Why General Education Courses Should Be A Significant Part ✓ Solved

Why general education courses should be a significant part of every student’s education

Assignment Instructions

Reflect on your past experiences with general education courses and analyze why such courses should be a crucial component of every student's education. Provide at least three reasons supporting their importance, each backed by evidence from at least one scholarly source. Additionally, describe insights gained from at least three specific courses (such as philosophy, history, English, math, or psychology) that have proven useful in your daily life, explaining how they extend beyond mere academic knowledge. Your initial post must be at least 250 words, thoroughly answering each prompt, and include proper APA in-text citations and references. Respond to at least two peers by comparing and contrasting your reasons with theirs, with each reply being a minimum of 75 words. Ensure your post demonstrates critical thinking, coherence, organization, and grammatical accuracy. Use credible scholarly references and support your claims with evidence from the provided resources or other scholarly sources.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

In the contemporary landscape of higher education, the significance of general education courses cannot be overstated. These courses serve as foundational pillars that cultivate essential skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and cultural awareness, all of which are vital for personal and professional success. This essay explores three primary reasons why general education should be mandatory for all students, supported by scholarly evidence, and reflects on personal learning experiences from various courses that transcend academic boundaries.

The Importance of Critical Thinking and Broad Knowledge

First, general education courses foster critical thinking and analytical skills that are transferable across diverse contexts. Dowd (2015) emphasizes that breadth of learning encourages students to consider multiple perspectives, which enhances their capacity for problem-solving and decision-making. For instance, studying philosophy teaches students to question assumptions and evaluate arguments critically, skills applicable in everyday reasoning and workplace negotiations. Moreover, history classes go beyond memorizing dates; they cultivate an understanding of cause-and-effect relationships and historical patterns that illuminate current social issues. Such skills enable students to approach complex problems with a nuanced mindset, essential in a rapidly changing world.

Cultural Competency and Civic Engagement

Secondly, general education courses promote cultural awareness and civic responsibility. In a diverse society, understanding different cultural perspectives fosters respect and empathy. Reysen and Katzarska-Miller (2013) discuss how global citizenship is rooted in awareness of cultural diversity and social values. Engaging with literature broadens students' comprehension of human experiences, promoting empathy and ethical reasoning. For example, literature courses have taught me about societal struggles, which has enhanced my ability to relate to diverse individuals and advocate for social justice, extending my role as an informed citizen beyond the classroom.

Preparation for Advanced Specialization

Lastly, general education provides the groundwork necessary for advanced specialization in one's major. A well-rounded education allows students to develop versatile skills that can be tailored to various careers. Wehlburg (2010) notes that assessment practices in higher education often measure critical pathways like communication and problem-solving, which are cultivated through broad courses. My experience in mathematics has sharpened my quantitative reasoning, beneficial in analyzing data in my chosen profession, while psychology courses have enhanced my understanding of human behavior, valuable in many social and professional interactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, general education courses are indispensable in cultivating a versatile, thoughtful, and culturally aware individual. They equip students with transferable skills, foster civic responsibility, and lay a foundation for specialized learning. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and complex, the value of a broad education that encourages critical thinking and cultural awareness becomes ever more essential for preparing responsible and competent citizens.

References

  • Dowd, M. (2015). What is the purpose of taking general classes for a college degree? Seattle PI. https://www.seattlepi.com
  • Reysen, S., & Katzarska-Miller, I. (2013). A model of global citizenship: Antecedents and outcomes. International Journal of Psychology, 48(5), 357-370. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207594.2012.701749
  • Wehlburg, C. M. (2010). Integrated general education: A brief look back. New Directions for Teaching & Learning, 121, 3-11. https://doi.org/10.1002/tl.383
  • Seraphin, C. (n.d.). General education requirements: What’s the point? Collegexpress. https://www.collegexpress.com
  • Ashford University Writing Center. (n.d.). APA essay checklist for students. https://writingcenter.ashford.edu
  • Donnell, M. (2019). The role of liberal arts education. Journal of Higher Education, 90(2), 231-259.
  • 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), 357–370.
  • Jakobs, W. (Director), & Monfils, M. (Producer). (2010). Globalization: What is happening to us? [Video series].
  • White, J. (2009). Why general education? Journal of Philosophy of Education, 43, 265-278. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9752.2009.00718.x

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