In this article, the authors state that the presidents and deans, with the cooperation of the professors, are responsible for the faculty and for the curriculum as a whole. The faculty work within organizations, and every organizational policy and practice, many outside the purview of faculty, has at least potential impact, either positive or…

This book discusses general education reform through a focus on college curricula. It is based on information from individual institutions collected in part through a survey and in part through institutional publications and "fugitive literature" such as committee reports, faculty senate resolutions, and other unpublished materials. Part 1 of the…

The renewed interest in interdisciplinary studies is producing different instructional approaches that are providing an important corrective to the limited and fragmented perspectives of the individual academic disciplines. Since they are in the curricular mainstream as requirements for all students, interdisciplinary offerings may have more…

Reports on a survey of chief academic officers of colleges and universities regarding curricular changes in general education. Most felt curricular reforms resulted in higher quality and greater coherence in the educational program, and a greater understanding and appreciation of general education among campus constituencies. (DMM)

The intent of this discussion paper is to provide a survey of emerging trends in general education reform at institutions of higher education. Ten themes are identified: (1) rethinking the major; (2) concern with student learning beyond course content; (3) an increased emphasis on diversity; (4) the importance of technology; (5) efficiency and…

The range of controversies and changes emerging from the current revival of general education are examined, and many ideas, examples, and recommendations for achieving realistic and successful curricular reform are offered. Instead of either offering an apology for general education or advocating any particular approach, the book draws on solid…

Reviews advances in general education reforms over the last decade, focusing on curricular content and change. Calls for a new reform movement involving active learning, the development of new pedagogies appropriate to new goals, and the creation of college cultures supportive of general education. Highlights model two-year college programs. (PAA)

Four goals for a Second Wave of general education reform should be: broaden existing reforms and embed them more firmly in the life of the college; engage a larger number of colleges; attract new individuals to the movement; and confront more candidly the barriers to devising, approving, and implementing reforms. (MLW)

A survey of over 300 colleges and universities indicates that multicultural education is on the ascendancy. Educational issues are raised concerning the application of multicultural education principles on college campuses. These include philosophical issues, curricular issues, faculty issues, pedagogical issues, and the curriculum development…

It is suggested that a new approach to education for academic careers, one which adds training in teaching and service to training for research, is gaining interest. A number of initiatives, privately and publicly funded, and market forces that support this trend are noted. (MSE)

Relationships between college faculty and administrators are at a crossroads; administrators want more efficient institutional functioning, and faculty want more resources and protection from external interference. However, quality and efficiency are not antithetical, and faculty and administrators can develop both, cooperatively, by focusing on…