Ashford 2 Week 1 Discussion Your Initial Discussion T 027570

Ashford 2 Week 1 Discussionyour Initial Discussion Thread Is Due

Write an initial discussion post addressing why general education courses should be a significant part of every student’s education. Provide at least three reasons, supported by evidence from at least one scholarly source. Additionally, describe what you have learned from at least three specific courses that has proved useful in your daily life. Your post should be at least 250 words, include in-text citations, and be formatted in APA style. Respond to at least two peers by comparing and contrasting your reasons with theirs, with each response being a minimum of 75 words.

Paper For Above instruction

General education courses are fundamental components of higher education, serving to equip students with essential skills and broadening their perspectives beyond specialized knowledge. These courses promote critical thinking, foster civic responsibility, and prepare students to adapt in an increasingly interconnected world. Their importance is supported by scholarly research indicating that a well-rounded education enhances cognitive abilities and social awareness (Dowd, 2015).

Firstly, general education courses cultivate critical thinking skills, which are necessary across all disciplines and in everyday decision-making. Students learn to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and formulate logical arguments, skills that are invaluable beyond the academic setting. Dowd (2015) emphasizes that exposure to diverse subjects such as humanities, social sciences, and sciences enables students to develop a questioning attitude and enhances problem-solving capabilities. These skills translate into professional competence and personal growth, making general education a vital foundation for lifelong learning.

Secondly, these courses promote civic engagement and cultural awareness. Learning about history, philosophy, and social sciences helps students understand societal structures, historical contexts, and ethical considerations. As Lewis (2008) argues, a core curriculum fosters responsible citizenship by providing the knowledge necessary to participate meaningfully in democratic processes. Developing civic-mindedness is crucial in a diverse society where understanding different perspectives can lead to more empathetic and ethical decision-making.

Thirdly, general education helps students adapt to a rapidly changing global environment. The interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and technologies demands versatile skills and an appreciation for diversity. Reysen and Katzarska-Miller (2013) describe the concept of global citizenship, highlighting that awareness of global issues and cultural sensitivity can significantly influence individual success and social cohesion. Preparing students to navigate this complex world underscores the necessity of a broad-based education.

From my personal academic journey, I have learned indispensable lessons from various courses. In history classes, I gained insights into societal development, fostering a deeper appreciation for context and change beyond memorizing dates and events. Literature courses provided perspectives on human experience, ethics, and the universality of emotions, enriching my understanding of life and interpersonal relations. In mathematics, I learned problem-solving and logical reasoning, skills applicable in day-to-day tasks such as budgeting or decision-making (Seraphin, n.d.).

In conclusion, general education courses are indispensable because they develop critical skills, promote civic responsibility, and prepare students for global interconnectedness. These courses help individuals adapt, think ethically, and engage thoughtfully with society. As the world becomes more complex, a broad-based education will continually serve as a crucial foundation for both personal and professional success.

References

• Dowd, M. (2015). What is the purpose of taking general classes for a college degree? Seattle PI.
• Lewis, H. R. (2008). A core curriculum for tomorrow’s citizens. Education Digest, 73(5), 47-50.
• Reysen, S., & Katzarska-Miller, I. (2013). A model of global citizenship: Antecedents and outcomes. International Journal of Psychology, 48(5). https://doi.org/10.1080/.2012.701749
• Seraphin, C. (n.d.). General education requirements: What’s the point? Collegexpress.
• Wehlburg, C. M. (2010). Integrated general education: A brief look back. New Directions for Teaching & Learning, 121, 3-11.
• Blog. (2011, April 13). The value of general education. Psychology Today.
• Jakobs, W. (Director), & Monfils, M. (Producer). (2010). Globalization: What is happening to us? LUX great thinkers series [Video file].
• White, J. (2009). Why general education? Peters, Hirst and history. Journal of Philosophy of Education, 43.
• Ashford University Writing Center. (n.d.). Integrating research. [Video].
• Ashford University Writing Center. (n.d.). APA essay checklist for students. [Website].