“I Would Have Rather Paid for a Class I Wanted to Take”: Utilitarian Approaches at a Community College

Abstract

This article examines community-college students’ goals within the dominant framing of higher education, in which education serves primarily as preparation for the new economy. Specifically, it explores students’ motives for acquiring college credentials and how they apply the principles of utility and efficiency to their pursuit of those credentials. This examination of students’ strategies illuminates their assumptions about what is worth learning and how one learns and, in turn, how their hopes of “learning something” can lead to disappointment. Ultimately, this analysis illustrates the consequences of students’ highly instrumental goals for their participation in college and in college coursework.

Interact for What? The Relationship Between Interpersonal Interaction Based on Motivation and Educational Outcomes Among Students in Manufacturing Programs at Two-Year Technical Colleges

“…Two-year colleges serve a diverse student population that pursues equally diverse educational goals (Cohen, Brawer, & Kisker, 2014). While some two-year college students aspire to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree, many others are more concerned about earning short-term credentials and immediately improving their occupational prospects (Bragg, 2001; R. D. Cox, 2009;Pettitt, 2006;Schmid & Abell, 2003). Moreover, most two-year college students only have limited time and resources for academics while trying to fulfill multiple external obligations (Wang, 2013).…”

“…Community College Review 44(1) credentials and immediately improving their occupational prospects (Bragg, 2001;R. D. Cox, 2009;Pettitt, 2006;Schmid & Abell, 2003).…”

First Year Student Expectations: General Education Goals at a Multi-Campus Community College

“…Students also use the community college to complete general education requirements, enroll in difficult course before transfer, save money, decide on major and complete prerequisites for upper level courses or competitive majors (Cejda & Kaylor, 2001). In a troubled economy the community college serves as a beacon for citizens pursuing financial stability and upward mobility in society through education (Laanan, 2003;Cox, 2009). The institution serves as a refuge for those who are employed to stay current in their skills and increase their marketability and competitiveness in the workforce.…”

“…However, the literature also reveals serious disappointment and disconnect from students when those qualities of liberal education are not evident. Cox (2009) found that when the students' motives for career preparation and financial stability will not be realized, they begin to doubt whether college courses are worth the time, effort, and expense. In a 2005 focus group conducted on college freshman and sophomores at Utah State University, students found the following skills to be useful in their lives and academic experience: writing, communication, financial, interpersonal relations, cultural literacy, and environmental awareness.…”

“…When there is a mismatch between student expecations and the reality of their general education experience, students resort to approaches that result in their attempts to "beat the system." Cox (2009) describe students' strategies to either "make the grade" or "get it over"…”