19th Annual Student Research Conference
Education
An Analysis of Student Engagement and Liberal Arts at Truman State University
Christopher Roberts* and Rebecca Maddox
Dr. David Gillette, Faculty Mentor
A liberal arts education focuses on preparing students for life, not simply providing curriculum for job preparation. As a liberal arts and sciences institution, Truman State University promotes interdisciplinarity, extracurriculars, and a well-rounded education. The purpose of our study was to assess the differences and similarities between student and faculty perceptions of these issues, namely student engagement and the liberal arts program. Building upon a prior survey developed by the Assessment Program in 2005 that examined freshman and senior perceptions of this topic, our study interviewed faculty on the issues surrounding student engagement and liberal arts education. We then correlated this information with the prior survey to develop an online questionnaire for both students and faculty. The responses were then compared and contrasted in order to develop a better understanding of where student and faculty opinions rest in regards to student engagement and the liberal arts program.
Keywords: Liberal Arts, Student Engagement, Assessment, Survey
Topic(s):Education
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 16-6
Location: OP 2113
Time: 9:45