General Education at Miami-Dade Community College. Draft Document.

This document, based on input from faculty and students, presents a rationale, definition, and goal specification for general education at Miami-Dade Community College. Responsiveness to community education needs and "open admissions" are posited to be two important aspects of the mission of the community college. To integrate these mission concepts with a rationale for general education, five values of general education are put forth: (1) it enables individuals to integrate their knowledge; (2) it offers opportunity for commitment to lifelong learning; (3) it enables students to intensify the self-actualization process; (4) it enables students to find meaning and value in their life experiences; and (5) it enables students to better understand their places in the world and to more fully realize their potential. General education is defined as that which has as its fundamental nature and purpose the integration of every student's knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experiences. The goals of general education, expressed in terms of competencies, are listed as are principles for curriculum development. Student demographic data, the "basic skills problem", the "survival/enrichment" issue, the "career" issue, and the "quality" issue are discussed as factors germane to development of a general education program. (JDS)