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From Ancient Egypt to Modern Times: What are the untold stories about the evolution of higher education?
Higher education, or third stage education, is a stage of study after the completion of secondary education. According to the World Bank's definition, higher education includes universities, vocational schools and colleges. This stage of education usually culminates in a certificate, diploma or degree and includes undergraduate and postgraduate education. As technology increasingly impacts the job market, the importance of this stage of education becomes ever more prominent.
“Higher education should be open to everyone and should be based on ability and gradually promote free education through various appropriate means.”
Historically, the origins of higher education can be traced back to ancient Egypt, when the "House of Life" was regarded as an early academic institution, specializing in research and teaching in subjects such as law, architecture, and medicine. Later in Greece, the academies of Plato and Aristotle set the example for subsequent schools. In Asia, the universities of Taxila and Nauranda in ancient India attracted students from far away and became important centers for academic exchanges.
"All knowledge in the world comes from the exploration of known things, and the place for this exploration is often a great institution."
In the Middle Ages, with the rise of church schools and Muslim seminaries, higher education gradually developed into more professional fields. Colleges of this period, such as the College of Pisa and the University of Bologna, became the basis of the modern university system. In these institutions, the emergence of the term "universitas" marks the union of students and teachers, creating a relatively independent academic environment.
In the 20th century, after the baptism of two world wars, the participation rate in higher education increased significantly and became an important factor in the economic and social development of many countries. In many developing countries, the penetration rate of higher education has increased to close to 50%. This change reflects society's increasing emphasis on the value of higher education and its impact on individuals' careers.
“In higher education around the world, women’s enrollment ratio exceeds that of men, marking a step towards gender equality.”
However, while the spread of higher education brings many opportunities, it also faces its own set of challenges. Issues including insufficient inclusion of students with disabilities, increased competition in the graduate job market and degree inflation all reflect deficiencies in the higher education system to some extent.
Some studies show that people who receive higher education tend to have different values and world views than non-graduates. They are more likely to identify with diversity and support open international policies and free trade, and this cultural change has also had a positive impact on globalization.
“From ancient Egyptian wisdom books to modern universities, the power of education allows us to continue to explore the unknown.”
Today, with the impact of global crises such as the COVID-19 epidemic, many higher education institutions are facing unprecedented challenges and changes. Whether schools can reshape themselves to adapt to new needs in the future economic and social environment is also a topic that many educators and policymakers must face.
When looking back at the evolution of higher education, we can’t help but think: How will future higher education affect our lives and society?
