Anna Smoak
College education has changed a great deal with the different thoughts and ideas of society. In ancient greece through the 19th century students rarely had any choice in the classes they took. And nearly everyone took the same classes too. Is it important for all students to have the same base of knowledge? Even for different professions? While many experts believe that for all students to take the same set of core courses, even for completely different majors, is ridiculous, they neglect to look at the fact that these "core" courses provide a basis of learning that the student can use throughout their lives.
Philip C. Candy cnducted a study on undergraduate education, and found that "to produce lifelong learners, an undergraduate degree program should ideally provide a systematic and integrated introduction to the field of study." The study later points out that students should have the freedom to choose their own courses, but that this could possibly lead away from the aforementioned introduction to the field of study. As in all things, there are many shades of gray to curriculum in higher education. I am not saying here that freedom is terrible and we should regulate students from start to finish. But everyone in college should have the same base of knowledge from which they can establish a foundation for learning throughout the rest of their career. I know that it could benefit everyone to take my psychology course, and I'm certain I would benefit from taking a course or two I'm not required to take for my major.
As with everything, moderation is the key. While students should be able to choose many of their courses, this should happen after they have taken a set of courses required by their university, if not by all universities. To establish a solid foundation upon which they can rely if all else should fail.
No comments:
Post a Comment