This paper presents an attempt to overcome the contemporary obsession with "learning" and proposes that current practices in higher education are aligned too closely with the educational theories and practices developed within pre-university compulsory education. The author takes the position that higher education is substantially different from compulsory education, arguing that HE is a "professional endeavour" which prioritizes the development of attributes and skills that are essential for students to succeed in their future academic/professional and societal roles. It is further argued that current educational practices may well be "choking" higher education in subtle but pervasive ways. (Contains 1 table and 7 figures.)