College education is examined with focus on what students need to learn to maximize their full human potential. Part 1, "Teaching, Learning, and the Purpose of Education," examines: teaching styles and effects on learning; the goals of teaching; education as a humanizing experience; and enriching learning through technology. Part 2, "Teaching within Academic Disciplines" discusses: the role of the disciplines; redefining characteristics of the disciplines; teaching within the disciplines; and learning through transdisciplinary teaching. "Bridging the Disciplines in College Teaching" in part 3 examines the adaptation of courses and programs to a transdisciplinary context and reexamines the role of teachers. Several conclusions are offered for debate: (1) the primary role of education is humanizing rather than disciplinary mastery; (2) disciplines are not so distinctive, yet cannot be dealt with in a unitary fashion; (3) effective teaching can be reached only when the characteristics of the disciplines and the complex interrelations among them are recognized; and (4) no one method of teaching is effective for all teachers or all students. Several desirable teacher characteristics are suggested: interest in and respect for individuals, their aspirations, and their potentials; pervasive yet directed curiosity; continuing self-appraisal; able communications and demonstration of ideas; honesty; a sense of humility; and ethics. References and an index are provided. (LC)