Each generation of students inevitably must confront anew the fundamental questions of meaning and value that have vexed human beings down through the ages. As students have struggled with these "Big Questions," individually and collectively, liberal education has traditionally sought to provide them with a variety of cultural and historical…

One of the most remarkable things about the human consciousness is that each of us has the capacity to observe our thoughts and feelings as they arise in our consciousness. Why shouldn?t cultivating this ability to observe one?s own mind in action,becoming more self aware or simply more "conscious" be one of the central purposes of education? Even…

The current challenge for higher education is not to change its traditional beliefs but to become more conscious of them and the role they play in academic life. Such inquiry will show that preoccupation with acquiring resources, enhancing reputations, and being smart has had an effect contrary to academics' own best interests and to the…

Argues that the current U.S. educational system helps perpetuate some social problems; at the heart of this situation are beliefs held about the role of higher education in the larger society. Proposes that service learning as a powerful tool for colleges, both to address social problems and to strengthen experiential learning, which is central to…

Skills and values other than the formal curriculum's content are implicitly taught through the traditional approach to the liberal arts, and some of these may foster development of qualities that are dysfunctional in our society. (MSE)

The question is not whether their ought to be credentialing, but rather who should do it and how it should be done. (HS)

Results of a longitudinal study of student experience at over 200 4-year colleges are summarized. The study focused on student outcomes and how they are affected by college environments. Key findings are discussed for three areas: academic development, personal development, and satisfaction. (MSE)