According to Dewey/Higgins, why is the dichotomy between liberal and vocational education a
false one? Working with examples from your own college experience, show how the separation
of liberal and vocational education weakens and distorts both; and show how an educational
experience can simultaneously achieve both liberal and vocational aims. Make sure you define
your terms.
Intro
Definition of liberal education (an education that allows one to expand their array of
knowledge through a variety of subjects and topics)
Definition of a vocational education (an education that hones in on a specific skill or craft
for someone to develop and master)
Expand on the state of both types of education in today’s context and how it has
shifted over the past several decades
Thesis statement: The distinction amid liberal and vocational education isn’t as great as
many would suggest due to the dynamic nature of the workforce
First Point: How a liberal education is diminished by a vocational education to an extent
(The existence of vocational learning in many societies has caused many to disregard the
potential of formal education)
• Contrast between the formalities of the U.S vs. other countries
“The aspiring actor……may never be introduced to the arts as humane disciplines
through which we seek to understand self and world” (Higgins, 6)
Second Point: How a vocational education is depreciated by the prevalence of the liberal
education (The increased popularity of a general education has taken away the focus from those
who want to pursue a trade)
• Lack of opportunities for those who are unable to get a liberal education
“There is 300-point gap between the average scores of African American and
White students” (Higgins, 5)
Third Point: What would be the ideal balance of attaining a sufficient liberal and vocational
education? (Students should have the option to specialize in a trade while simultaneously
attaining education in the arts and sciences)
Implementation of more arts driven programs in schools
Outro: How can we sustain this balance moving forward? (Modifying the school curriculum)
Potentials costs vs. benefits of integrating vocation into high schools
“For Dewey, then, to find a true vocation is to find an educative medium” (Higgins, 2)
