The "Demand Side" of General Education--A Review of the Literature: Technical Report Number 11.

Overview & Synopsis

Much of the literature in general education is focused on the design or the contents of education programs, or the "supply side," while little attention has been given to students' understandings of and attitudes toward general education, the "demand side." This paper reviews literature on the "demand side" of general education by first providing a brief synopsis of the notion of general education and recent recommendations for reform, and next summarizing research on student knowledge of and attitudes toward higher education and general education. The paper also considers processes used in higher education to affect demand side questions, including teaching, recruitment and admissions, orientation, academic and career advising, and course scheduling. Three primary strategies for data collection were used: (1) a national advisory group was identified whose members contributed to a pool of information on student perceptions of general education; (2) a network of more than 25 educational leaders was contacted for information and opinions; and (3) a literature search was undertaken. Appendixes list members of the advisory group and names of education leaders consulted, as well as providing information on the research methodology; and 77 references are included. (JDD)