Alternative Solutions to Higher Education's Challenges An Appreciative Approach to Reform

Moving beyond critique, Alternative Solutions to Higher Education?s Challenges uses an appreciative approach to highlight what is working in colleges and universities and offers an examination of how institutions can improve practice. Drawing on examples and cases from real higher education institutions, this book offers a solution-focused framework that challenges the negative assumptions that have plagued higher education. Chapters explore how current narratives have perpetuated and maintained systematic flaws in our education system and have hindered reform. This invaluable resource breaks from the substantial literature that only highlights the many problems facing higher education today, and instead provides alternative strategies and essential recommendations for moving higher education institutions forward.

Preface

Chapter 1: Developing a Toolbox for Appreciative Approaches to Change

Chapter 2: Cultivating Organizational Strengths Through Democratic Leadership

Chapter 3: Fostering an Enriching Community Life and Effective Public Service

Chapter 4: Centering Institutional Practices Around Meaningful Student Learning

Chapter 5: Leveraging Liberal Education to Promote Equal Opportunity

Chapter 6: Embracing the Heart in the Head(y) World of Higher Education

Chapter 7: Reclaiming Teaching in Person

Chapter 8: Moving Forward

References

Index

Laura M. Harrison is Associate Professor in the Counseling and Higher Education Department at Ohio University, USA.

Peter C. Mather is Associate Professor in the Counseling and Higher Education Department at Ohio University, USA.