In the most recent The Chronicle of Higher Education (“The Liberal Arts in School and College,” March 10, 2006, B46), Stanley Katz argues for greater attention to multidisciplinary courses that challenge students to “understand that the essence of education is the courage and ability to make value judgments.”
This integrative approach with its stress on moral decision making is consistent with my reserach on spiritual maturation and the development of moral courage in older adolescents and emerging adults. Many learning theorists, including my primary mentor, have emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to higher education for years; Katz stresses beginning this approach with high school students. Waiting until college is waiting too long.
Do you agree? How would this work in high school curricula?
Nathan Day Wilson 