Hyperspecialization in the disciplines and the rewards for that combined with the growing mantra for first job preparation are double threats to liberal teaching and learning. Given that circumstance, the sorts of synthetic lecture classes in the humanities and social sciences that once provided the foundations of liberal learning have evaporated.…

In this essay we argue for a model of undergraduate education consistent with the mission of the land-grant university in democracy. That model seeks the seamless integration of a liberal education with practice both within the university and beyond its physical borders.

Liberal arts universities are under mounting pressure to maintain their position of relevance in an increasingly technological and economically competitive world, while professional journalism is steadily losing ground to social media. This essay argues that a new partnership between journalism schools and the academic community would be…

When faculty members think about curriculum, they think about course content. Debates about general education reflect this focus. Drawing on a case study, this article considers, rather, the politics and process of curricular change. It argues that success in this realm depends on the skill of academic administrators. (Contains 2 figures.)

The influence of market forces on general education creates threats and opportunities that must be proactively addressed. This essay argues for understanding the rise of the marketplace and its influence on general education by exploring student consumerism as well as teaching and learning in a market-oriented environment. (Contains 1 figure.)

Discusses the place of values in the pedagogy of higher education, specifically how transcendent values might play an important role in teaching. States that, while there is no agreement as to the proper role of values in the classroom, teaching contexts can be viewed as value-rich environments. Argues that values themselves can serve as pointers…

Argues that most curriculum changes within colleges and universities have been implemented on a short-term, piecemeal basis. Suggests that research examine how curricular change can be accomplished over time and across programs, as well as what cultural considerations affect the effort. Details problem-based learning changes instituted at Samford…

Argues that problem-based learning (PBL) shows students that the best scientists are not those who memorize facts, but rather those who apply facts in a creative manner. Explains that the author, who incorporated group learning into a general education science course, found that PBL led to increased class attendance and participation. (Contains…

Argues that the discipline of geography needs to be transformed from a declarative enterprise based on facts to a problem-based enterprise, particularly in light of the shrinking world community. Describes the ways in which a geography instructor addressed the problem-based learning struggle between process and content. (Contains 23 references.)…

Describes the ways in which a problem-based learning (PBL) approach to teaching precalculus can prepare students for calculus by helping students develop a conceptual understanding rather than learning through symbol manipulation and memorization. Discusses the exponential, trigonometric, polynomial, and rational function modules employed. (NB)

Argues that it is critical to assess the extent of students' cumulative learning in problem-based learning (PBL) undergraduate education. Discusses five myths about this assessment process, including (1) there are no instruments that assess skills, attitudes, and knowledge associated with PBL; and (2) we can only assess what students learn within…

Suggests ways in which instructors can engage students in large classes. States that short weekly written student responses can ameliorate the problems of dealing with large classes. Explains that such responses help students gain power over the material and assists in developing competence. (Contains 19 references.) (NB)

Argues that students benefit from a combined emphasis in general education on interdisciplinarity, civic responsibility, service learning, and writing. Describes an epidemics and AIDS course as a model for students wishing to enter the discourse and debates of society. (Contains 31 references.) (AUTH/NB)

Provides an integration of the research literature on the nature and effectiveness of student notetaking/reviewing options in college classes. Addresses cognitive and behavioral skills involved in notetaking, the predictive potential of notetaking, student characteristics related to notetaking effectiveness, and instructional strategies. (Contains…

Addresses the issue of information literacy as it applies to general education, arguing that information literacy will be an integral part of culture and a cultural change agent in the 21st century. Suggests the incorporation of the visual and aural into the idea of text changes the static nature of texts, leading to the need for multimedia…