Required Resources ArticlesDowd M Nd What Is The Purpose Of

Required Resourcesarticlesdowd M Ndwhat Is The Purpose Of Takin

Each review has to be about 2 pages with the 2 summary and your personal reaction/opinion incorporating your learned and personal experience along with an introduction and conclusion. All review papers need to have a title page, page numbers, and citation.

Paper For Above instruction

The purpose of this assignment is to critically analyze and synthesize various scholarly articles related to the significance of general education within higher education. The core focus revolves around understanding the rationale behind general education courses, evaluating their impact on students’ cognitive and civic development, and assessing the effectiveness of assessment practices in measuring learning outcomes. This comprehensive review aims to elucidate how these different perspectives collectively underscore the importance of a broad-based educational foundation in fostering critical skills, civic engagement, global awareness, and effective assessment methodologies.

The article by Dowd (n.d.) emphasizes that general education courses encompass a variety of disciplines such as social sciences, mathematics, science, humanities, and natural sciences. These courses are designed to enhance a student's analytical thinking, promote the appreciation of diverse perspectives, and foster an understanding of cultural differences. Such breadth of learning prepares students for more specialized coursework and life beyond academia by encouraging critical thinking and intercultural competence. From my personal experience, I agree with Dowd's perspective; engaging with multiple disciplines broadens one's worldview and enhances problem-solving skills, which are vital in today’s interconnected world.

Lewis (2008) advocates for the importance of a flexible core curriculum that allows students to choose areas of interest, arguing that this promotes civic responsibility and personal growth. The article stresses that understanding fundamental principles of governance and citizenship is crucial for college graduates to actively participate in democratic processes. Personally, I find this approach compelling because personalized learning fosters engagement and intrinsic motivation. My experience has shown that when students have agency in selecting courses aligned with their interests, they develop greater civic awareness and responsibility, which aligns with Lewis’s findings.

Reysen and Katzarska-Miller (2013) explore the concept of global citizenship, emphasizing the importance of fostering a sense of global identity and awareness. Their research indicates that global awareness correlates with social values and positive psychological outcomes. This aligns with my personal values, as I believe cultivating global citizenship prepares individuals to navigate and address international issues more effectively. The article deepens my understanding of how education can promote empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a global outlook, traits essential for modern international cooperation.

Collegexpress (n.d.) discusses the reasons behind implementing general education requirements, highlighting their role in developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. The article notes a common misconception among students who underestimate the value of these courses. From my own academic journey, I recognize that general education courses serve as foundational building blocks. These courses challenge students to think critically and communicate effectively, skills that are indispensable in any profession. I have observed that exposure to diverse disciplines fosters well-roundedness and adaptability, reinforcing the points made by this source.

Wehlburg (2010) reviews assessment practices related to general education, noting the challenges in measuring complex skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. The author advocates for qualitative assessment methods that capture deeper learning outcomes. This perspective resonates with my understanding that traditional testing often fails to fully assess higher-order thinking skills. Effective assessment strategies are essential for ensuring that general education courses meet their intended goals of preparing students for real-world challenges and civic engagement. My experience aligns with this, as I have seen how innovative assessment methods can better reflect student learning and growth.

Conclusion

Collectively, these articles underscore that general education is fundamental in equipping students with essential skills, fostering civic and global awareness, and ensuring effective assessment practices. From both academic research and personal experience, it is evident that a broad-based education enhances critical thinking, intercultural competence, and civic responsibility—traits vital for personal and professional success. The integration of diverse disciplines, flexibility in curriculum design, and robust assessment strategies are crucial in maximizing the impact of general education. Moving forward, educational institutions should continue to refine their approaches to ensure that general education fulfills its role in developing well-rounded, competent, and engaged citizens.

References

  • Dowd, M. (n.d.). What is the purpose of taking general classes for a college degree? Seattle PI. Retrieved from [URL]
  • Lewis, H. R. (2008). A core curriculum for tomorrow’s citizens. Education Digest, 73(5), 47-50. ERIC database.
  • Reysen, S., & Katzarska-Miller, I. (2013). A model of global citizenship: Antecedents and outcomes. International Journal of Psychology, 48(5). doi:10.1080/.2012.701749
  • Collegexpress. (n.d.). General education requirements: What’s the point? Retrieved from [URL]
  • Wehlburg, C. M. (2010). Integrated general education: A brief look back. New Directions for Teaching & Learning, 121, 3-11. doi:10.1002/tl.383

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