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Date: Tue, 26 Nov 1996 09:23:09 -0400 (EDT)
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From: janasm@cofc.edu (Monica Janas)
Subject: Final Report/Group 2
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GENERAL EDUCATION INQUIRY GROUP 2

DISCUSSION REPORT -- FALL 1996
INQUIRY GROUP 2 MEMBERS: Terry Bowers, Jeremy Browning, Cassandra Coombs, Susan Farrell, Annette Godow, Monica Janas, Leslie Sautter, Green T. Waggener.

MEETING DATES: September 13, 1996; September 27, 1996; October 11, 1996.

The key points of Inquiry Group 2's discussions during the Fall of 1996 are as follows.

THE NATURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF AN EDUCATED PERSON

A educated person is a person who:

has a strong foundation of effective verbal and written communication skills;

thinks critically, logically, and solves problems;

understands and respects diverse cultures and civilizations and has a global perspective;

knows how to access and use resources including computers, documents etc.;

uses methods of scientific research, scholarly inquiry, and problem solving;

possesses emotional and social skills and can work effectively with others while also being an independent thinker;

understands self-expression and respects and appreciates others' self- expression; and

values intellectual curiosity, knows how to learn, and is a life long learner.

EXPERIENCES TO FACILITATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EDUCATED PERSON

Discussion centered around the following areas:

1. The College community--(students, faculty, and administrators)--needs to actively participate in formulating the purpose and the design of the general education curriculum as part of an ongoing process that addresses the knowledge, skills, values and competencies that students need.

2. Since student life extends beyond the classroom, efforts should be made to encourage and reward faculty involvement in student oriented activities outside of the classroom (clubs, organizations, speakers etc). For example, consideration can be given by faculty to incorporate college and community events into course requirements.

3. Widen general education experiences over the entire college program instead of in the first two years. This change would enable the College to contribute to the general education experience of transfer students. Ideas such as a senior capstone seminar, a senior thesis outside of major requirements, or interdisciplinary seminars were examples considered.

4. Continue to have high expectations for students' performances.

5. Continue to assess courses on how they address College goals and objectives.

GENERAL EDUCATION GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

SKILLS:

1. To develop effective written and oral communication skills.

2. To develop critical thinking and problem solving skills.

3. To develop the ability to use resources including information retrieval systems.

4. To develop the ability to understand methods of scholarly and scientific research.

KNOWLEDGE:

5. To develop basic knowledge in the humanities, arts, and sciences.

6. To develop an understanding of political, economic, social, and scientific issues of the past, present, and future.

VALUES:

7. To develop a commitment to intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.

8. To develop a global awareness and an appreciation of cultural diversity.

9. To enhance the ability to work well with others and to work effectively alone.