Is the liberal arts the best answer to future challenges?
The 2014 AAC&U earnings report comes amidst intensifying cynicism towards the value of a liberal arts education back in the US. Liberal arts colleges, with their focus on small class sizes, are expensive models of education. Such endowments, in addition to the humanities and social sciences, are increasingly being seen as cost-ineffective—investments that do not necessarily translate to economic benefit.
As a result, some US politicians have encouraged STEM and vocational education instead. These, they believe, will help the US remain competitive in an increasingly digital and globalized world.
While Asia has recognized similar challenges, its fledgling liberal arts movement hints towards how a different strategy has been favored. Far from being seen as an impractical expense, a liberal arts education is instead being embraced as a pragmatic solution to a future where narrow proficiencies can quickly become obsolete. A liberal arts education, Lewis believes, can provide a solid hedge against an uncertain future.
“In addition to technical skill sets or specialized knowledge, students must develop the ability to continuously reinvent themselves and move between worlds with ease, confidence and humility,” he says.
A research study in the US seems to back Lewis’ sentiments. In 2007, researchers in the US compared educational outcomes of the liberal arts model with other educational models. They found that liberal arts experiences were positively correlated to several beneficial outcomes, including curiosity and lifelong learning, intercultural effectiveness, well-being, and leadership. While small liberal arts colleges may indeed be more expensive, these less tangible benefits may just be worth it.
All things considered, the liberal arts model is still relatively new to Asia. Whether it can eventually deliver on all its promises remains to be seen. (The flourishing, well-lived life of an individual is, after all, a lofty goal.) Regardless, it seems to be off to an exciting start so far.
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Copyright: Asian Scientist Magazine; Photo: Shutterstock.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.
