Bok directeducationeducator Change image and share on social