Teaching Methods: Liberal Education

Liberal Education is a philosophy of education that includes broad exposure to multiple disciplines and ways of knowing in conjunction with in-depth study of one area for professional development. It seeks to foster personal and intellectual growth and social responsibility. The sites below provide an overview, resources, and articles about this approach in higher education.

"What is Liberal Education?" (Association of American Colleges and Universities).
Defines Liberal Education and other terms associated with it.
Link: http://www.aacu.org/press_room/media_kit/what_is_liberal_education.cfm

"Strengthening Liberal Education: A National Imperative" (American Association of State Colleges and Universities, Forum on Liberal Education).
This white paper developed by the Forum between November 2000 and November 2002 argues for the "vital necessity" of a liberal education.
Link: http://www.aascu.org/leadership/task_force/liberal_arts.htm

Association of American Colleges and Universities: Liberal Education.
This site contains descriptions of AAC&U initiatives in Liberal Education and links to their publications and other resources on Liberal Education.
Link: http://www.aacu.org/issues/liberaleducation/index.cfm

American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE).
The AALE is dedicated to promoting Liberal Education. This site contains links to their newsletter, research, publications, and other resources on Liberal Education, all available as PDF files. The site also provides information and guidelines on AALE accreditation for college and university liberal arts programs.
Link: http://www.aale.org/

Philosophy of Liberal Education, compiled by Andrew Chrucky
Bibliography of books and articles on Liberal Education with live links to those available online.
Link: http://www.ditext.com/libed/libed.html

The Summer/Fall 2005 issue of Liberal Education, a publication of the Association of American Colleges and Universities, focuses on "Educating for Personal and Social Responsibility." Below are links to the online articles discussing the theme from this issue.

"Fostering Personal and Social Responsibility on College and University Campuses," Richard H. Hersh and Carol Geary Schneider.
Link: http://www.aacu.org/liberaleducation/le-sufa05/le-sufa05feature1.cfm

"It Takes a Village: Academic Dishonesty and Educational Opportunity," Donald L. McCabe.
Link: http://www.aacu.org/liberaleducation/le-sufa05/le-sufa05feature2.cfm

"What Really Matters in College: How Students View and Value Liberal Education" Debra Humphreys and Abigail Davenport.
Link: http://www.aacu.org/liberaleducation/le-sufa05/le-sufa05leap.cfm

Previous issues of Liberal Education are available online and for purchase at this site:
Link: http://www.aacu.org/liberaleducation/previous.cfm
Each issue is themed and has several articles available online.