For faculty roundtables Spring 2014

In a small survey, students taking NF103 at Rockville, SN101 at TP/SS, EN102 at Rockville, and EN122 online were asked three open ended questions: 1. Why are you taking this course? 2. Why do you think this course is a general education course? 3. What do you think you should be learning in a general education course?

General Education Requirement 29% Content 29% Both 34% Other (Prerequisite for Major)9% (Note: the categories above were created by the faculty in order to analyze the narrative responses provided by the students)

Culture 9% Interdisciplinary 13% Functional 44% Non-major skills/content 25% Exploration 6% Major Requirement 3% (Note: the categories above were created by the faculty in order to analyze the narrative responses provided by the students)

because through [this] path I have the opportunity to know about cultures that are different from mine. - Pengou Fongang Wilfried, SN 101 This course is included as a general education course because i believe that if an individual wants to earn a degree, they must first learn how to successfully construct an intellectual argument. Rafael Trejos, EN 102 I think this course falls under a general education requirement due to its many insights of cultural backgrounds and lessons throughout history. More specifically, it promotes the proficiency of writing skills while also providing information about diverse histories. Erica Edmunds, EN122 As an Intro. To Nutrition, this course covers all aspects of nutrition rather than delving into a particular subject. This is what makes it an Gen. Ed. Course. Anon. NF103

Communication Skills Critical/Logical Thinking Foundational Skills Practical Skills Well Rounded education Introductory Course/Skills Exploration Course/Skills Culture General Knowledge Not Sure

There is a lot to learn from this course in addition to communication, for example it helps to know culture and other life styles. - Tewodros T. Asfaw, SN101 I think that people should be learning how to think critically and logically in a general education course. Rafael Trejos, En 102 I should be learning about subjects that are not specifically about my major (in my case, my major is business). That way, I can open up to new experiences and maybe find new interests academically. Renata Pacheco Dos Reis, EN122 A Gen. Ed. Course should cover a broad topic, with as much detail as time allows. At the end of the course, the novice should be able to discuss and explain the topic knowledgeably to others. Ideally, a Gen. Ed. Course should spark an interest to study a subject more in-depth later on. Anon., NF 103

At your table, using the markers, crayons, paper, and/or sticky notes to draw a picture, a conceptual map, a list or anything that captures your ideas about the following questions: 1. What is your vision of Montgomery Colleges Core Academic values?

What, more specifically, do you think students should learn through a 21 st century general education experience?