“Liberal Arts Education and the 21st Century” | Carol Johnson | TEDxCentralArizonaCollege

Summary

The speaker advocates for a balanced approach to education, emphasizing the importance of a liberal arts education in fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. They argue that such an education prepares students for the complexities of the 21st century, equipping them with the skills to tackle diverse challenges and engage in lifelong learning. The conference highlighted showcased interdisciplinary pursuits, encouraging students to embrace their passions and explore beyond their comfort zones.

Takeaways

• 😌 Embrace Discomfort: The speaker frequently encourages students to 'get comfortable with being uncomfortable', emphasizing the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone for personal and professional growth.
• 🎓 Importance of Liberal Arts: The script dispels myths about liberal arts education, highlighting its value in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a well-rounded understanding of the world.
• 🌐 Preparing for the 21st Century: It argues that a liberal arts education is not only relevant but essential for preparing individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern world.
• 🤔 Cultivating Curiosity: The script stresses the importance of curiosity as a lifelong learning disposition that enables students to explore beyond their immediate interests.
• 🔍 Analyzing Complex Problems: A liberal arts education equips students with the ability to analyze complex problems from multiple perspectives, which is crucial for addressing contemporary societal challenges.
• 🛠️ Skills for the Future: The speaker identifies 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and entrepreneurialism as being nurtured through a liberal arts education.
• 🌟 Emphasizing Exploration: The script promotes the value of exploration in education, suggesting that it should be balanced with workforce readiness to create a holistic educational experience.
• 🌱 Fostering Empowerment: A liberal arts education is portrayed as empowering students with the skills to innovate, adapt, and lead in an ever-changing job market.
• 🌍 Addressing Global Issues: The script suggests that the liberal arts can prepare students to tackle global issues such as climate change, immigration, and polarization by understanding their multifaceted nature.
• 🔑 Unlocking Potential: The speaker believes that a liberal arts education can unlock a student's potential to engage with and contribute to society in meaningful ways.
• 🎉 Celebrating Interdisciplinarity: The script concludes by celebrating the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to education, which allows students to pursue multiple passions and develop a comprehensive worldview.

Q & A

What does the phrase 'get comfortable with being uncomfortable' imply in the context of the speaker's teaching philosophy?

The phrase 'get comfortable with being uncomfortable' implies embracing challenges and stepping out of one's comfort zone to grow and learn. It encourages students to take risks, pursue new opportunities, and engage deeply with their educational experiences.

How does the speaker view the role of liberal arts education in the 21st century?

The speaker views liberal arts education as crucial for preparing students for both careers and life in the 21st century. It fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, which are essential skills in a rapidly changing world. The speaker argues that a liberal arts education is relevant and necessary for addressing complex societal issues.

What myths about liberal arts education does the speaker address and dispel?

The speaker dispels three myths: 1) that 'liberal' in liberal arts refers to political leanings rather than freedom, 2) that liberal arts only encompass arts and humanities, when it actually includes sciences and social sciences as well, and 3) that liberal arts are irrelevant in the 21st century, arguing instead that they are crucial for developing well-rounded individuals.

Why does the speaker believe a liberal arts education is important for civic engagement and democracy?

The speaker believes that a liberal arts education is essential for civic engagement and democracy because it teaches students to think critically, understand multiple perspectives, and engage in thoughtful discourse. This education equips them to tackle societal challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the world.

What skills does the speaker emphasize as necessary for 21st-century students?

The speaker emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and tolerance for ambiguity as necessary skills for 21st-century students. These skills are important for navigating complex problems and adapting to changes in various industries.

How does the speaker connect the value of exploration in education to the needs of 21st-century students?

The speaker connects the value of exploration in education to the needs of 21st-century students by arguing that educational experiences should go beyond transactional knowledge transfer. Exploration encourages curiosity, fosters a lifelong love of learning, and equips students with the ability to innovate and adapt in an ever-changing world.

What is the speaker's stance on balancing workforce readiness with educational exploration?

The speaker advocates for a balance between workforce readiness and educational exploration. While it's important to prepare students for careers, it's equally important to encourage exploration and interdisciplinary learning, which fosters creativity and adaptability.

Why does the speaker believe that a liberal arts education is the best avenue to prepare individuals for varied and long-term career trajectories?

The speaker believes that a liberal arts education is the best avenue for preparing individuals for varied and long-term career trajectories because it provides a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. This education encourages adaptability and innovation, which are critical as industries evolve in unpredictable ways.

How does the speaker suggest liberal arts education addresses complex societal issues?

The speaker suggests that liberal arts education addresses complex societal issues by equipping students with the ability to analyze and understand problems from multiple perspectives. This multidisciplinary approach helps students develop the expertise needed to find solutions to challenges like climate change, polarization, and social justice.

What examples does the speaker give to illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of a liberal arts education?

The speaker gives examples from a conference for honors students, where a chemical engineering student recited a haiku on Frankenstein, and a fish and wildlife major played the cello in a performance that merged various musical pieces, including works by Jimi Hendrix. These examples illustrate how liberal arts education encourages students to pursue multiple passions and integrate different disciplines.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Embracing Discomfort for Educational Growth

The speaker encourages students to 'get comfortable with being uncomfortable' as a means to embrace challenges and engage in meaningful educational experiences beyond mere information exchange. This phrase is often repeated by honor students, reflecting their pursuit of more profound learning. The speaker emphasizes the importance of liberal arts education, debunking myths about its irrelevance and explaining its comprehensive nature, including arts, humanities, mathematics, political science, and more. A liberal arts education is portrayed as essential for preparing students for the complexities of the 21st century, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. It is argued that such an education instills curiosity, a key disposition for lifelong learning and the courage to step out of comfort zones.

05:01

🌟 The Power of Interdisciplinary Education for Societal Advancement

The second paragraph discusses the significance of an interdisciplinary approach in education, especially in addressing the multifaceted problems of the 21st century. The speaker calls for an emancipatory pedagogy that prepares students for diverse career opportunities and civic engagement. The conference for honors students exemplifies this approach, showcasing students from various fields engaging in creative and intellectual pursuits outside their majors. The conference's atmosphere of encouragement and challenge highlights the value of pursuing multiple passions and the importance of preparing students to contribute to a just and democratic society. The speaker concludes with a call to action for educators to embrace discomfort and prepare students for a future of uncertainty and change.

Keywords

💡Uncomfortable

The term 'uncomfortable' in the video script refers to situations or experiences that push individuals out of their usual comfort zones. It is used to encourage students to embrace challenges and step into unfamiliar territories, which is essential for growth and learning. The speaker uses this term to inspire students to take on leadership roles or apply to prestigious schools, which might be daunting but are crucial for personal development.

💡Honors Students

Honors students are mentioned as a group that seeks more than just basic educational transactions; they are looking for transformative educational experiences. The script highlights the pride and joy the speaker feels when these students embrace the idea of being uncomfortable, indicating that these students are at the forefront of educational exploration and are willing to engage deeply with their studies.

💡Liberal Arts

Liberal arts are discussed as a broad field of study that includes not only arts and humanities but also mathematics, political science, economics, and social and physical sciences. The speaker dispels myths about liberal arts being irrelevant for the 21st century, arguing instead that it is a crucial avenue for preparing individuals for complex, free, and just societies by fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

💡Workforce Readiness

Workforce readiness is a concept that emphasizes the need for students to be prepared for the job market upon graduation. The script suggests a balance between this practical concern and the value of educational exploration, indicating that while preparing students for the workforce is important, so too is encouraging them to explore and engage with a wide range of subjects and ideas.

💡Exploration in Education

Exploration in education is presented as a valuable aspect of learning that goes beyond mere job preparation. It involves encouraging students to delve into various subjects, ideas, and experiences to foster a comprehensive understanding of the world. The script emphasizes the importance of this approach in the 21st century, where complex problems require a multidisciplinary understanding.

💡Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is mentioned as a disposition that should be cultivated in students. It refers to the continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills throughout one's life. The script connects this concept to the idea of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, suggesting that a willingness to learn and adapt is essential for personal and professional growth.

💡21st Century Skills

21st century skills are the set of abilities that are deemed necessary for success in the modern world. These include critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. The script argues that these skills are not only beneficial for career advancement but also for addressing the complex societal issues of the 21st century.

💡Complex Problems

Complex problems refer to the multifaceted issues that societies face, such as climate change, immigration, and polarization. The script suggests that these problems cannot be solved by a single discipline or simple solutions; instead, they require a deep understanding and a multidisciplinary approach to address their intricacies.

💡Civic Engagement

Civic engagement is the active participation of citizens in public life and decision-making. The script implies that educators have a responsibility to prepare students not just for careers but also for civic engagement, enabling them to contribute to their communities and work towards a more equitable society.

💡Interdisciplinary Approach

An interdisciplinary approach is a method of teaching and research that integrates knowledge and methods from two or more academic disciplines. The script advocates for such an approach in education, suggesting that it is essential for preparing students to tackle the complex, interconnected problems of the 21st century.

💡Emancipatory Pedagogy

Emancipatory pedagogy is an educational philosophy that aims to empower students and promote social justice. The script calls for an emancipatory pedagogy with a radically interdisciplinary approach, indicating a need for educational practices that not only impart knowledge but also encourage students to question, challenge, and change societal norms.

Highlights

The importance of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable for personal and professional growth.

Encouraging students to pursue leadership positions and apply for Ivy League schools to step out of their comfort zones.

The pride and joy educators feel when students embrace the concept of educational exploration.

The debate on the value of a debt versus reward ratio in higher education and the importance of workforce readiness.

The myth about liberal arts being only about arts and humanities and the actual breadth of the liberal arts curriculum.

Dispelling the myth that liberal arts education is irrelevant for the 21st century.

The role of liberal arts in preparing individuals for lives within and outside of their careers in free and just societies.

How a liberal arts education confronts students with contradictions and promotes in-depth analysis and respectful debate.

The significance of curiosity instilled by a liberal arts education as a prerequisite for lifelong learning.

The empowerment skills gained from a liberal arts education that transcend traditional job requirements.

The necessity for 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and tolerance for ambiguity.

The complexity of 21st-century societal issues and the need for a multitude of subjects to address them.

The importance of understanding multiple perspectives and the convergence of interests for the benefit of many.

The role of civic leaders in grappling with societal horrors and planning for sustainable communities.

The link between justice, democracy, and the responsibility of educators to prepare students for any career opportunity.

The responsibility of educators to ensure students can civically engage and not reproduce cultural issues for future generations.

The conference for honors students showcasing interdisciplinary endeavors and the importance of pursuing passions.

The call to fight for an emancipatory pedagogy with a radically interdisciplinary approach for a free and full life.

Transcripts

[Music]

get comfortable with being uncomfortable

the phrase is not my design but I use it

a lot and if I knew who to give credit

to I would students often come to me to

have discussions about things like

whether or not they should go for a

district leadership position or apply

for transfer to an Ivy League school

they know me well enough to know what my

silent smiling nod means and they say

get comfortable with being uncomfortable

I am fortunate to work with honors

students so I do get to say this phrase

a lot and honor students are here for

educational experiences that are more

than just transactional exchanges of

information when they repeat the phrase

I feel such pride and I feel immense joy

when I see them participating within it

it's interesting working in higher

education in the 21st century the

rhetoric is often on a debt versus

reward ratio on whether or not students

are workforce ready when they cross that

graduation stage those are valid

discussions however so is the value of

exploration in education so as educators

should we be discussing a balance of the

workforce readiness and create an

educational exploration absolutely and

to approach this justly let's start by

dismissing some fallacies about the

liberal arts my students have been

reading Fareed Zakaria is in defense of

a liberal education than past few spring

semesters Zakaria quickly dispels a myth

one that's even perpetuated by people

who have careers in education the basic

definition of liberal arts the liberal

in liberal arts does not refer to the

opposite of conservative it refers to

the concept of freedom in its Latin

origins liberal means of or pertaining

to freemen worthy of a free man another

myth is that the liberal arts starts

ends with arts and humanities rather it

includes arts and humanities but also

mathematics political science economics

social and physical sciences another

myth is that the liberal arts is

irrelevant for the 21st century I

challenge that and counter that it is

the best avenue to prepare individuals

for lives within and outside of their

careers in free and just societies a

liberal arts education confronts

students with contradictions in-depth

analysis of theories and ideas

distillation of data and forums to

debate respectfully and scholastically a

liberal arts education instills

curiosity and curiosity is a disposition

that students should be engaged in and

all their experiences it is the

prerequisite for lifelong learning in a

disposition that once cultivated let

students be brave enough to get out of

their comfort zones to get comfortable

being uncomfortable a liberal arts

education confronts blind certainty it

allows for one interest to lead to

another liberal arts provides a place

for students to work within the tension

of problems that need solutions it

allows for the value of exploration to

pursue multiple passions at the same

time and these are the skills of

empowerment and there is nothing more

freeing for an individual than the

acquisition of something that cannot be

taken studies have shown that most

business leaders are looking for

employees with skills that transcend

capitalistic societies like ours produce

things meaning innovation is a must

career trajectories in the 21st century

will be varied in long term and

industries are going to change in ways

that we cannot even imagine so what's

our obligation to our 21st century

students critical thinking problem

solving creative entrepreneurialship

tolerance for ambiguity

these are 21st century skills the

problems that we are facing as a 21st

century society are complex and

long-term they require a multitude of

subjects to address any issue

these issues today include the rise of

hate groups climate change immigration

increased polarization this requires

students to be able to unpack the

complexities to research the

complexities people have to be able to

understand the complexities through

multiple subject areas these problems

that we are facing that require a myriad

of expertise to solve also require that

individuals can understand and work with

other points of view it's not enough to

just interject one area of expertise or

anecdotes from personal lives

individuals have to be able to

understand the lenses through which

others see the world and identify the

areas where interests can converge for

the benefit of many civic leaders have

to be able to grapple with horrors but

also plan for lovely sustainable

communities and environments a liberal

arts education can mean that students

leave colleges and universities with the

ability to put those issues into

historical political and social context

an education that prepares students to

deconstruct ideas and make thoughtful

decisions will mean that students leave

us with the ability to tackle anything

from space exploration to social justice

and justice and democracy are

intrinsically linked our traditional age

student is part of a generation who will

earn less than their parents does that

give us the responsibility as educators

to ensure that they are prepared for any

career opportunity that comes their way

does that give us a responsibility of

educators to ensure that they can

civically engage so that their reality

will not be a cultural reproduction for

their children does that give us the

responsibility as educators to fuel the

flames of passion for education and life

recently I attended a conference for

honors students the honors college who

hosted this incredible event emboldened

interdisciplinary endeavors and

extracurricular activities as an avenue

for me

for life the commitment to these

experiences by this college and

university was so apparent by the

students the faculty and the

administration during this conference I

listened to a chemical engineering

student recite his haiku on Frankenstein

and I listened to a fish and wildlife

major play the cello with the Dean of

the Honors College and two other

students in a musical a performance that

merged multiple pieces of music and

culminated with Jimi Hendrix this

conference encouraged challenged and

championed students to pursue their

passions for their majors and for life

and not one at the expense of another it

is the 21st century are we ready to

fight for an emancipatory pedagogy with

a radically interdisciplinary approach

in preparation for free and full lives

are we ready to get comfortable being

uncomfortable thank you

[Applause]