Liberal Education and America’s Promise: Excellence for Everyone as a Nation Goes to College

1. Liberal Education and America’s Promise: Excellence for Everyone as a Nation Goes to College Debra Humphreys Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs Association of American Colleges and Universities humphreys@aacu.org

2. Goals Of AAC&U Campaign for Liberal Education • To engage the public with the nature and importance of a contemporary liberal education • To mobilize support for changes that campuses already are making to improve undergraduate education and ensure that all students receive an engaged and practical liberal education • To document the outcomes that business leaders need in their employees and those that citizens need in a diverse democracy • To assist campuses as they become more intentional about ensuring that all students receive a liberal education • To build the capacity of colleges and universities to communicate more effectively about liberal education and what really matters in college • To document how well students are achieving the key goals that characterize a quality liberal education

3. What is Liberal Education Today? • A philosophy of education that empowers individuals with core knowledge and transferable skills, and a strong sense of ethics, values, and civic engagement. • Involving challenging intellectual encounters with important and relevant issues today and throughout history, a liberal education prepares graduates for socially valued work and civic leadership. • A liberal education usually includes a general education curriculum that provides broad exposure to multiple disciplines and ways of knowing, along with more in-depth study in one or more field. • A liberal education provides students with the knowledge and skills employers are calling for and the society needs.

4. Frequently Confused Terms • Liberal Education—a philosophy of education that provides broad general education, cultivates intellectual agility, and fosters ethical and social responsibility • Liberal Arts and Sciences—specific disciplines traditionally associated with liberal education • Liberal Arts College—a small, residential college with close interaction between faculty and students and strong focus on liberal arts and science disciplines (not official designation) • General Education—the part of a curriculum shared by all students; provides broad study in liberal arts and forms basis for developing intellectual and civic capacities

5. What is the Same and What is Different About Liberal Education Today? • Today’s liberal education helps students discover clear connections between what they are learning and the lives they will lead as workers, citizens, community and family members. • A strong foundation in arts and sciences disciplines remains absolutely essential to a quality contemporary liberal education. • Today’s liberal education focuses both on important content and on teaching the arts of analysis and argument that can be carried to any field of study or endeavor. • Liberal education has always and continues to introduce and examine diverse perspectives on any subject and to teach students how to evaluate competing claims and different perspectives while they form their own judgments.

6. Why is a Campaign Needed Now? • “While issues of access and affordability in higher education remain important, there is also a compelling need to focus on what all students should achieve once they enroll in college. Behind the scenes, a consensus is emerging among business, civic, educational, and some public policy leaders about the kinds of learning Americans need to thrive in a knowledge-intensive economy and a globally engaged democracy. This consensus underlines the value of a liberal education for all students.” Ron Crutcher, president, Wheaton College, chair AAC&U board of directors

7. Main Campaign Messages • We must raise the level of college student achievement to meet the rising expectations for work and life in the 21st century. This should be a national priority or we will not meet the demands of a globally interdependent world and volatile economy. • Today’s students need to hone their abilities to analyze and solve problems, communicate effectively in writing and orally, and across cultures, understand numbers and the natural and physical world, and develop a sense of ethical and social responsibility. • A liberal education—retooled and calibrated to 21st century needs—is the best way to ensure that all students achieve these needed skills, knowledge, and competencies to succeed and make a difference in the 21st century.

8. Knowledge science, social sciences, mathematics, humanities, arts Intellectual and Practical Skills written and oral communication inquiry, critical and creative thinking quantitative literacy information literacy teamwork integration of learning Individual and Social Responsibility civic responsibilities and engagement ethical reasoning intercultural knowledge and competence lifelong learning Key Learning Outcomes: The Emerging Consensus

9. A Nation Goes To College State of Our Nation’s Youth. Spring 2004. Conducted by Peter D. Hart Research on behalf of Horatio Alger Association.

10. College Readiness: How Prepared for College Are Today’s Students ? • College instructors estimate that 42 percent of their students are not adequately prepared. • 24% of high school graduates say they faced high expectations in high school. • 35% of college students report large gaps in at least one area of key learning skills. • Only 44% of high-school students nationwide report that they are enrolled in college preparatory (25%) or advanced placement (19%) classes. • Only 34% of students in the class of 2002 left high school with minimum standards for college admission (including graduating from high school). Sources: Rising to the Challenge: Are High School Graduates Prepared for College & Work. 2005 Achieve; State of Our Nation’s Youth. Spring 2004. Conducted by Peter D. Hart Research on behalf of Horatio Alger Association; Public High School Graduation and College Readiness Rates: 1991-2002, February 2005. Manhattan Institute.

11. Do They Know Why They Are There?Are They Getting What They Need? “Today’s students and their parents have heard the message that college is essential to success in today’s world. But no one has told them what they really need to gain from college or how to prepare for it.” Lee Shulman, president, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and member, LEAP National Leadership Council

12. What Business Leaders Say About What Really Matters in College • Executives will need a broad understanding of other cultures, other languages, history, science, and the arts, if they are to successfully navigate a rapidly changing future business environment. • Good writing skills and good public speaking skills are crucial to business success. • The real challenge of today’s economy is not in making things but in producing creative ideas. • Reading, writing and basic arithmetic are not enough. These skills must be integrated with other kinds of competency to make them fully operational. • Sources: Paul Dillon, The College Board Review, no. 164; David Kearns, quoted in Reclaiming the Legacy by Denis Doyle; SCANS Report, “What Work Requires of Schools”

13. What Do Private Employers Think? Findings from Recent Focus Groups • The most important outcomes: problem-solving and analytic thinking; oral and written communication; critical thinking; teamwork skills; strong work habits. • Recent graduates most lack: work ethic, people skills, and communication skills. • Civic engagement is not an important outcome of college. • Limited and/or misguided understanding of liberal education; believe it is less rigorous.

14. The New Global Economy and Environment • Today’s graduates are likely to change jobs and careers several times. • Complex oral and written communication skills more important than ever and lacking. • Creativity and innovation are keys to success. • Scientific and quantitative literacy increasingly important and lacking. • Cross-cultural communication and knowledge increasingly important.

15. Goals Of Preliminary Research with High School and College Students • To explore college students’ and prospective college students’ hopes, concerns, expectations, and goals regarding college • To assess college students’ and prospective college students’ understanding of and attitudes toward liberal education and key outcomes of college

16. What Do Students Think About Liberal Education? • Peter D. Hart Research conducted 8 focus groups for AAC&U between July 26 and August 3, 2004 and 2 focus groups in March, 2005 (WI), among: • Rising public high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or university • Rising juniors and seniors at public and private colleges and universities • The groups were held in three locations: • Indianapolis, Indiana • Portland, Oregon • Alexandria, Virginia • Milwaukee, Wisconsin (March, 2005) • The discussions focused on personal aspirations relating to college and not on outcomes of college as they relate to society as a whole. • Note: because this is qualitative research, results should not be interpreted as broadly representative of the sampled populations.

17. Sources Of College Information • Limited resources are available on how to prepare for college life academically and socially. • Most valued sources for honest answers and relevant information are those with recent experience: • Siblings • Friends • Recent graduates • Less valued sources include: • Parents • College counselors • Teachers • Colleges and universities

18. Importance Of College Education • The primary motivation is self development and maturation to enhance potential for success in the workforce • How college contributes to career success: • More career choices and job opportunities • Specific skills and knowledge required by field of interest • Knowledge that will be helpful throughout life (on and off the job) • Capabilities, ethics, and values essential to professional success

19. Importance Of College Education • A means to an end or an end in itself?Students have varied opinions. • “I don’t think it means much of anything, it’s just a piece of paper. But that piece of paper will get you the interview at whatever job you want.”College student, Alexandria, VA • “Well, I just think that it’s about the journey. Like the whole process – you have to have all these general requirements to making you that well-rounded person…becoming a better thinker…it’s more the process rather than the piece of paper.” College student, Portland, OR

20. Outcomes Of College For High School And College Students(VA, IN, OR) Most Important Outcomes • Maturity and ability to succeed on one’s own • Time-management skills • Strong work habits • Self-discipline • Teamwork skills and ability to get along with different types of people Challenge: students don’t readily link these outcomes to the college curriculum

21. Outcomes Of College For High School And College Students(VA, IN, OR) Middle Tier Outcomes • Tangible business skills and specific expertise in field of focus • Critical thinking skills • Communication skills • Problem-solving skills and analytical ability • Exposure to business world • Leadership skills

22. Outcomes Of College For High School And College Students(VA, IN, OR) Least Important Outcomes • Values, principles, ethics • Tolerance and respect for different cultural backgrounds • Competency in computer skills • Expanded cultural and global awareness and sensitivity • Civic responsibility and orientation toward public service

23. Outcomes Of College For High School And College Students(Wisconsin) Most Important Outcomes • Maturity and ability to succeed on one’s own • Tangible business skills and specific expertise in field of focus** • Strong work habits • Teamwork skills and ability to get along with different types of people • Self-discipline

24. Outcomes Of College For High School And College Students(Wisconsin) Middle Tier Outcomes • Communication skills • Critical thinking skills • Time-management skills ** • Values, principles, ethics ** • Knowledge of and respect for people of different cultural backgrounds ** • Exposure to the business world • Leadership skills

25. Outcomes Of College For High School And College Students(Wisconsin) Least Important Outcomes • Community involvement and civic engagement • Competency in computer skills • Expanded knowledge of cultures outside the U.S. ** • Expanded knowledge of American culture and history ** • Expanded understanding of science and its relation to other fields **

26. Students’ Familiarity With And Impressions Of Liberal Education • Awareness of liberal education is non-existent among HS students, and college students are only somewhat aware. • Participants associate liberal education with: • The arts and humanities or liberal arts colleges • General education and broad requirements • Being well rounded, promoting individualism, and encouraging critical thinking • Being politically skewed to the left • Total freedom for students in their approach to education • No right or wrong answers

27. Students’ Volunteered Definitions Of Liberal Education • “It’s a well-rounded education that exposes you to a variety of ideas, disciplines, and fields. It encourages appreciation and awareness of a variety of fields. It helps create a well-rounded individual who is knowledgeable about a variety of things. Life is interdisciplinary, and so is a liberal education. Thus, this type of education is valuable both personally and professionally. It also allows a person to find and focus on what they truly love to study.” --College student, Portland, OR • “It brings up both liberal arts, which to me means a broad education not involving the hard sciences. It also means a politically liberal education, which is the way a lot of colleges are.” --College student, Alexandria, VA • It is an education that requires the student to participate in studies not necessarily related to the major in order to give them a well-rounded education. --High school student, Milwaukee, WI

28. Students’ Volunteered Definitions of Liberal Education • “It is broad, encompasses a little bit of everything. I think people who go into this are a little unsure of what they want to do. For me, this would not be the type of education I want. --High school student, Milwaukee, WI • A liberal education would be the opposite of a conservative education. Conservative education focuses on a more individualistic approach to problem-solving, while liberal would focus more on a more communal approach to problem solving. --College student, Milwaukee, WI • It makes me think about the knowledge I have and the critical thinking that takes place, as well. It is the ability to reason, understand, and make good decisions in life. --College student, Milwaukee, WI

29. High School Students’ Mixed Reaction To Liberal Education “Liberal education is a philosophy of education that empowers individuals, liberates the mind from ignorance, and cultivates social responsibility. A liberal education comprises a curriculum that includes general education that provides students broad exposure to multiple disciplines and more in-depth study in at least one field or area of concentration.” • Most of the high school students preferred to attend a college that offers a liberal education curriculum as defined above. • They have heard very little about a liberal education from any source. • Those who are more career-focused expressed less enthusiasm for liberal education. WI students expressed more neutral views of liberal education. • For those more positive about liberal education, specific areas that are appealing include: • Mix of general education and major field, • Opportunity to explore and make informed choices about major, • The social responsibility component is not a major draw.

30. College Students’ Mixed Reactions To Liberal Education • College students embrace the goals and concepts of liberal education in theory. • Benefits of liberal education: • Diversity of curriculum – exposure to multiple disciplines, complements skills learned in major • Preparing students for life after graduation – ability to adapt, tools to meet challenges and take advantage of opportunities • But they also identify a gap between the ideal and their own experience with general education: • Dissatisfied with limited options of general education • No sense of connectedness or integration of major

31. What do we know about Liberal Education’s Benefits? • Students attending a college that provides strong liberal arts experiences (rather than just calling itself a liberal arts college) graduate with better skills: • Reading comprehension • Critical thinking • Science reasoning • Writing skills • Openness to diversity/challenge • Learning for self-understanding • Sense of responsibility for one’s own success Source: Wabash Center of Inquiry in the Liberal Arts

32. How Well Are We Providing the Outcomes of a Liberal Education? • Serious lack of national data on outcomes • Majority of students self-report high gains on: • Written and oral communication • Critical and analytic thinking Source: Liberal Education Outcomes: A Preliminary Report on Student Achievement in College (Washington DC: AAC&U 2005).

33. How Well Are We Providing the Outcomes of a Liberal Education? • Fewer students report gains on: • Civic responsibility and engagement • Developing a code of values and ethics • Understanding people of other racial and ethnic backgrounds Source: Liberal Education Outcomes: A Preliminary Report on Student Achievement in College (Washington DC: AAC&U 2005).

34. How Well Are We Providing the Outcomes of a Liberal Education? • ETS Academic Profile Shows 8% of seniors proficient at Level 3 Math—up from 5% as freshman • ACT CAAP math scores show decline from freshman to senior year • ETS Academic Profile Shows 11% at Level 3 writing • ETS Academic Profile Shows 6% of seniors proficient in critical thinking; 77% not proficient Source: Liberal Education Outcomes: A Preliminary Report on Student Achievement in College (Washington DC: AAC&U 2005).

35. An Urgent Agenda For Today’s World “Liberal Education is essential to an economy dependent on innovation and to the success of a deliberative and diverse democracy. We must do far more to ensure that students achieve key liberal education outcomes. When we make the aims of liberal education our compass, we build society’s ability to creatively solve problems, engage and learn from our differences, and forge a stronger community. It is for just these reasons that liberal education is our best investment in America’s promise.” Carol Geary Schneider, president, AAC&U

36. Liberal Education and America’s Promise www.aacu.org/advocacy Debra Humphreys humphreys@aacu.org