Education

I value "learning" but I value "education" more. What is the difference? Well, learning is the result of studies in a very wide range of topics and fields. Education is learning that addresses specific needs that have been established by people whose wisdom we trust.

When I came to Harvey Mudd College in 1961, there was a required program of studies through the first two years called the Common Core. At the end of the second year, students could select a major course of study for their final two years. The major, needless to say, was also largely a required set of studies. In other words, all four years of study at Harvey Mudd was largely directed study in specific fields, a program of study that would educate young mathematicians, scientists, and engineeers.

As an example, the State of California, at that time, required undergraduate programs to include a course of study in US history. It seemed wise for students to go out into the world with an understanding of their own history.

What has happened at Harvey Mudd as well as at most other institutions, is that our confidence has been shaken. Fewer faculty are inclined to make a claim of wisdom with regard to learning. The US history requirement disappeared decades ago. Faculty backed up from specific fields and content to defend only specific techniques. So, as time went by, we were willing only to require that historical studies should be a part of one's program. As a consequence, students go out in the world understanding Asian history (for instance) but not their own history. I have no problem with the study of Asian history as such but I do have a real problem with the general ignorance of US history that has been a result.

In a similar way, the Common Core has been eroded and degraded over the years. The faculty is unwilling to stand up for it's beliefs and the general direction is one of pacifying student protests. After all, they are paying for their education. But that is very ironic because, if they really want an education, why are they unwilling to respect the wisdom of the faculty. The answer, I guess, is that respect has little to do with actions among many students today.