ONE of the skills that students who study the liberal arts learn is how to distinguish a real controversy from a manufactured controversy. Recently, administrators from academic institutions across the state of Washington gathered to promote the value and importance of the liberal arts. Some fear the emphasis placed on STEM fields — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — because businesses are urging the state to fund these areas of study. Businesses need graduates trained in science and technology to fill their jobs. This effort has prompted some to argue a false conflict: That we must choose between liberal arts and STEM disciplines. The reality of the situation is dramatically different. STEM disciplines should not be seen as being apart from the liberal arts. They are a part of the liberal arts. Second, narrowly educating students, regardless of field, dramatically limits options. Link>>
Don’t Pit STEM Education Against Liberal Arts
September 4th, 2012 by Brad Graham
Posted in: Jobs, Liberal Arts, STEM
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