Liberal Education—Yes or No?
By: Chad Jardine

Liberal education was the topic brought up in Mr. Edmundson’s essay, “As Lite Entertainment for bored College Students.” His main issue with that form of learning was the lack of real effort on the part of students who took his classes. He complained that the education system had been taken over by the idea of “consumerism” rather than actual education. Money at universities, not knowledge, was the guiding force. This introduced a question. Should liberal education continue or is it an outdated system?
Many people are for liberal education because it is traditional. It has been taught (if I heard right in class) since the great Greek philosophers hundreds of years ago. Today, like in the ancient past, liberal education is still taught. Some argue it is the greatest form of learning because it allows the teacher to help the student discover for him or herself the subject being studied. But can this freedom invade the authority of the teacher? For example: I was sitting in a class where the students were listening to the lecture but were not under any sort of pressure to raise their hand when asking a question, or to sit up straight when the teacher was talking to them. Could liberal education’s woes have been created by a lackadaisical teacher/student relationship?
Mrs. Smith told us that schools used to hold the final authority rather than students with their money. This meant everyone was not welcome to join a university. It is quite different in the present. Today universities are increasing the number of students they enroll every semester to gain more financial resources. (Notice I used “number” not “amount”). However, could this added financial security be a step in the right direction? More people than ever before in America are going to college. Many ask how that could be wrong. With more money a university can provide a better education and other benefits that enhance a student’s educational opportunities. Yet, those supportive of liberal education could reasonably argue that money spent on benefits should be put into actual learning.
Whether you believe liberal education should remain the cornerstone of the educational system or not, it is an important topic that must be sorted through. Still, one thing is sure. Teachers must remain the unchallenged authorities in the classroom. Also, students must have respect for the opportunity to learn and take those opportunities instead of letting them pass by. Otherwise, like the ancient Greeks themselves, actual education will become a thing of the past.