[hilbert42]

I've really no issue with students, essentially they're the same as they have always been. My criticism is with the era, things have gotten a lot rougher and less certain for students since my time.

The fixes are obvious, but then I'm not in possession of Aladdin's lamp.

[forgetbook]

I think students (demographically) have changed as well as the conditions they operate in. As you've pointed out, even attending a higher ed is much more common. There are not only more students, but also more students from different backgrounds. Motivationally there is likely similarity to how they have always been, but the challenge of training a student population of increasing size and diversity remains.

[hilbert42]

"...as well as the conditions they operate in."

I'm in no doubt that's true. I'd only add that I'm glad I went through the education system when I did even though it wasn't perfect.

[forgetbook]

It did occur to me that my ask is being delivered to someone in no position to say yes. Thank you for helping me organize my thoughts though.

[hilbert42]

That's why I favor rational ongoing debate, it helps organize ones thinking. I couldn't guess how may times I've changed my opinion after listening both sides of an argument.