Good points in this article.

I do believe,however, that the writer is sometimes confusing the results to be attained with the process that must be used to attain the result.

Trust me when I say that the student, particularly the junior ones, better know the answer one one of my exams. They must master the basic body of knowledge in the subject matter area. In my honest opinion they are not ready to think in a field until they have done so. Higher education should be in large part related to knowing facts. That doesn't stop universities from fulfilling their missions. It does not stop students from becoming critical thinkers.

This said, can't think of many situations where students should not be allowed to pass answers around.

I totally agree that universities are becomming diploma mills. I also think that is what they always been and should continue to be. Assessment of skills and abilities should be at a layer external to the universities. We are confusing reputation with the need for proper mechanisms.

Yes the model has to change. Doesn't necessarily mean that universities have to be the drivers for the change. In a "Network/Packet" world we will see more mashing of courses from different sources. This will create the need for independent accreditation and assessment layers.

We shouldn't by any means confuse a diploma with the ability to think critically. So I will keep on asking students to get the right answer when there is such a thing as a right answer.

Gilbert