LOs in Higher Ed LO19507

Neil Olonoff (olonoff@cais.com)
Tue, 13 Oct 1998 11:35:01 -0400

Replying to LO19490 --

Interesting replies, Dr. Eskow, and very interesting thread on the
University as LO. I see your point about 'core values.' I see this as a
question of whether the organizational core values are sensitive to, or
resistant to, the external environment. Many university departments and
colleges have operated on a 'slow clock' which reacts very cautiously and
conservatively to their 'clients.'

This is generally a good thing. Among other things it has preserved the
liberal arts education for a society which generally does not prize the
result -- a broadly educated non-technocrat. But let's change our
vocabulary a little bit. Instead of talking about core values, let's use
the term current paradigm in the sense that Kuhn uses. When that paradigm
is clung to at the cost of risking new ideas, we impede learning. So I
suppose it's a delicate balance between preservation of traditional values
and exploration of new terrain.

As far as the failure of interdisciplinary studies, I think the jury is
still out on that one. 'Liberal Studies' has become a common degree
program and a number of universities offer student-determined 'independent
studies' degrees. But it's WITHIN departments where the lack of cross
fertilization really is missed.

Neil Olonoff

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