Asia White

English 112
Argumentative Essay
2015 March 31
The Importance of a College Education
Americans today question the importance of education and why there has been
such a decrease in the continuance of education? According to Andrew Delbanco; in his article,
3 Reasons College Still Matters, he clearly states that,, America is being held back by the
quality of learning. Meaning there is a right and a wrong way of teaching Americans different
skill sets necessary in their futures or for furthering their education. ,Richard Keeling's Article,
"Culture Change for Learning", had an opposite proposal. Keeling believed that, "Today's crisis
in the quality of learning in higher education was a fundamental problem", proving that the
environment and surrounding of Americans impact their ability to learn or develop the skills to
continue in lively advancements. Although the two may have disagree on why education has
gone wrong, they both notice a drastic change in education and why it seems to not matter
throughout society. Keeling's claim is more powerful and much stronger than Delbanco's because
of the grounds used to support his statement.
Delbanco believes education still matters when it comes to being socially involved
with economics, politics, and personal enrichment. These three key factors are needed when
trying to get a job, wanting to have a voice in government, and also a change within oneself.
Americans today need an education to be able to have an importance to know that they matter in
society and participating in the things that make them count which is why Delbanco believe
education mattered socially. Delbanco also argues that a college education is important and

everyone should go to college to bring greater economic value, an educated citizenry, and a
personal enrichment that is intangible to all persons where t
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he life without college is stagnating the growth of the American people. Although Delbanco
makes a great point in his argument, he did not have the support needed in order to win over his
statements.
Keeling believes the teaching throughout America is not powerful enough and
students are not experiencing a higher learning in college. He believes its more of a culture
shock within the teachers and students. The atmosphere college students are surrounded by
allows them the opportunity to branch out and do different things in the "College Life". He
explains how a weak educational culture creates all the wrong opportunities. Teachers need to
specify the anticipated effects of the proposed additions
or changes on the quantity and quality of student learning and provide evidence to support their
proposal. Overall Keeling thinks that teachers should be more engaged in their studies and their
teachings of their students to help them get the education that is needed.
Both Keeling and Delbancos arguments on education. were both powerful in their
own ways. Both writers had an agreement on the issue in quality education and the importance it
brings to this country. I agreed with Keeling and his issue with teachers not interacting with their
students along with faculty not playing a role in students education because students are always
going to be willing to learn if the teacher truly believes and has a passion for what she is
teaching. Students will not participate in the studies if the teacher teaches as if he/she does not
care or isn't of concerned about the students passing or failing in which they are studying. I agree

with Delbanco as well because education effects the world around us every day. Even though it
may not guarantee your complete success, there is not a day that will pass by and you will not
need it. Education is used in careers, communicating with others, making rational decisions and
even maybe a friendly game of chess.
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Education plays a major role in the minds of many Americans. Without it we would
be a
world of complete chaos. According to Delbanco education is needed through worldly events;
however according to Keeling, education cannot be taught to young minds if teachers are treating
it as a joke or as if it does not matter. Keeling makes a great point in the culture changes made
throughout college education. Although teachers play a role in education faculty and the system
overall play a role in the education as well. In order to keep the encouragement of students
getting a quality education there needs to be a drastic change in the system overall.