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Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 16:34:15 -0500
From: coursonf@cofc.edu (Frances Courson)
Subject: Group 6 Report
X-Sender: coursonf@ashley.cofc.edu
To: donatoh@cofc.edu

Below is the Group 6 report for the GenEd Web Page. Thanks! Fran

Inquiry Group 6 began the discussion of the "Mixed-group Goal Statement Exercise" by looking first at the Skills Goals. The thought was expressed that nonverbal communication should be eliminated from the goal statements as this type communication is so culture-based. To include nonverbal communication would assume that it is more teachable and more precise than it actually is. Because most people have not studied non-verbal communication, there was concern that nonverbal communication would be taught from the perspective of the instructor alone. Other group members stated that nonverbal communication is an important part of communication and felt that the term should be included in a goal statement.

The group agreed on the goals listed below. Information in parentheses is not considered in the wording of the goal, but might be developed as sub-goals.

S - 1: To learn effective comprehension and communication skills.
(These skills would include oral, written, computer languages, sign-language, etc.)
S - 2: To develop the ability to use methods of scholarly inquiry based on critical thinking and problem solving.
S - 3: To develop skills in accessing, assessing, and applying information and communication sources.
S - 4: To develop skills in working with others through self-development and interaction.


K - 1: To explore, acquire, and integrate knowledge of the liberal arts and the sciences.
K - 2: To develop an understanding of ethical, political, economic, social and scientific issues in their temporal and global perspectives.

The group did not have time to discuss the values goals. As a result of an e-mail discussion, we list the following values goals, which may not reflect the opinion of the entire group since not all members were involved in the e-mail discussion.

Those responding feel that the promotion of a free, civil, and respectful examination of human values is intrinsic to the process of education in the liberal arts and sciences.

V-1: To promote the development of an understanding and respect for cultural diversity and global interdependence.
V-2: To foster a commitment to intellectual curiosity and lifelong learning.
V-3: To encourage informed, active, and responsible citizenship.


Frances H. Courson, Ph.D.                      Work Phone: (803) 953-8048

School of Education                            Home Phone: (803) 881-4682
College of Charleston             School of Education Fax: (803) 953-5407
Charleston, SC 29424                     E-Mail: coursonf@ashley.cofc.edu