I completed courses in BOTH a Junior College AND a Polytechnic,
and here's what I have to say :
- Junior Colleges focus more on the academics. I learnt a lot about
how to present an essay better, how to formulate your arguments,
etc, 'soft skills' that have proven to be very invaluable in
critical thinking. This will be very important when one proceeds to
higher education in future.
- Polytechnics prepare one to be competent in a particular field.
There's theory AND practical training involved. Thus, when a poly
graduate enters the workforce, their contribution to the company
can be almost immediate, because they have been rigorously trained
to take on the challenges of their role.
One focuses on pure academics; another focuses on competencies.
Both have their use in our economy.
Academics should never be belittled - afterall, it's the basis
where Research and certain fields like Medicine is built upon. You
cannot do without academics in any field.
Nowadays, both poly grads and 'A' level grads can enter the
Universities to obtain the same degree. So then, isn't it time to
stop arguing which is more superior but instead, choose the path
that one is most suited for?
I've benefited from BOTH and I don't regret the experiences I've
gained from both. The academics widened my perception whilst the
competencies taught me valuable life-long skills. I wouldn't trade
one for the other!
