We Need Critical Thinkers!
We need Critical Thinkers! Where have I heard this before? Oh yes, in my article The Education System is Broken I offered up advice to new graduates that in order to stand apart, develop Critical Thinking Skills. More recently I referenced the World Economic Forum study in my article “Adulting” Really? where Critical Thinking and Complex Problem Solving were at the top of the list for C-Suite Executives when it comes to Talent needs. In my previous articles I’ve tended to be a bit negative when it comes to Higher Education and the students they are turning out. However, today I’m going to highlight one school that is actually doing things differently.
Plymouth State University is a relatively small school nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It’s surrounded by some of the most beautiful views during the Summer and especially the Fall. I know this because its where I lived for four years as a member of the Faculty/Staff while pursing my Masters Degree. By happenstance, it has also been recognized as the top school in the country for critical-thinking improvement.
U.S. public colleges and universities were given an exam to incoming Freshman and outgoing Seniors to determine if their critical thinking skills developed during their time on campus. Plymouth State University ranked first for its ability to improve the critical-thinking ability of students. Not, the University of Kentucky, University of Texas or even “The” Ohio State University. The study was highlighted in a Wall Street Journal Article, “Many Colleges Fail in Teaching How To Think,” June 4th 2017. So how is Plymouth State University different from other schools? Integrated Clusters.
Plymouth State University made a significant change a few years ago to shift from the tired old curriculum approach to one that is more in tune with the modern day needs. Here’s how PSU describes their Integrated Cluster Program: Today’s students need flexible educations to prepare for a fast-changing world. At Plymouth State, we emphasize communications and problem-solving skills, integrating a range of perspectives, and inspiring students to take control of what and how they learn.
As fate would have it, I ran into a fellow Alum who also works at my company, Dan O’Leary. Dan is still actively involved as an Alumni with the University. Though his involvement he has helped participate in the cluster program as the University draws heavily from the business sector for mentors and advisors to students. This alignment, much like last weeks article “Flying Through the HR Perfect Storm”, show that when business and higher education work together, they can produce quality graduates that businesses so desperately need. Instead of characterizing Dan’s experience, I’ve asked him to share his role with Plymouth State University below.
Dan O’Leary
Over the past 6 years I have been a volunteer coach and mentor for Plymouth State University and their Professional Sales Program. The Program allows students with an aspiration for a career in sales to obtain key skills and experiences that sets them up for success in the marketplace; I continue to be impressed with their abilities
The program led by Professor Bob Nadeau has a collaborative approach where students learn selling skills as well as critical thinking. The students are challenged with several sales competitions, case studies and the ability to network with the business community. Students learn real skills that go beyond a text book in the classroom. When presented a case study the students collaborate with the professor, their peers, mentors and other business resources.
The students engage in competitions across the country vs. other Universities with sales programs that are four to five times their size. Plymouth State University consistently finishes in the top positions of these competitions. Businesses also visit Plymouth State with their own case studies and competition which brings tremendous value to the business as much as the development of the students. Students compete amongst each other to earn key spots and the right to compete, which correlates to the competitive nature of real life business situations.
The overall curriculum and “hands on” approach to learning puts these students in a position to win. It is amazing to see the accelerated growth of a student from their Sophomore year to Senior year. 90% of the students in the sales program have a job offer before they graduate. The students at PSU are ready for the workforce on the day of graduation and many businesses have recognized this as they compete to hire the best.
I absolutely love how this embodies common sense in it’s approach. As you can tell from Dan’s example, businesses are learning from students and students are learning from business. The opportunity to interact with different majors, professors, community and business leaders to solve actual challenges is exactly what needs to happen with higher education. It’s no wonder Plymouth leads the country in the development of Critical Thinking graduates. Too many students are still being subjected to the binge and purge model of yesteryear. I am certain we will see a bubble of sorts happen within the broader University programs in the next few years – mark my words. The Plymouth State University integrated clusters program is a step in the right direction to fixing that broken system.