Yale College Dean, Pericles Lewis, believes that a mix of public and private universities is effective in providing high-quality education that is accessible to all. He emphasizes the importance of a well-rounded education that prepares students not only for the job market but also for later contributions to society and the economy. The rapid development of technology presents a challenge to universities’ mission to shape modern skills. Yale aims to teach skills that cannot be done by a computer, including critical thinking, high-level scientific research, and effective writing. Lewis suggests that universities should turn away from memorization and focus on developing higher-level thinking skills. The partnership between Yale and the University of Athens focuses on finding solutions in areas of public health and the environment, which are high priorities for both institutions. Yale has a long tradition of engagement with Greece, including excellent Greek students, alumni, and faculty members.
Yale College Dean Discusses Ideal Educational System in Greece
Pericles Lewis, Dean of Yale College, recently visited Athens to participate in an event organized by Yale Club Greece. Speaking to Kathimerini, he shared his views on the ideal educational system.
According to Lewis, a successful educational organization should have a mix of public and private universities that are designed to adapt quickly to changes happening around us. Faculty should have the independence to establish the course of study and pursue research without interference, while universities should be responsive to student expectations.
Regarding the public versus private education dilemma, Lewis believes that competitive admissions should encourage faculty to provide education that meets student needs and demands. The government should provide oversight in terms of ensuring the quality of the educational program through some form of accreditation, while leaving universities with a good deal of autonomy in how they deliver the educational program.
Lewis also spoke about the impact of technology on attention spans and emphasized the importance of taking breaks from technology to think more clearly.
During the event, Lewis engaged in a conversation with Kathimerini’s Executive Editor Alexis Papachelas. When asked about the origins of his Greek name, Lewis shared that he was named after the leader of the first democracy due to his parents’ interest in Greek history.
The event was held with the support of Accenture, and Yale’s strengthened ties with the University of Athens were highlighted.
In a recent interview, Pericles Lewis, the Dean of Yale College, shared his thoughts on various issues related to education, including the mix of public and private universities, access to education, the impact of technology on education, and the role of humanities.
Lewis believes that a mix of public and private universities is effective, with private universities working well in places where there is a strong tradition of philanthropy and where students are willing to pay higher tuition fees, allowing for greater investment in education. He also emphasizes the importance of government support for higher education, with programs that make tuition and cost of living affordable or provide easy-to-repay loans.
Regarding access to education, Lewis suggests that potential students need to be convinced of the economic benefits of pursuing higher education rather than entering straight into the labor market. Adequate salaries for faculty can also help to attract strong candidates to teach.
The rapid development of technology has transformed the business and labor market, but it also presents a challenge to universities’ mission to shape modern skills. Lewis believes that universities should teach skills that cannot be done by a computer, including critical thinking, high-level scientific research, and effective writing. He suggests that universities should turn away from memorization and focus on developing higher-level thinking skills.
Lewis also shares his opinion on the impact of AI tools such as ChatGPT on education. He believes that AI is a powerful tool that universities should embrace, but it does present challenges, such as the potential for cheating. One possibility is to let students use AI tools for a first draft but then ask them to improve on whatever the AI produces.
Finally, Lewis shares his thoughts on the role of humanities in education. He believes that humanities are just as important as technological and business studies. Humanities help students think critically about social problems, develop higher-level thinking skills, and learn effective communication.
In conclusion, Lewis believes that universities should aim to provide high-quality education that is accessible to all, teaches skills that cannot be done by a computer, and embraces the power of AI tools. He emphasizes the importance of humanities in education, which can help students think critically and communicate effectively.
Yale Prioritizes Broad Education and Collaboration on Public Health and Environment
Yale College aims to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the job market and future contributions to society and the economy. According to Pericles Lewis, the Dean of Yale College, students tend to choose educational programs that they think will help them find jobs, with finance and technology programs being particularly popular. However, Yale believes that exposure to humanities, science, and social science is essential for a broad education.
Lewis expresses concerns about attention spans due to the penetration of technology into everyday communications. While he does use a lot of technology, he tries to spend some time away from it daily to think more clearly.
Recently, the Greek government sought a partnership between the University of Athens and Yale as part of an initiative involving 30 foreign universities. The collaboration focuses on finding solutions in areas of public health and the environment, which are high priorities for both institutions. Yale has a long tradition of engagement with Greece, including excellent Greek students, alumni, and faculty members. The partnership aims to pursue closer collaboration between Yale and the University of Athens.
In conclusion, Yale College prioritizes a well-rounded education that prepares students for the job market and future contributions to society and the economy. While technology is essential, the institution believes that exposure to humanities, science, and social science is critical for a broad education. The partnership with the University of Athens focuses on finding solutions in areas of public health and the environment, highlighting the institutions’ shared priorities.
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