Survey results: What are the goals of higher ed?

May 26, 2009 by Geneva Reid

Ask thousands of faculty members what they consider the goals of higher ed – and what do they say? You might be surprised.

Take a look at the results of a UCLA Higher Education Research Institute survey of more than 22,000 faculty from 372 colleges:

More than 70% believe in instilling an appreciation of the liberal arts (a nearly 20% increase compared to 2005 survey results).
Enhancing students’ knowledge of other racial and ethnic groups is supported by more than 74% of the respondents – with 94% of all faculty polled believing a diverse student body enhances a student’s educational experience.
More than 55% hope to instill a commitment to community service (up 20% from three years ago).
There was an average increase of nearly 14% among faculty polled to: enhance students’ self-understanding, develop moral character and provide for students’ emotional development.
The results also show a continuing trend to move away from lecturing and toward student-centered teaching.

So what does the future hold for the liberal arts? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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Ross Scimeca Says:
May 28th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
The liberal arts are the very backbone for any college degree, whether that degree is in business or engineering. One is NOT really educated if he or she has not read some of the classics from ancient to modern times; is ignorant of history; and know nothing about the various cultures of the world. Only a liberal arts education can give you that. Indeed, both medical schools and law shools recognize the importance of a broad liberal arts education in their applicants.
Kathleen Kardaras Says:
May 29th, 2009 at 8:02 pm
It is rather amazing to me that among the goals noted, there was not a single entry related to increased knowledge or improved ability to think independently, or the ability to apply critical reasoning to important cultural and political questions of the day, or the ability to prioritize one’s values in a complex and increasingly diverse world. Where is the content of our teaching in the hierarchy of our teaching goals?

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