Lesson 3: Post-secondary Education Issues

Question 1

wht factors contributed to hs grade inflation?

Answer 1

• pressure for high grad rates
• improve equity (less weight on exam, more assignment variety)
• end streams into applied courses
• shifts in immigration
• online schooling during covid
• private education for better grades

Question 2

how is hs grade inflation problematic for students

Answer 2

• grade shock = higher dropout rates bc of discouragement
• less prepped for basic uni demands
• students w/ 90s not getting into prestigious programs

Question 3

how are postsecondary schools responding to grade inflation?

Answer 3

• adjustment factor to normalize grades
• greater weight on supp app (ec nd essays)
• rank some courses at greater weight

Question 4

mental health struggles: 1st year students

Answer 4

• homesickness = lethargy
• new environment: alcohol, independence, financial+academic pressure

Question 5

mental health struggles: senior

Answer 5

• worry abt finding job + more credentials
• student debt

Question 6

mental health struggles: women and LGBTQ+

Answer 6

• violence (harassment/stalking/assault)
• sexual assault

Question 7

mental health struggles: racialized

Answer 7

• isolation
• not reflected/repped in curriculum
• unsafe

Question 8

wht factors contributing to rise of students’ mental illness diagnoses?

Answer 8

• can’t cope w/ grades, studying, pressure
• helicopter parents
• less staff support
• less stigma = more diagnoses

Question 9

wht obstacles do students experience when accessing mental health support on campus?

Answer 9

• long waitlist (wks-mos to see counselor)
• limited options
• ashamed, afraid (intl. studens can get deported)

Question 10

wht concerns do students have w/ the changes to osap?

Answer 10

• fewer grants being given
• no OSAP for famillies $140k+
• interest rate right after grad
• delayed funding

Question 11

how is stress of repayment impacting students lives and after graduation

Answer 11

• affording necessities
• mental + academic stress
• delay life milestones bc of debt

Question 12

how can students avoid long-term debt burden

Answer 12

• repay OSAP during school
• be certain abt program
• scholarships, bursaries, grants

Question 13

why do some students pursue more school after undergrad?

Answer 13

• more credentials set candidate apart to employers
• sense of needing more education to be competitive in this economy

Question 14

how does uni’s trad business model hurt students learning experience?

Answer 14

• students expected to do most learning alone
• more focus on recruitment than students alr. in uni
• lack of collaboration and mentorship

Question 15

benefits or value of university degree

Answer 15

• higher education = likely to be paid more
• some programs offer direct path to employment (nursing)
• higher education = develop critical thinking skills
• lower incarceration rates
• uni education “leads to better health in long-run”

Question 16

grade shock

Answer 16

• kids not at top of class anymore
• abt 10% drop
• typically greater drop for high achievers