These poll numbers were released earlier today by Rasmussen Reports -- "an electronic publishing firm specializing in the collection, publication, and distribution of public opinion polling information."
81% Say People Learn More Outside The Classroom Than Inside
Sunday, March 14, 2010
An overwhelming majority of Americans (81%) continue to believe that people learn more practical skills through life experiences and work after college rather than in college.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 12% believe people learn more inside the classroom, showing little change from a survey conducted in May of last year .
But, interestingly, in August 2009 , 71% of Americans rated book learning as more important than street smarts for success in life. Fifteen percent (15%) said street smarts are more important, and 14% are not sure which is better.
Men value skills learned in college slightly more than women. Older Americans tend to have a higher opinion of life experiences than do those who are younger.
Still, 60% of all adults believe that every American should attend a post-secondary school institution, whether it be college or some kind of vocational school. Twenty-six percent (26%) disagree, and another 14% are undecided. These findings, too, are virtually unchanged from last May.
Although the majority in all income groups acknowledge the importance of attending a post-secondary school, those adults making $75,000 to $100,000 are the strongest supporters.
When asked what type of post-secondary school offers the best value for the money, 28% say a four-year college is the way to go. Twenty-two percent (22%) say a two-year community college is the best deal, while 20% feel that way about a master's degree.
Fourteen percent (14%) believe vocational school offers the best "bang for your buck," while one percent (1%) say an online degree is the best value. Fourteen percent (14%) are undecided.
Adults ages 18 to 29 are the biggest boosters of four-year college. Those 65 and older have the highest opinion of a master's degree. Adults with children at home feel a two-year community college is a better deal than other institutions, but adults without children in the home still favor a four-year college degree.
Separate polling finds that a plurality of adults (45%) believe today's parents are less involved in their children's education , compared to parents 25 years ago.
Regardless of the type of institution, 66% of Americans say a college degree is still a good investment, while just 19% say they disagree. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure. These findings are down slightly from a survey conducted in last May.
A majority (56%) also believe that in America today, just about any good student who wants to attend college can find a way to do so. A quarter of adults (25%) disagree with this assessment, and another 19% are not sure.
In terms of finding a job, though, 47% say personal networking is the best way to find a job . But 27% say they're likely to go back to school to prepare for a new career .